Children of the discordance

"My design reflects my own style. It is not defined by anything" - Hideaki Shikama

Japanese fashion has always been highly respected across the globe, from the materials used and the intricate details of design to the quintessential Japanese spirit woven throughout every design. Influenced by street culture, Hideaki Shikama founded Children of the discordance in 2011. The brand fuses elements of street culture, craftsmanship and fashion, using fair trade materials in their efforts to be sustainable.


1/ What was your earliest memory of local street culture? How did it shape you to become a designer and create ‘Children of the discordance’?

When I was 11 years old, my mother bought me a Stüssy printed T-shirt and a coach jacket. That was my first encounter with streetstyle. Since then, I have been interested in clothes, music, and other such cultures. When I was 13 years old, I started skating and learned a lot from that. My street culture experience started with Stüssy and street skating, and my passion and direction has not changed to this day. I’ve always had a feeling that my style and the products I liked were a discordance in fashion. In the 6th year of my design career, I spontaneously established Children of the discordance with a few good friends.

2/ What is the meaning behind the name ‘Children of the discordance’?

It represents my own style.

3/ The Brand carefully chooses vintage fabrics that make each look unique. How does the fabric tell the story of Children of the discordance?

In my pursuit of discordance, I frequently incorporate a range of vintage materials. I like doing this because although designs may be simple, each one is unique with its own individuality. Even an ordinary piece of clothing can become something powerful.

4/ Tell us about the process of fair-trade, how has it played an important part of the brand’s DNA?

I learned about music from MTV and the Billboard Hot 100 at home when I was 12 years old. I experienced many different genres of music - I was addicted to hip hop, hardcore punk, reggae and R&B. I learned that the bandanas and scarves that artists were wearing were often made by different cultural groups or people living difficult lives in conflict zones. I’m not intentionally working with fair trade materials. Rather, there are so many stories to be told and it felt like a natural progression to work with these manufacturers.

5/ As a designer who always looks to the past for new inspirations, how do you think Asian street style has evolved?

I think Tokyo street culture that emerged in the 1990s still influences the world today. New artists are still being created based on this culture.

6/ The brand breaks traditional boundaries by marrying street style elements with high fashion. How would you define and describe the relationship between these two fashion styles and how did you bring them together?

I think it is because I myself experience, understand, and embody both ends of the spectrum from high fashion to street style.

7/ How does diversity play an important role in the future of the fashion industry?

I think fashion already plays an important role in terms of diversity.

8/ How do your latest designs reflect diversity in the present day?

I believe that my designs are my style and not defined by anything. I want to help enhance my customers’ individuality to the fullest.