MARGARET HOWELL | Stylist Hiroshi Morioka Discusses Margaret Howell Men's
Fashion
February 20, 2015

MARGARET HOWELL | Stylist Hiroshi Morioka Discusses Margaret Howell Men's


MARGARET HOWELL | MARGARET HOWELL


Discussing Margaret Howell for Autumn/Winter, when classic British style is trending


Hiroshi Morioka on "What Makes Clothes Last Forever"



"Today, what's important in menswear is how much you can love brands that imbue their creations with philosophy. In that sense, Margaret Howell offers clothes with philosophy and a brand with aspiration," says Hiroshi Morioka, fashion director and stylist, who published his second book, "The Equation for Men's Style on Holidays" (Kodansha), this May. He discusses the current state of menswear through the lens of Margaret Howell's clothing.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by JAMANDFIX






Margaret Howell's Clothes: Changing with Perspective



While the joy of change is important in fashion, I believe many people today place more value on constancy than change. Margaret Howell's clothes may not appear dramatically different at first glance, but when viewed from the perspective of how you present yourself or whether you are grounded, they shine differently.

Even without major shifts, the mood of the times and the essence of trends are clearly expressed in the boxy silhouettes and lengths of the jackets, the color palettes, and the textures of the materials, revealing a change that goes beyond mere basics. I feel this unique menswear appeal every season.



In an Era of Not Wanting to Blend In, But Not Wanting to Make Mistakes



The reason I wrote my latest book, "The Equation for Men's Style on Holidays," is the reality that while men are highly conscious of wearing suits, shirts, and ties for business due to necessity, many believe casual wear requires no study because it's "free." I used to think that way too.

However, with initiatives like Super Cool Biz this summer, the importance of casual wear is increasing. In today's world, where one's overall lifestyle is scrutinized, casual attire increasingly reveals a person's taste and standing. For those who think, "I don't know what to buy or how to wear it right now," I'm explaining the absolute basics.

Specifically, I carefully explain the entry points of casual wear, which many have misunderstood, such as "Fit is crucial when buying clothes," "Limit your colors to three per outfit, and stick to one pattern," and "Pay attention to your silhouette."

It's about finding that balance of "not trying to be fashionable, but rather looking subtly good." The focus is on what is required in today's era: not wanting to be like everyone else, but also not wanting to make a mistake.



Even with basic clothes, menswear can be enjoyable when styled well



In that sense, Margaret Howell's clothing is based on basics, skillfully incorporating seasonality, and pieces from a few years ago can be worn together without looking out of place; in fact, they might even create an interesting synergy. It's a brand that perhaps distills the essentials of menswear in various forms.

Therefore, as you wear them, you discover many things and can find the depth within the clothes. Constancy evolves into comfort, making it a brand to engage with deeply to truly enjoy.



Hiroshi Morioka | Margaret Howell 02



Hiroshi MORIOKA
CEO, GLOBE Inc. / Fashion Director & Stylist
While attending Waseda University, he began working in editorial at Fujingaho-sha (now Hearst Fujingaho). After graduation, he was assigned as a fashion editor to the editorial department of the men's fashion magazine "Men's Club." After leaving the company, he established the creative office GLOBE. In addition to styling actors, celebrities, artists, and cultural figures, he also handles uniform design for corporations, production and direction for apparel brands, and fashion direction and styling for advertisements and magazines. Following "The Equation for Men's Style: How Not to Lose Out Visually" published by Kodansha last year, he released "The Equation for Men's Style on Holidays" this May.
http://www.hiroshimorioka.jp/





ANGLO-AMERICAN
Tel. 03-5467-7874
http://www.margarethowell.jp