The Peculiar Charm of Tokyo as a Fashion Town

—The season is about to start. Could you tell us about the trends for this season?

Yoshiyuki ShimazuLooking at shows like Paris, the 80s are strongly influencing the direction. For example, a bold styling with riders jackets, jodhpurs, and booties.

Also, overwhelmingly popular are dresses for women. Layering with dresses, or colors like grayish, black, and solid tones – it's truly real clothes.
Seeing that, it reminds me of the layered style of girls in Harajuku, and I think Tokyo is indeed interesting.

—As a creator, Mr. Takashima, how do you perceive trends?

Issei TakashimaI don't think I'm consciously aware of trends, but living in Tokyo, information inevitably comes to me, whether I seek it or not. That's about it.

—Mr. Shimazu, what do you think of Tokyo right now?

ShimazuLooking at areas like Ura-Harajuku, I feel that Japanese people are the ones who deeply understand and express the nostalgia that Americans have forgotten. They respect good old America and create things skillfully. Japanese street style is strong.

—Mr. Takashima, do you like Tokyo?

TakashimaI like Tokyo. The speed of change is incredibly fast. I sometimes wonder if that's okay, but it's convenient (laughs).

ShimazuAs a city, Tokyo is the most interesting in the world. Its peculiar and comical nature is unlike anywhere else. Young people are changing too.

—I do feel the changes in young people.

ShimazuThings like Western music CDs not selling or people not watching Western movies. Apparently, today's young people can't understand if the meaning isn't conveyed directly. Even when they go to the movies, they can't match the subtitles with the visuals.

—I hear people in their 20s can't use computers; they manage everything on their phones.

ShimazuIt really feels like a new generation. Brands like "Né-net" will eventually sell online, and the market will change, won't it?

From Né-net 2007 SPRING & SUMMER COLLECTION

From Né-net 2007 SPRING & SUMMER COLLECTION

—The next 2008 Spring/Summer collection is scheduled for August 31st, I believe?

TakashimaThe concept is still in my head. I'm in the process of refining the imagery.

ShimazuAfter this interview, I'm going to scout the venue for the collection.

—From your perspective, Mr. Shimazu, what kind of designer is Issei Takashima?

ShimazuPerhaps he's surprisingly mundane in his daily life? (laughs) Maybe he creates clothes thinking, "That girl was so cute" (laughs).
Mr. Takashima feels less like a fashion designer and more like a ceramic artist. There's a sense of crafting and bringing things to life with his hands. The way he researches and delves into his work. He seems like a ceramic artist, drawing inspiration from various sources and proceeding with a handmade approach.

—We're looking forward to the next collection.

TakashimaI think it will be a fun collection, so I'd love for you to see it.

—Thank you very much.

Né-net 2008 Spring/Summer Collection Announced!

Friday, August 31, 2007, 4:30 PM at Jiji Press Hall, Tokyo

Thanks to the generosity of Né-net designer Issei Takashima, we are offering a special invitation to 10 OPENERS readers.
(Note: General admission will not be permitted on the day. This is a ticket giveaway only.)

Those interested in attending the collection (standing room only) should visit the OPENERS top page (http://openers.jp)
and scroll down to"Click here for comments and requests."to apply.
Please include "Né-net Viewing Request" in the subject line, along with your name, address, age, and a brief message.
Don't forget to include your reply address. If applications exceed the number of available spots, winners will be chosen by lottery and notified by mail.
The deadline is Monday, August 20th.We encourage you to apply! (OPENERS Editorial Department)