Founder of Japanese fashion collective Nepenthes, Keizo Shimizu launched his cult brand Needles in 1997. Inspired by American fashion from a young age, Shimizu often takes inspiration from cowboy culture, prep school uniforms, military apparel, and university-branded apparel, with all items using Japanese textiles and being made in Japan. In 2010 Shimizu created Rebuild by Needles, a recurring sub-collection consisting of garments made from vintage cotton cut into strips then sewn together to create an entirely new piece.