—What do you mean by 'similar philosophy'?

There's the word 'luxury,' but I aim for a spirit of "BELLEZZA = Beauty." The high quality and handmade certainty of Kiton's craftsmanship are fully worthy of being a partner for the aesthetic I seek.

—There's a strong focus on handling this brand at UNITED ARROWS from its debut season.

In February of this year, I met with Creative Director Yasuto Kamoshida in Paris and we talked extensively. He is neutral, pure, open, and we are in similar positions. He's a good friend who speaks frankly, without hiding anything. I also believe UNITED ARROWS is a rare store in the world that possesses a strong identity and communicates its ideas correctly. I particularly respect Mr. Kamoshida and the team of buyer Shoji Uchiyama, as they have a deep understanding of materials.

<Comment from Shoji Uchiyama>

I still wear a jacket from "PIOMBO" that I bought 17 years ago. While his designs are sometimes categorized as 'Italian Classic,' I believe there are few men's brands that allow one to naturally enjoy the inherent decorative qualities of clothing. This "MP di Massimo Piombo" collection is also made with great seriousness, but it is filled with elements that make clothing enjoyable, resulting in a rare collection that can be worn with a natural attitude.





—What is the theme and concept for the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection?

As one of the brand's signature styles, this season's theme is "Jean Cocteau." We are reproducing fabrics and buttons from his archives, modernizing the world of haute couture from the 1920s and 30s to create clothing for a new generation. While I worked with passion during my previous PIOMBO era, I can finally express that eccentric and crazy world with "MP di Massimo Piombo."

—What is most important to you in a collection?

Fabric is the most important. We use materials from a Canadian factory that was the first in the world to knit melton, and for scarves, we select mohair from Austria. We are also particular about buttons, such as British leather buttons. Color is also important; I incorporate ethnic colors from places like Morocco, Marrakech, St. Moritz, Lyon, Turkey, and Somalia, as well as from Africa and Eastern Europe, which I've visited on my travels, throughout the collection.

—What is the 'charm of men's clothing' to you?

In terms of items, it's the jacket. A jacket offers functional warmth, expresses elegance when worn, has very practical pockets, and protects the wearer. In this season's collection, the dinner jacket, which can be worn both sportily and formally, is particularly popular.

Massimo Piombo
Born in 1959, aged 52. Studied political science at university and began his fashion business at age 25. The brand "PIOMBO," which made an impact on the menswear world upon its debut, was founded in 1989. Its clothing, with a unique sense of material and color, was noted as a new form of elegant attire for men. In Autumn/Winter 2012, he launched the new brand "MP di Massimo Piombo." Expectations are high for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection.


UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building
3-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo B1F-3F
Business Hours | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Weekdays), 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays)
Tel. 03-3479-8180
www.united-arrows.jp