Evisu
David Pun (owner and CEO since 2018) · Japan
Evisu is a Japanese denim and casualwear brand founded in Osaka in 1991 by Hidehiko Yamane. Since 2018 it has been owned and led by David Pun. It is one of the best-known names in Japanese premium denim.
| Founded | 1991 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Hidehiko Yamane |
| Owner | David Pun (owner and CEO since 2018) |
| Headquarters | Osaka, Japan |
| Segment | Denim and casualwear |
What is Evisu?
Evisu is a Japanese apparel brand focused on denim, with a range that also covers accessories and undergarments. It was founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1991 by Hidehiko Yamane, and its headquarters are listed in Osaka. The brand presents itself as serving customers worldwide.
History
The label began as a small Osaka venture under Yamane and built its reputation on Japanese denim craftsmanship. In 2009 the brand was relaunched, with Scott Morrison taking the roles of chief executive and creative director. In 2018 David Pun became owner and chief executive. In 2022 Yamane left the company to launch a brand under his own name, which ended the founder's direct involvement with Evisu.
Products and positioning
Denim remains the core of the offer. Evisu sells jeans alongside wider apparel, accessories and undergarments, positioned in the premium end of the Japanese denim segment rather than the mass market. Its identity has historically rested on Japanese production heritage and distinctive branding on the garments.
Business model and distribution
- Company-operated shops are documented in Sha Tin and Kowloon Tong in Hong Kong and in Dongguan, China.
- The brand states a worldwide service area, so international customers are served beyond its own shops.
- Public sources reviewed do not give a current breakdown between own retail, wholesale and online sales.
Why it matters
Evisu is often cited among the labels that helped bring Japanese denim to an international audience. Its history, with a founder-led launch, a 2009 relaunch, a change of owner in 2018 and the founder's departure in 2022, also makes it a useful case study in how heritage fashion brands change hands while keeping their original identity.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Evisu?
According to Wikipedia, David Pun has been the owner and chief executive of Evisu since 2018. The founder, Hidehiko Yamane, left in 2022 to launch his own brand.
Where is Evisu from?
Evisu is a Japanese brand. It was founded in Osaka in 1991 and its headquarters are listed in Osaka.