It's a difficult era for balancing "depth" and "breadth"

—You want it to be an event where people who react to the keyword "vintage" can gather and enjoy themselves, not just a "vintage clothing event"?

TanakaOf course, I want to boost vintage clothing more than ever, but I don't think simply wishing for a return to the 1990s, our peak era, will work. It's essential to recognize that we are living in the present. I myself can now honestly appreciate new things that are based on vintage, especially those that take a different approach than vintage replicas.

—What kind of era is "now" for the vintage industry?

I want to be someone who can meet the eyes of those pursuing a single thing

—What is the keyword that allows those with depth to connect?

TanakaI believe that keyword is "philosophy." Simply having depth in information or technique won't create horizontal connections. I think conversation is possible with philosophy. For example, vintage audio enthusiasts and vintage clothing enthusiasts should be able to converse on the same level. This is because both are pursuing things that were born in America during the same era. The problem today is that this isn't happening. That's why I'm firmly committed to running this event with a philosophy. In that sense, I even think good mistakes are okay. Conversely, I just don't want it to go in the wrong direction.



—Is the direction that isn't wrong the philosophy of "Inspiration"?

TanakaI want to cherish something like the "desire to aim for a high level," just before making money, which is common among those called creators. Even if someone appears successful, if they haven't cleared that hurdle, there's a sense of unease. I want to value such "processes." And above all, I want to be a person who can truly meet the eyes of those pursuing a single thing. Results are certainly important, but for me, the process and the "skill" they employed are what matter. Those who have their skills down are cool. I want it to be an event where such people can participate comfortably, and I want to employ skills that make them think, "That's pretty cool."

—Does that determine whether the event is a success or not?







"My Freedamn!"Produced in conjunction with the "Inspiration 2011" vintage clothing eventspecial book "Queen of Vintage Vol.2: [Meow]". It sold out in no time after its release.Following the previous work "King of Vintage No.1: Heller's Cafe" (out of print),this time, it's a special feature on the vast deadstock collection of Kathleen Scharf, a female vintage dealer who is also gaining 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 from the 1930s to the 50s, 1950s 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.