1999 FOTÜS ‘Topographic’ Body Map Cybertech Longsleeve Shirt

FOTÜS, founded by Masahiro Saito in 1997, was a label that fell just short of convention. Throughout the 90s, the cyberpunk brand had a massive impact on the Japanese trance scene, going as far as releasing a psychedelic album in that same era. Highly intertwined with underground DJ and rave culture, much of Saito’s work references futuristic tech, as seen in neon hues and bold imagery. Having studied graphic design in post-secondary education, he’d root his interest in clothes as early as 5 years old, allegedly dressing himself from that age onwards. Creating his namesake label in ‘97, FOTÜS was originally known as ‘Saito Fotus’, in reference to the spelling of ‘fetus’ in Britain and commonwealth nations (foetus). Despite a significant brand image, the label was simply too niche to expand into mainstream markets, subsequently halting production in the 2000s era.

 

Debuting in 1999, this longsleeve sits among the height of FOTÜS’ design work, praised as a highly lucrative product in both short and long sleeve iterations. Atop a black polyester base, Saito manipulates a topographic medium with white detailing, creating a 3D illusion of the body. Outlining an hourglass figure with large breasts, shoulder blades stand prominently atop the underside, in pair with contrast stitch hems. To finish, FOTÜS’ eponymous logo sits atop the sleeve in a 3D royal blue hue, depicting a fetus in an alien like silhouette. Fitting a size medium, this piece is in pristine condition throughout.