Our Eighth Project, Launched in 2007

— "Project No. 8" is a unique shop name, isn't it?

Our "Various Projects" started in 2006. We named the shop after our eighth project, which was clothing retail. Incidentally, our second and fourteenth projects were having children (laughs).

— What are your roles in Project No. 8?

We basically do the same things together, but we cover for each other when one is tired, or offer advice as editors. Our taste in brands is similar, so we handle design, production, and curation together.

— Do you remember the brands you selected when you started in 2007?

For menswear, we carried Kostas Murkudis and Stefan Schneider from Germany, Maison Martin Margiela from Belgium, Bless for unisex, and the scarf-famous Salva Projects. More recently, we've also sourced from Aspesi, Dries Van Noten, Adam Kimmel, and Walter Van Beirendonck.

— What was your selection criteria?

We focused on brands that inspired us and selected brands from outside New York. Each brand has a different characteristic, which allowed us to add various atmospheres to the store.

A Clean, Pure, and Witty Selection Not to Be Missed!

— This is your first time in Japan, but have you held pop-up stores before?

We've had them at a gallery in Paris and in Tribeca, New York. Each of those, including this one, was a different concept.

— What is the concept for this one?

This time, after thorough discussions with Nakahashi-san, a buyer at Barneys New York, we focused on "what's hot in NY right now and what people are interested in" as the theme for our selection and products. Considering Japan's climate, we've created polo shirts, V-neck T-shirts, and shorts for the first time. We also wanted to bring the atmosphere of our NY store here exactly as it is. The process was very enjoyable.

— What are your impressions of the Ginza store?

Not only the product selection but also the staff are wonderful. There are many brands I haven't seen in NY, which is a great learning experience.

A Project Proceeding at Our Own Pace

— What is your impression of Tokyo?

This is our second visit to Japan, the first being a vacation in the summer of 2008. Seeing the city now, it feels like development is progressing. However, the feeling we get from the city and its people is the same. I think Tokyo is a very exciting city, and there's so much we want to see. Tokyu Hands is amazing (laughs).

— How does New York influence your projects?

It's difficult for us to say, but when we see brands we love and have sourced being sold in other shops, we wonder if we've made an impact on the New York scene. We value a personal atmosphere in our shop, and our shop at ACE HOTEL, "Project No. 8b," is themed around "reaffirming travel."

— What's next for Project No. 8?

The Lehman Shock happened in 2008. Before that, the economy was good, but it felt like there was "no soul." With the recession, everyone's way of thinking seems to have changed, and their feelings too. Do you know the story of the tortoise and the hare? We think we're probably the tortoises. We're slowly pursuing what we want to do at our own pace. In the future, we want to expand overseas. And we want to challenge new things.

— Finally, do you have a message for our readers?

This pop-up store will be touring various Barneys New York locations. What we've brought from NY are all our favorites, and they are all precious items. Instead of us inviting you, we hope you'll visit with the image of conversing with the products, which will surely broaden your world.
“If you'd like to take a quick trip to New York, come visit Project No. 8 at Barneys!”

— Thank you.