The Venue Condition: A Place That Feels Good and Has a Vintage Vibe

──“Inspiration 2011” is finally approaching next month, on Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th. This time, the venue has moved fromthe previoushangar (airplane hangar) to a ship. Why a ship?

TanakaThere was a simple idea that after the sky, the sea would be next, but I was born in Yokohama, so seeing the sea just makes me excited. The venue selection is very important for an event, and I wanted to hold it in a place that felt as good as possible. In that regard, the Queen Mary, which we chose this time, is a place where the situation alone elevates your mood – as soon as you exit the freeway, your view suddenly opens up, and a giant ship appears before you. Furthermore, for “Inspiration,” the “vintage feel” is crucial. From that perspective, a passenger ship from the 1930s seemed to meet all the conditions.



──Holding the event at a new venue must present many challenges?

TanakaOf course, holding it at the same venue involves less risk, and it’s definitely easier when you know the ropes. Generally, the norm for regular events is to continue holding them in the same location. But I didn't want to do that. It’s not that I disliked the hangar setting last time; it was a wonderful venue, and I was satisfied. But with my personality, I always want to take on the next challenge. I also want repeat visitors to feel new inspiration, and I myself get a thrill from looking at the floor plan of a new venue (laughs).

Adding More Live Elements to Create a Vintage Festival

──The event dates are in February again this year. Is there a specific reason for this timing?

TanakaWhile some might think a warmer period would be better, for an event primarily featuring vintage clothing, this timing feels right. Historically, in the vintage clothing industry, February marks the kickoff for the Rose Bowl, America's largest flea market held on the second Sunday of every month. In that sense, I believe this timing is optimal.

──Based on the first event, are there any specific changes you plan to make this time?



Also, I'm hoping to do things like live surfboard shaping demonstrations. Of course, live performances carry the risk of unexpected incidents, but I want to enjoy that too!

──What about the booth setup?

TanakaThat will also remain largely the same, but we plan to increase the variety of vintage furniture and雑貨 (miscellaneous goods) in addition to vintage clothing. In today's era, the power of vintage clothing as fashion isn't what it was in the 90s. Furniture, on the other hand, has potential as everyday items, independent of trends. I believe it's necessary to calmly and positively explore how we interact with vintage items in line with the times. And I want to make this “Inspiration” a place where everyone can consider these things.





“My Freedamn!”Produced to coincide with the vintage clothing event “Inspiration 2011”special book “Queen of Vintage Vol.2: [Meow]”This, following the sold-out success of the previous work“King of Vintage No.1: Heller’s Cafe” (out of print),features an extensive collection of deadstock items from Kathleen Schaer, a female vintage dealer who has also garnered attention from the Hollywood costume industry (owner of “Meow”). From overall uniforms sold to laborers before World War II, to cowboy fashion that reached its peak in the 1930s-50s, Fifties fashion symbolizing America's golden age, and even precious early beach fashion, this is a “vintage bible” that focuses on the inherent appeal of vintage design itself.