Fashion
February 16, 2015
KENNETH FIELD | An Explanation of the New Brand "Kenneth Field" by Designer Kenichi Kusano
KENNETH FIELD™ | KENNETH FIELD
A New Brand Symbolized by Grey Flannel and Gurkha Trousers, Launched!
Kenichi Kusano Discusses His New Brand "KENNETH FIELD™"
Kenichi Kusano, who served as director of BEAMS PLUS, has launched his own menswear brand, "KENNETH FIELD™ (Kenneth Field)," starting with the 2012-13 Autumn/Winter collection. We asked him about his new brand, named after himself.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Brand Concept: "For NEW TRADITIONALIST"
KENNETH FIELD offers collections designed with a focus on the cultures of various countries and regions from the early 1900s to the present day, primarily drawing inspiration from American traditional clothing from the 1980s onwards, as experienced by Kusano himself.
—What was the reason for starting the brand "KENNETH FIELD™"?
The main reason was that I wanted to try making things and handling sales from scratch with my own skills.
—The brand name comes from your name, doesn't it? How have people reacted?
When I explain it, most people react with, "Ahhh, I see" (laughs).
—The brand concept is "For NEW TRADITIONALIST." Could you tell us about any particularly symbolic items, colors, or materials?
To start, we're basing the collection on authentic colors and materials like navy, grey, denim, chambray, and chino. In particular, I believe grey flannel and Gurkha trousers are symbolic of this brand.
Focus on Authentic Material Textures!
—Does the debut Autumn/Winter collection have a theme?
Irving Penn's photo book "Small Trades" focuses on laborers in London, New York, and Paris around the 1950s. For this season, the theme is to express indispensable workwear, not as fashion, but as fashion itself, under the title "HEAVY WORKCLOTHES FOR MEN AT WORK."
—Could you tell us about any popular (highly ordered) items?
The popular items are the "4way tie" and the chambray work shirt. With the influence of Cool Biz, ties are no longer an essential item, but people seem to appreciate the concept of enjoying them in multiple ways depending on their mood.
Also, the chambray shirt, while featuring the details of a work shirt, has a collar designed to sit well even when a tie is worn, and people appreciate its material quality.
—Is there anything in particular you'd like us to pay attention to?
The authentic material textures!
—Regarding "Baracuta," what is your involvement, and what activities will you be undertaking?
I am directing the Blue Label of the brand "Baracuta," owned by Italy's WP company. We are currently in the midst of sample revisions for PITTI UOMO in January next year.
<KENNETH FIELD™ Retailers>
Sapporo "ARCH," Marunouchi "BEAMS PLUS," Nakameguro "ARMY GYM," Kyoto "LOFTMAN," Osaka "SILVER AND GOLD," Kobe "BSHOP," Shimane "CREDO"
San Francisco "UNION MADE," Florence "WP STORE," London "TRUNK," Seoul "SANFRANCISCO MARKET," "A-LAND," "MSK"
Kenichi Kusano | KUSANO Kenichi
Born in 1969. From Kumamoto Prefecture. After serving as director of Beams Plus, he launched his own brand "KENNETH FIELD™" from the 2012 Autumn/Winter season. He is also the director of the Blue Label for Italy's WP company's "Baracuta."
Official Blog
http://www.houyhnhnm.jp/blog/kenny_kusano/index.html