Chihiro Tanaka was born in 1980 in Kanagawa, Japan to a certified first-grade tiling skilled worker. After graduating in 2000 from the Design, Fashion Technology Department of Bunka Fashion College, he joined Issey Miyake and was engaged in planning and design for four years.Tanaka is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Special Prize in the 2001 Japan-Italy Fashion Design Contest. Tanaka left Issey Miyake in 2005 and changed his design direction to focus on beautiful products for home interiors.

His latest creation, titled ‘Spore’, is an original style of pendant light. The electric light bulb in the center is totally covered by hand-stitched heatproof fabric, creating an unique shape that emits soft and mysterious light. Though the fabric appears hard, it is actually malleable and can be easily molded into shape.

We met Chihiro at 100% Design Tokyo late 2005 and have since been in touch to try and get the Spore lights into Australia. In 2008, it finally happened. Check out the Spore pendent light in VA Shop.

Awards
· Winner the Ishikawa Textile Association Chairman’s Prize in the Komatsu 2000 Fashion Design Contest
· Winner the Special Prize in the Japan Italy Fashion Design Contest
· Winner the Silver Prize in Nagoya Fashion Design Contest 2001
· Winner the 75th So-en Award for five works
· Winner the Bunka Fashion College Design Award

Exhibitions
2005 London’s Designers Block
2005 SUSSEX BARN GALLERY EXHIBITION “Light and Image”
2005 100% Design TOKYO

Press
· The Japan Times by Jean Snow
· icon magazine - UK
· ELLE DECO - Japan
· SO-EN magazine - Japan
· Nylon magazine - Japan

Tags: Chihiro Tanaka