NIGO - real name Tomoaki Nagao - is a Japanese fashion designer, entrepreneur, DJ and producer whose influence has transcended fashion and shaped street culture on a global scale. 

The recently launched retrospective at the Design Museum is NIGO's first major show outside Japan, bringing together more than 700 objects spanning three decades of work. Part cultural history, part self-portrait.

To mark the occasion, tokyobike joined a preview of the exhibition, riding over from East London on a sun-soaked afternoon, taking the scenic route past some of London's most iconic landmarks (it's fun to be a tourist in your own city sometimes).

The show itself was remarkable. Walking through it, there was a deep sense of nostalgia and awe at the sheer scope of the archive. It was fascinating too to see NIGO's more recent interest in traditional Japanese craft.

Thanks to the Design Museum for the invite and to everyone who came along for the ride, NIGO: From Japan with Love continues until October 2026.