The Intersection of Scirocco and Fashion

To dress is to cover the body. The primary purpose is to protect oneself from external stimuli. While clothing can carry special meaning during rituals or emergencies, it is also chosen as a form of self-expression in daily life. The various functions of clothing become integrated into our daily routines, making life more enjoyable. In the automotive world, there's a term called "cosmetics." This is precisely about dressing up. While aerodynamic curves are emphasized to improve fuel efficiency, beauty that captures the attention of others is also sought. In the sense that both function and beauty are important, cars share common ground with fashion.

However, cars are subject to greater demands for functionality, so even when discussing aesthetics, a foundation of rationality and functionality is necessary. This is a crucial point and relates to quality. Cars with lower costs may exhibit wavy paintwork or noticeable gaps between the doors and the body. High quality can indeed be equated with stylishness. The Volkswagen Scirocco, with its exceptional build quality, can be considered the most stylish car of all.

What gives the Scirocco its distinctive form? It is the compelling shape born from the close collaboration between the engineers responsible for aerodynamics and packaging—determining the positioning of the engine, transmission, and cabin—and the designers. The body's surfaces and lines, while serving rational purposes such as aiding airflow separation, simultaneously achieve an aesthetic value akin to the power of sculpture.

Outerwear: KZK 3L SHELL JKT ¥73,500, Vest worn underneath: KZK VEST ¥29,400 (both from adidas / Originals by Originals).

Outerwear: Personal item (TAKAHIROMIYASHITA The SoloIst). Vest worn underneath: KZK VEST ¥29,400 (adidas / Originals by Originals).

The relentless pursuit of high quality, which began in the 1990s, has culminated in minimizing the gaps between body panels and interior parts. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to reduced air resistance on the exterior.

German car manufacturers often favor black for interior materials like the dashboard. Even when using synthetic resins, different compositions are finished in the same color to create a sense of unity. This is something to appreciate when you get in. Just as the term "Volkswagen Quality" emerged in the automotive world, its superior craftsmanship, which sets it apart from other manufacturers, makes the Scirocco a truly special vehicle.

Individuality in Fashion Design

Regarding fashion, the late Juzo Itami, a writer and film director known for his discerning taste and collection of "fine things" from around the world, wrote in his essays: "(…) Good clothes should be inconspicuous, of the highest quality, with a sense of heritage, yet unpretentious." He argued that chasing after trendy clothes can lead to looking like everyone else, causing one to blend into the scenery rather than emphasize their individuality. Conversely, good clothing should highlight one's unique character. The Scirocco, with its beauty, should enhance the owner's individuality on Japanese roads.

Outerwear: Personal item (NEIGHBORHOOD). Shoes: ZX KZK ¥29,400 (adidas / Originals by Originals).

"When designing clothes, I find inspiration in beautiful things in everyday life, such as art. I'm also often inspired by the techniques and details inherited by historical, traditional clothing labels."

Kazuki Kuraishi, who as the Creative Product Manager for "adidas" oversees "adidas originals by
originals," and has also been in charge of the men's line for the British knitwear brand "Cash CA" since the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. He is involved in a wide range of creative work, including fashion design, graphic design, and his own band activities.

Kuraishi's clothing designs are unpretentious in their cutting, sewing, fabric choices, and patterns. However, the playful use of synthetic resin parts, typically made of metal in outdoor gear, adds an interesting touch.

Bringing Out the Individuality of the Wearer and Driver

"There's no need to force yourself to wear clothes. It's counterproductive to endure discomfort just to wear the latest fashion. The basic principle of dressing is to enhance the wearer's individuality in a positive way. The clothes I provide for adidas also leverage the brand's strength in creating outfits for sports. I prioritize comfort, such as using modern, highly insulating materials on the reverse side of a classic-style vest."

Kuraishi is interested in fashion that involves "layering." He mentioned that he finds the approach of some outdoor manufacturers, who propose layering by dividing items into about four groups from the innermost to the outermost layer and assigning numbers, to be an "interesting proposal." For this photoshoot, he himself demonstrated layering multiple pieces from brands he has worked with, including Cash CA.

Outerwear: Personal item (NEIGHBORHOOD).

Kuraishi also emphasizes the importance of "highlighting individuality" for the wearer. The comfort he speaks of is not about wearing clothes like a mannequin, but about maintaining the fundamental relationship between a person and their attire, where the person is central and the clothes exist around them. Without the person at the core, any attempt at creativity will lose its essence and fail to progress. The first-generation Scirocco was introduced in 1974. It has been accepted in the market as a sporty coupe with a style that was ahead of its time. It still retains that core essence today. In this, we feel a resonance with the source of creativity that Kuraishi emphasizes.

"Style is important for a car. For me, that means having a good shape, high comfort, and excellent handling."

Kuraishi defines what he seeks in a car. He currently drives German cars and hybrids and has a great interest in automobiles. He states, "Cars that are difficult to handle or require some kind of sacrifice are not for me. I prefer something I can enjoy naturally and comfortably."

The Source of Creation Found in Everyday Life

This was Kuraishi's first time closely examining the Volkswagen Scirocco. Under the clear sky, the car's curves, formed by rich surfaces catching the sunlight, stood out, exuding a magnificent presence. He walked around the car, sat inside, and showed an impressed expression.

"The stylish exterior and the distinctive interior design immediately leave a strong impression. Personally, I prefer hatchbacks and coupes over sedans, so I find the Scirocco's styling very appealing. It has established its own unique style, which is very important."

Outerwear: DUFFLE COAT ¥58,800 (LONDON TRADITION × CASH CA).

Outerwear: DUFFLE COAT ¥58,800 (LONDON TRADITION × CASH CA). Shoes: ZX KZK ¥29,400 (adidas / Originals by Originals).

This brings to mind Kuraishi's words about fashion design: "I find inspiration in beautiful things in everyday life, such as art." In other words, things that possess a certain evocative power sow the seeds for new creation. The inspiration derived from art has taken root in Kuraishi's fashion, leading to works that resonate with people.

Similarly, the beauty of the Scirocco might inspire designers through its aesthetics, sparking new creations. Furthermore, if driving the Scirocco brings joy to one's daily life, it could alter one's work style or even lead to improved relationships with family and friends. This too is a sowing of creative seeds.

Fabric and metal seem like entirely different materials. However, in their ability to envelop people and facilitate social interaction, they share many commonalities. To put it somewhat extremely, how about wearing the Scirocco? It can serve as the ultimate form of self-expression.

Kazuki Kuraishi
Born in Tokyo in 1975. In addition to working on projects like adidas and "Levi’s Left handed Jean by Takahiro Kuraishi," he was appointed designer for the men's label of the British knitwear brand "Cash CA" starting with the Spring/Summer 2010 collection. His activities extend beyond fashion to include album jacket design and more.