Hayato Sumino, the 28-year-old Japanese pianist captivating audiences worldwide with his virtuosic performances and innovative approach to classical music, sees a surprising parallel between his art and his wardrobe. For Sumino, clothing isn’t merely about aesthetics; it’s a tool for channeling emotion and intention, a concept he finds surprisingly more freely expressed in the streets of New York City than in the meticulously curated fashion landscape of Tokyo. This exploration of personal style, deeply intertwined with his musical expression, offers a glimpse into the mind of a rising star who challenges conventional boundaries both on and off the stage.
Sumino’s relationship with fashion began as a practical consideration – comfort. “Of course, when I wear formal clothes, my feelings change. I feel more formal as well,” he explained, noting the impact attire has on his performance. But beyond comfort, he’s discovered that clothing can be a conduit for his musicality. He favors oversized garments for practice and casual wear, creating a relaxed atmosphere conducive to creative exploration. For social media and YouTube appearances, the shift to casual attire signals a different mindset, a more “chill” approach to his music. This deliberate connection between style and sound is central to his artistic process, a concept he describes as choosing clothes “always related to music.”
Recently, Sumino stepped into a different kind of spotlight, walking the runway at the Hermès men’s show in Tokyo. The experience, he says, was unexpectedly familiar. He wasn’t a professional model, but joined an eclectic group including an architect, a chef, and a film director. “Nothing changes if I get nervous or not, similar to a piano performance,” he reflected. He drew a compelling analogy between the role of a model and that of a musician: both are interpreters, tasked with realizing the vision of a creator. “I felt like the relationship between the clothes and the models is similar to composers and performers,” he said. “For classical musicians, when we play, we have to understand what composers thought…and the performance is supposed to realize their ideas.”
A Curated Collection: Sumino’s Favorite Brands
Sumino’s personal style leans towards established luxury brands, though he admits a desire to highlight emerging designers. He frequently wears pieces from Issey Miyake, a Japanese fashion label known for its innovative pleating techniques and comfortable, functional designs. He also favors Saint Laurent, appreciating the structure and fit of their suits, particularly how they complement his physique. “I like the form of Saint Laurent suits because it fits my body type, my shoulders,” he noted. His wardrobe also includes knits from The Row, known for its minimalist aesthetic, and pieces from Margiela and Marni. Interestingly, he finds himself drawn to Marni designs specifically for summer wear.
A noticeable trend in Sumino’s current style is a preference for monochrome palettes. He acknowledges a shift away from bolder colors, attributing it to both age and the practicalities of frequent travel. “When I travel, I really cannot bring many clothes,” he explained. “If I bring unique clothes and wear them every day, then people [will notice]. So, I prefer simple ones so that people wouldn’t think I’m wearing the same clothes every day.” This pragmatic approach underscores a desire for understated elegance and a focus on timeless pieces.
Tokyo vs. New York: A Tale of Two Styles
Despite his appreciation for Japanese design, Sumino believes New York City fosters a more daring and diverse fashion scene. He observes that whereas Tokyo boasts a highly polished and intentional style, New York offers a greater sense of freedom and self-expression. “In New York City, there’s more diversity of fashion than Tokyo,” he stated. “People seem more comfortable dressing in a way that openly reflects their identity, regardless of what others might think.” This observation speaks to a cultural difference in how individuals approach self-presentation, with New York embracing a wider spectrum of styles and a more individualistic approach to fashion. The concept of New York City style itself is often defined by this eclecticism and willingness to experiment.
This difference isn’t lost on Sumino, who finds the bolder, more unrestrained fashion of New York invigorating. It’s a contrast that informs his own approach to style, allowing him to explore different facets of his personality and artistic identity. He sees fashion as a powerful form of communication, and appreciates the environment where individuals feel empowered to express themselves authentically through their clothing choices. The influence of New York Fashion Week street style, known for its boundary-pushing looks, is likely a contributing factor to this perception.
The Interplay of Art and Attire
for Hayato Sumino, fashion is not a separate entity from his music, but rather an extension of it. His clothing choices are deliberate, informed by his emotional state and the message he wants to convey through his performances. Whether he’s donning a formal suit for a classical concert or opting for comfortable, oversized pieces for a casual practice session, his style is always in service of his art. This holistic approach to self-expression is what sets him apart, solidifying his position as a rising star who is redefining the boundaries of classical music and challenging conventional notions of style.
Sumino is currently preparing for a series of performances across Europe this fall, including a highly anticipated debut at the Berlin Philharmonie in November. Details regarding ticket availability and concert schedules can be found on his official website: hayatosumino.com. His continued exploration of both musical and stylistic boundaries promises to be a captivating journey for audiences worldwide.
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