2024.12.24

What Makes Hit Brand of the Heisei Era, ALBA ROSA, a Unique & Charismatic Brand

#ALBA ROSA

#90's Fashion

#gyaru

#manufacturing

#traditional technique

#Brand History

#Tajimax

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ALBA ROSA evokes various images, doesn't it?

ALBA ROSA has been a brand discussed not only in fashion magazines but also across various media platforms. Particularly, from the late 90s, it was featured as a coveted brand for gyaru in fashion magazines and media.

However, despite its thriving business, all stores were closed in 2005 due to a disconnect from the brand's original image.

What kind of history has ALBA ROSA walked since its inception? And what was its true essence as a brand?

This time, we interviewed Rumi Kato, President and CEO of ALBA ROSA CORP.

PROFILE

Rumi Kato

President & CEO of ALBA ROSA CORP.

Born from "Kato Shoten"

ALBA ROSA was established in 1975 by Tamotsu Kato (later Chairman of ALBA ROSA CORP). Prior to this, Kato was operating a predecessor brand called "Kato."

According to a feature article in the Japanese Textile News from 1970, the brand "Kato" of Kato Shoten Co., Ltd. began in the fashion accessories sector and expanded into women's clothing by 1967.

It noted that "Kato" tended to have a very strong preference for summer items, suggesting that products were potentially designed with a resort or seaside theme from the outset.