The Haunted Horizon
In early 2020, just before the lockdown, Gaku’s viewing of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse sparked a profound conversation with Daiki Suzuki about its raw, chaotic beauty. A year later, that shared impression evolved into the FW22 theme. Gaku joined the project to lead the visual development and textile artwork.
Following the completion of SS22, he produced a noir-inspired short film using shadowbox-style dioramas and 3D-effect stills. Daiki was so captivated by these cinematic shots that they were chosen for the Lookbook’s cover and main inserts.
Brand: Nepenthes America, Engineered Garments
Director/Producer: Manabu Gaku Inada
Year: 2021
Article on the Nepenthes Japan website
In early 2020, just before the lockdown, Gaku’s viewing of Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse sparked a profound conversation with Daiki Suzuki about its raw, chaotic beauty. A year later, that shared impression evolved into the FW22 theme. Gaku joined the project to lead the visual development and textile artwork.
Following the completion of SS22, he produced a noir-inspired short film using shadowbox-style dioramas and 3D-effect stills. Daiki was so captivated by these cinematic shots that they were chosen for the Lookbook’s cover and main inserts.
Brand: Nepenthes America, Engineered Garments
Director/Producer: Manabu Gaku Inada
Year: 2021
Article on the Nepenthes Japan website
For the FW22 campaign, Gaku constructed a multi-layered visual featuring a handcrafted miniature lighthouse amidst a stormy seascape. In a nod to early film noir practical effects, the seagulls are tethered by thin wires. These lines were deliberately left in the final frame, adding a sophisticated, lo-fi grit that aligns with the collection’s tactile and analog soul.
The diorama was staged before an LCD screen, blurring the line between physical and digital depths. Gaku brought his 2D illustrations to life by transforming the collection's actual artwork into hand-cut miniature models. This multi-layered setup allowed the hand-drawn graphics to interact with light and shadow, creating a tangible sense of atmospheric grit.
A striking lighthouse image, captured via Gaku’s artisanal diorama, defines the FW22 Lookbook cover. As the season’s central icon, it anchors the collection’s haunting maritime narrative and rugged, sea-worn aesthetic.
A multi-layered glass setup featuring transparent nautical prints. This analog technique allowed Gaku to shoot through depth, creating a haunting, layered visual that reflects the mysterious complexity of the deep sea.
The Blueprint of the Sea: Conceptual Shooting Plans A rare look into Gaku’s pre-production process. These sketches outline the multi-layered glass setup and diorama positioning used to achieve the season's signature depth. It is here that the atmospheric grit of the FW22 collection was first conceptualized and engineered before the shutter was ever pressed.
A cinematic study of the Siren motif, shot through a water tank using transparent layers. This experimental technique utilizes the organic distortion of water to create a sense of immersion and mystery. By merging hand-drawn mythology with tactile, fluid elements, Gaku achieves a visual depth that perfectly encapsulates the haunting spirit of the FW22 collection.
A Collector’s Edition: The Monochrome FW22 Lookbook. For the seasonal trade show, a limited-edition black-and-white version of the lookbook was meticulously produced. By stripping away color, this rare print emphasizes the stark contrasts and intricate ink textures of Gaku’s artwork. This monochrome edition serves as a definitive visual manifesto, perfectly capturing the gritty, noir-inspired soul of the collection.
