Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka discusses the appeal of the BMW "M5" | BMW
CAR / FEATURES
December 6, 2018

Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka discusses the appeal of the BMW "M5" | BMW

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BMW M5 | BMW M5


Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the BMW "M5"


Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka, who is active in a wide range of fields, from styling for fashion magazines and advertisements to advisory services for business executives. He is also a car enthusiast who has owned successive generations of the BMW 5 Series. We asked him, as a fashion specialist,BMW "M5"to unravel its appeal.

Photographs by MAEDA Akira
Text by NANYO Kazuhiro




Fashion Styles to Pair with the BMW M5


The BMW "M5" wears a body color called Singapore Grey, a shade that is almost black. This is the same spec model as the one driven by Tom Cruise in the latest installment of the Mission: Impossible series, "Mission: Impossible – Fallout." Furthermore, a limited edition "EDITION MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE" was also released, featuring special equipment inspired by the film and an increased power output of 625ps.

For the photoshoot with the BMW M5, fashion director Hiroshi Morioka chose a Tagliatore jacquard weave jacket in dark brown and blue, paired with a Hugo Boss navy and beige check shirt, Incotex medium-grey wool trousers, and Ducal loafers with a slightly substantial feel.

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"I was told by the person in charge beforehand to coordinate an outfit to match a black M5 (laughs). But 'black on black' is a common pairing. It can be interesting to create a strong contrast with stimulating colors for a more avant-garde look. I think there are two approaches to fashion: avant-garde is about what makes me happy, and style is about creating my own image. At my age, the latter becomes more significant in the balance between avant-garde and style."



Morioka, who works as a fashion director across diverse fields including styling for magazine fashion pages and advertisements, as well as giving lectures and advisory services for executives, says his current style is mainly based on jackets.

While there are moments of bold, avant-garde choices in menswear, there's an increasing area left to "discovery."


Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the "BMW M5 EDITION MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE" 4

"Trying to get everyone's attention can lead to an overly elaborate outfit, but people with a good sense of fashion notice things like 'the weave is unusual' or 'the material is good.' They find enjoyment in the way something is worn, or rather, they feel it's enough if those who can notice, do notice. That's why when I heard the target for the 5 Series is 'business athletes,' I thought, 'As expected of BMW, that's very timely.'"



BMW M5 | BMW M5


Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the BMW "M5" (2)


An Athlete is Someone Who Continues to Pursue Something Earnestly


Black is a challenging, special color for men's attire. Therefore, navy is typically chosen for daytime wear, and black is often used for formal wear like tuxedos or for avant-garde looks where the entire outfit is black, according to Morioka.

"Because black has various nuances, it's a difficult color to master. But this M5's body color, Singapore Grey? This deep grey, with a hint of midnight blue, is truly characteristic of BMW. I felt it had a skillful nuance that fits any place or situation."

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Morioka often styles not only weekday suits and jacket-and-trouser combinations but also golf attire for businessmen. He also plays golf himself.

"By earnestly engaging in something, you discover an interesting world. Even if you're not a professional, the feeling of being an athlete can open up different perspectives. This isn't limited to golf or sports. It's about a forward-looking earnestness; that kind of spirit allows you to perceive a deeper dimension. I believe the act of discovering these things is enjoyable in itself."

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In other words, an athlete is not just aggressive and sporty, but someone who maintains a spirit of earnest pursuit and keeps their sensitivity open; that is the attitude, Morioka explains.


"Nowadays, many people can talk about things based solely on specs they've heard or read. But someone who has actually seen, touched, and experienced it, gradually building their own understanding and sense of balance, and can speak from that perspective is incomparable. The feel of the steering wheel, the sound of the engine when it starts. It's the same with clothes; truly good clothing is difficult for those who haven't worn it to perceive or understand."



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Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the BMW "M5" (3)


Cars and Fashion: If They Aren't Truly Yours, They Mean Nothing


Morioka also comments on the relationship between people and things, such as how one carries themselves in a car or wears clothes.

"If you buy an entire stylish outfit from a select shop's window and wear it, but it doesn't become your own, it's meaningless, isn't it? The point is, in the relationship between people and things, you shouldn't be overpowered by the item. It's worst when the clothes are cool, but the person wearing them isn't."

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Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the "BMW M5 EDITION MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE" 11

Work attire is the same. Work clothes are a business skill. Simply wearing a tie doesn't make you look like a businessman; it's about whether you have the intention to express and produce yourself, to convey that you want to do this kind of work. This is reflected not in superficial techniques or knowledge of attire, but in the balance of your wisdom, intelligence, and character.

It doesn't have to be a perfectly coordinated outfit. A 100% effort can look uninspired, but an 80% effort with a relaxed approach can appear to have depth. It's important to convey that there's room for that remaining 20%, that you haven't pushed yourself to the absolute limit."



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Fashion Director Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the BMW "M5" (4)


The M5's Allure Exhilarated Me


Morioka, who insists on physically touching items before buying clothes, is also a long-time BMW enthusiast, having owned three generations of 5 Series wagons and sedans, starting with an E30 320i sedan and currently driving a 523d sedan.

"As a stylist, a spacious trunk and ample cargo capacity were essential. However, I also chose my cars from a fashion perspective. While the BMW 5 Series might appear too perfect in its design, I like its subtle sense of imbalance. This is because, in my opinion, a man's style needs a certain 'edge' to enhance the overall look.

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Hiroshi Morioka Discusses the Appeal of the "BMW M5 EDITION MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE" 14

"When I sat in this M5 today, the idling sound and the feel of the controls were substantial. Compared to a standard 5 Series, the distribution of that 'edge' felt quite different. The Singapore Grey exterior color has a gentler feel than standard black, and it's a great color for businessmen. The ride height isn't too low either."

"And a limited edition model with 625ps, 25ps more than the 600ps version in the movie, is also being released? After touching and operating the M5, and even driving it a little, the thought of how that 'edge' will be amplified in the limited edition makes me excited."



"In any case, someone who can casually drive an M5 must have enjoyed many different cars over the years. It leaves a lingering impression that sparks the imagination of onlookers."

"It's like creating your own style; you incorporate trends moderately and enjoy them, but you also possess the discernment to determine if they align with what you seek. That's the impression it gives."


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"It's a car with a very strong personality, but it also stands out even with a simple outfit. If I have the chance to drive it again, I'd like to try it next time with a simple ensemble like a navy suit and a white shirt."

It's not just about choosing what suits you, but about striving to become someone who suits the item. The "BMW M5" is a car that inspires men who have experienced both the good and the bad to move forward with a more assertive spirit.

*The cars shown in the images may differ in some specifications from the Japanese models. Some options are also included.


BMW M5 and 5 Series Feature "EDITION MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE"








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