The avant-garde fashion brand "amok," which garnered attention last year for its collaboration with the art unit MAMES,(amok x MAMES collaboration realized at "AKASHIC RECORDS")has once again created special items for "MEDICOM TOY at RESTIR" at the request of MEDICOM TOY President Tatsuhiko Akashi. Ahead of the release of these coveted items—blousons inspired by the costumes of popular sci-fi film characters—we spoke with designer Yuki Oshima.

amok
Founded in 2015 by designer Yuki Oshima. The first collection was presented at an exhibition for the 2015-16 Autumn/Winter season. The brand's concept is: "Designing clothes that resonate with the deep emotions of humanity by breaking down the good old and utilizing new technologies."

MEDICOM TOY at RESTIR
The online store of luxury select shop RESTIRRESTIR.COMMEDICOM TOY's official shop, launched last December within "RESTIR.COM." Limited edition items available only here are also offered.

—First, could you share your thoughts on the decision to launch at MEDICOM TOY at RESTIR?

OshimaRESTIR is a shop that perfectly embodies the word "luxury," and it was a place I admired since my student days.
I am very happy that a lineup of clothes that is special to me will be displayed here.
These are clothes crafted with meticulous attention to detail, so I hope many people will see them and feel even a little bit of the joy.

—For "MEDICOM TOY at RESTIR," you were commissioned by MEDICOM TOY President Akashi to create blousons inspired by characters from a sci-fi film that enjoys cult popularity in Japan, is that correct?

OshimaWhen I first heard about it, I was thrilled because it's a film I love myself. The character is a genius inventor with boundless curiosity and a childlike spirit, and I was always fascinated by the toy robot he lived with. His unique fashion sense was also perfectly realized and wonderful, so I struggled with how to create it in a way that reflected the brand's identity. Also, since the movie is set in the year 2019, I wanted to incorporate the best of the past's vision of the future and the present day.
I created it with the intention of blending the past's vision of the future with the best of the present.

—Please tell us more about the production process.

OshimaFirst, regarding material selection, I wanted to create luxurious clothing, so I focused on velvet. However, I also felt the need for a casual, earthy feel, so I searched for corduroy fabrics to combine with it. Ultimately, we decided to use eight different types of fabric for each piece.
For the pattern, I utilized the distinctive yoke, and added a detachable zipper on the inside, designed to resemble cap sleeves, creating a 2-way design that can also be worn as a vest.

Embroidery is a strength of the brand as an icon, but this was my first time working with cord embroidery, so I had numerous meetings with the factory. Approximately 150 meters of cord were used for each piece, and about 120 decorative buttons were attached.
Regarding the collar, a distinctive feature, President Akashi suggested inserting a toy skeleton into the tube, which we implemented to create a specification that maintains a flexible shape.

I am satisfied with the overall finish, and it has become a special piece that incorporates the brand's unique details. This project was so enjoyable and creative that I would like to continue making series inspired by films in the future.

—This is your second project with MEDICOM TOY, following your collaboration with MAMES. What are your impressions from your interactions with MEDICOM TOY and President Akashi so far?

OshimaHe is one of the most stimulating people I have ever met. I am very curious about what goes on inside President Akashi's mind.
He deeply understands the brand's characteristics, listens carefully to my proposals, and possesses a wonderful ability to act on them immediately and a creativity that can break through challenges during meetings. Working together, I believe the unique excellence is multiplied many times over compared to our standard line.
Above all, I really like his personality, so I would be happy if we could continue to engage in interesting collaborations.

—Finally, in the current global climate, marked by the pandemic and other challenges, how do you view the role and significance of fashion? And how do you see amok moving forward in light of this?

OshimaFirst, I would like to express my gratitude to the healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly during these difficult times.
I believe that fashion's creation lies in the enjoyment of seeing and wearing it. Rather than shrinking back in the face of these circumstances, I think that by creating with even greater strength than before, we can generate energy to move forward and find the power to overcome this seemingly endless situation. If each of us faces forward with hope, drawing others in to share the same sentiment, the ripples of change in our hearts can become a great hope. Therefore, I want to continue striving for powerful creations.

Amok TOY MAKER JACKET MULTI / BLACK
Size: M (each)
Price: ¥260,000 (excluding tax) each
Release Date: February 27, 2021