Designer of Landlord exits label

New York-based streetwear label Landlord, once a staple on the NYFW: Men's calendar, will soon be without its founder and designer. The brand's designer, Ryohei Kawanishi, will be returning to Japan. Kawanishi sent out an email last week saying, "after much consideration, I have made the decision to leave the company and New York City. It has been difficult to make this decision. However, the reality of the situation to renew my visa and the financial burden required have made it very difficult for me to continue living and working here.”

Kawanishi studied at both the prestigious Central Saint Martin's School and Parson's School of Design. In 2015, he launched Landlord. Kawanishi told WWD he's been having visa issues for a year and due to coronavirus there was no cash flow for the company.

The label is expected to continue on without him under the leadership of CEO Daniel Huang. Kawanishi says he is willing to work for the brand from Japan if the opportunity arises. Landlord's stockists include Ssense, Dover Street Market, and Galeries Lafayettes Champs-Élysées.

Once he returns to Japan, Kawanishi says he wants to focus on making one-of-a-kind pieces and start working at a slower pace. He plans on reconnecting with former Landlord employees who live in Japan to see what steps they can take together next.