mastermind WORLD
mastermind WORLD is a Japanese menswear label from the mastermind family founded by designer Masaaki Homma. It is known for luxury streetwear marked by its skull and crossbones logo.
| Founder | Masaaki Homma |
|---|---|
| mastermind launched | 1997 |
| Signature | Skull and bones logo |
| Country | Japan |
| Website | mastermindjapan.com |
What is mastermind WORLD?
mastermind WORLD is a line within the mastermind family of labels created by Japanese designer Masaaki Homma. It is stocked by international menswear retailers such as SSENSE and specialist boutiques in Australia and the United States.
History
Homma spent seven years in sales at Yohji Yamamoto and then managed a boutique that stocked new designers before launching mastermind in 1997. The label struggled for several seasons before its first order brought it popularity, and the brand marked its 20th anniversary in 2017.
Products and positioning
The skull and bones logo is the defining signature and appears on the brand's high priced products. Homma has said he drew more than 1,000 skulls to arrive at the design in use today. The label positions itself at the luxury end of streetwear, with menswear and accessories.
Collaborations
The mastermind labels have a long record of partnerships, including:
- Multiple seasonal capsules with A Bathing Ape
- Dr. Martens 1460 Remastered (2020)
- Converse Pro Leather (2022)
- UGG, Timberland and SUICOKE footwear projects
Why it matters
mastermind is one of the Japanese labels that took streetwear graphics into luxury pricing, and its collaboration model remains a reference for how a single recognisable motif can carry a brand across categories.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded mastermind WORLD?
mastermind was founded by Japanese designer Masaaki Homma, who launched the label in 1997.
What is mastermind WORLD known for?
It is known for luxury streetwear featuring a skull and crossbones logo and for collaborations with brands such as A Bathing Ape and Dr. Martens.