Shinsegae International Signs Distribution Deal with Japanese Brand 'CFCL'... First Global Store to Open Next Year

Launched by Former Issey Miyake Designer
Sales to Begin Next Year, First Global Store to Open in Seoul

On June 25, Shinsegae International announced that it had signed an exclusive domestic distribution agreement this month with CFCL, a leading global fashion brand from Japan. Under this agreement, Shinsegae International will become CFCL's strategic partner in Korea, overseeing not only product sales through both online and offline channels but also the wholesale business within the Korean market.

CFCL 25 Fall Winter Collection Show. Provided by Shinsegae International

CFCL is a fashion brand launched in 2020 in Tokyo, Japan by designer Takahashi Yusuke, who previously worked with Issey Miyake. The brand name stands for "Clothing For Contemporary Life."

CFCL will officially begin its business in Korea starting with the 2026 Spring Summer season. Currently operating six directly managed stores in Japan, CFCL plans to open its first global standalone store at a major location in Seoul as early as the first half of next year.

CFCL is recognized for its innovative knitwear technology utilizing 3D computer technology. Its signature products include the "POTTERY" series, which features voluminous and three-dimensional silhouettes reminiscent of pottery, and the "FLUTED" series, which combines two types of rib structures with different elasticity to create unique silhouettes.

At the end of last year, Shinsegae International operated a CFCL exclusive pop-up store near Dosan Park in Apgujeong, Seoul. The space, designed to showcase CFCL's brand identity, featured a variety of products and received significant attention from customers during its month-long operation, achieving results that exceeded expectations.

Recognizing the brand's potential and growth prospects, Shinsegae International aims to strengthen its competitiveness in the imported fashion business by exclusively distributing and nurturing the CFCL brand in Korea.

Shinsegae International also plans to focus on widely promoting CFCL's commitment to sustainable brand values and philosophy. CFCL was the first Japanese apparel company to receive the global ESG evaluation standard "B Corp certification," highlighting its emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability. Its computer-programmed design method eliminates the need for cutting, resulting in minimal garment waste, and the brand actively uses recycled and certified materials in all its collections. Additionally, CFCL aims to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2030.

William Kim, Head of Fashion at Shinsegae International, said, "We are delighted to launch CFCL in Korea, a brand that stands out in the global market through innovative technology, craftsmanship, and design philosophy. We will pursue a variety of strategies to widely promote CFCL's product excellence and appeal to Korean customers."

Matsuura Naohiko, COO of CFCL, stated, "Our partnership with Shinsegae International is a powerful testament to CFCL's deep commitment to the Korean market. We look forward to building long-term brand value together through our shared vision and trust."