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Secrets Behind the Success | Series Vol. 9: Michihiko Kei, Representative Director of Fairfax Gallery Gallery

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Secrets Behind the Success | Series Vol. 9: Michihiko Kei, Representative Director of Fairfax Gallery Gallery

Michihiko Kei, President of "Fairfax"

“The only thing I use regularly is an Hermès planner. I buy the same one again after it’s worn out. I think this is my third cover. Then, a Montblanc fountain pen and a Caran d'Ache ballpoint pen. These are truly my only work tools.”

My lucky items are Native American jewelry. “The ring features Lander Blue turquoise, which is said to be extremely rare. The bangle is a collector’s item made from crushed genuine silver coins, known as ‘coin silver.’”

All of Kei’s wardrobe pieces are custom-made. When asked why, he replied, “Well, the world doesn’t cater to me (laughs). Actually, ready-to-wear clothing is more cost-effective. But people like me, who are short, aren’t catered to by ready-to-wear manufacturers. Plus, the current styles feel too modern for me. I dislike overly fashionable clothing.”

The company name, Fairfax, comes from the name of a hotel that used to be in Washington, USA. “We had a different name at first, but I decided it wouldn’t do. Three years after becoming independent, in 1980, I saw an article about the hotel in the August issue of ‘GQ’ that year and immediately changed the company name (laughs).”

“At that time, a class society still existed in Washington. The quickest way to grasp that atmosphere was through hotels. The hotel bar, in particular, was an entryway for adults.”

“I visited many times to get a feel for the hotel’s atmosphere. Not many people went to Washington back then, so it was a very valuable experience.”

He buys his shoes from a New York store called “Moulded Shoe,” which deals in deadstock items. “I’ve bought over 10 pairs of Alden shoes. I’m a major customer (laughs). The prices are reasonable, and they have my size.”

**Moulded Shoe**<br />Hours | Weekdays 9:30 AM–6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM–5:00 PM<br />Address | 10 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016 United States<br />Tel. +1-212-683-9389<br />http://www.mouldedshoe.com

“If I had to describe the essence of America in one word, it would be ‘standard.’ In the sense of not being ostentatious, I think it’s a bit different from Britain or Italy. They retain customs from their aristocratic societies, don’t they? In America’s case, they’ve completely generalized it. I like that.”

“Among neighborhood bars, I frequent ‘Tender’ in Ginza. This is my training ground for mental discipline. Lately, good hotel bars have been disappearing. They’ve become a bit too stylish, which I dislike. So, my preference is shifting towards neighborhood bars that retain their old image.”

**Kissa Ko**<br />Hours | 6:00 PM–3:00 AM (Last Order 1:30 AM)<br />Closed | Sundays, public holidays, and the first Monday of the month<br />Address | PLAZA KAY 2F, 5-1-1 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo<br />Tel. 03-5475-5920<br />http://www.kissako.jp/kissakoHP/welcome.html

“Kissa Ko” in Nishi-Azabu. The name implies that guests should leisurely savor dishes made with seasonal ingredients and wine.

**Bistro un coup**<br />Hours | Lunch 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, Cafe 2:00 PM–3:45 PM, Dinner 6:00 PM–10:00 PM (Wine bar until midnight)<br />Closed | Sundays<br />Address | 4-2-49 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 2F<br />Tel. 03-6277-0889<br />http://www.bistro-uncoup.com

“I’m not particularly particular about food, but I am a bit discerning about wine. Just as I’m particular about bars in hotels, my attention goes to the wine list rather than the food. Moreover, I only drink Pinot Noir. In France, that means wines from Burgundy.”

“If it rains, I’ll settle on the couch at home or go to the cinema. People from the old days loved movies. Nowadays, there aren’t many good films, so I feel sorry for young people. Things that are digitally crafted are like manga. Old movies have ordinary worlds in them. That’s why they’re good.”

Kei’s favorite DVDs and VHS tapes

“My favorite books are by Jack Kerouac, related to ‘On the Road.’ He’s a representative writer of the Beat Generation. There used to be coffee shops where they’d read his poetry aloud. I’m not from that generation, but I admired such things.”

“Their movement had a tremendous influence on jazz, movies, and art. In fact, it’s as if they created subsequent American culture.”

“I love Basquiat, so I collect his records. He first debuted in music with a band called ‘Gray.’ However, they weren’t very successful. Because they weren’t successful, not many records remain. Now they’re collector’s items, and I wonder if one record isn’t around 50,000 yen?”

“I bought them all for about $10 each. I became a fan in the 1980s in New York, right when Basquiat debuted, and bought them. The content is 80s techno, with some hip-hop mixed in.”

“I go to New York twice a year without fail. The information I get there is the correct information for me. I use my own eyes and feet to see everything in NY. In the morning, I watch news programs, and at night, I go to three-star restaurants. That’s how you understand current fashion, isn’t it? Of course, I also do market research during the day. Encountering that kind of firsthand information is the most important thing.”

Secrets behind the Success | Series 9: Michihiko Kei, President of "Fairfax" | Gallery

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