Fashion
May 11, 2015
Part 4: A Conversation with Akira Shimada of LEON (1)
nineSIXty Hiroteru Kato
Part 4: A Conversation with Akira Shimada of LEON
This time, we are joined by Akira Shimada, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of LEON magazine, a close friend of Hiroteru Kato.
We'd like to hear about how the two met, their interactions through work, and their views on modern fashion and jewelry.
Text by Taishi Sato (Gringo)Photos by Kei Uzawa
Natural Connections Born from Play
—First, could you tell us how you two met?
Akira ShimadaI think it was through climbing, initially. I used to hang out a lot with Nobutaka Yano, the former director of Louis Vuitton, who became a friend through work. He had many friends, and when he invited me to go climbing, Kato-pee (Kato's nickname) came along too, right?
Hiroteru KatoThat's right. At first, it had nothing to do with work at all. It was purely a connection between friends.
ShimadaKato-pee was a professional before, so he's good at climbing. I feel like we became good friends as I learned a lot from him... though I don't really remember (laughs).
KatoYes. We were completely in the same circle of friends for fun. That was about six or seven years ago, so time flies (laughs).
ShimadaKato-pee had already launched nine SIXty by then, and when we were all out for dinner, the conversation turned to it, and I said, 'If you make jewelry, show me sometime.' This kind of thing happens often, doesn't it? It's not about business first, but rather the circle naturally expands as we hang out. Fashion brands often link up this way, and it sometimes culminates in collaborative items.
KatoThe collaboration with Lucien Pellat-Finet also came about through Shinji Endo, a friend who was in our circle.
ShimadaThat's right. Endo, who was the director at Lucien at the time, saw the jewelry and thought it was 'interesting,' and from there, we showed it to Lucien. It connected naturally, not through marketing. So, Kato-pee is truly blessed with friends!
KatoYes, that's absolutely true (laughs).
New Forms of Jewelry Born from Sessions
—What were your impressions when you first saw Kato's jewelry?
ShimadaIn a word, it simply made me think, 'I want this.' I'm not someone who usually wears a lot of jewelry, but I naturally felt it was good.
KatoI'm happy to hear that (laughs).
ShimadaSince then, I've ordered from you many times. I brought a few pieces with me today.
KatoYour orders, Shimada-san, are like sessions. We were able to try various new challenges to create the final product, which was very beneficial. I also received criticism (laughs).
ShimadaTo be blunt, I was giving you impossible demands (laughs). When I ordered a leather ring with a stone setting, I wanted to wear it on my pinky, but the stone was too thick as it was, making it look rough and uncool. So, I asked, 'Try to make the stone's form as thin as possible,' and Kato-pee said, 'That's impossible.'
KatoThat did happen—(laughs).
ShimadaI insisted, saying, 'It's definitely possible, so do it as homework' (laughs). And then, something quite good came out of it. It's not quite like a teacher and student, but I always give him assignments and requests, hoping it will be stimulating.
In my profession, I have many opportunities to see jewelry, so I have to be sensitive to what is good, where the essence lies, and what is currently in demand.
As I interact with jewelry through my work, I naturally gain a sense of it. I wanted to convey that sense to Kato-pee, and have him express it through his expertise in leather, stones, and jewelry.
KatoThank you always. I've known Shimada-san's family for a long time, and last year we even took a trip to New York together with Shimada-san and his wife, and my wife.
ShimadaThat's right. We went together and visited various shops. I took him to some select shops I frequent and showed them samples of nine SIXty. They were very interested!
KatoEveryone said they wanted to carry our brand.
ShimadaExactly. He's truly blessed. He must have a very likable personality. Even in New York, he'd just give his work away to people at the shops! I think it's a bit much, he's too generous (laughs).
I'm sure you've received emails asking to place orders, right? But I can't be your distributor for everything, so from here on, you're on your own (laughs).
KatoYes (laughs). I'll do my best.
PROFILE
Akira Shimada
Deputy Editor-in-Chief, SHUFU TO SEIKATSU CO., LTD. "LEON".
After working at Hachette Fujingaho Co., Ltd. for "MEN'S CLUB" and "GENTRY",
he joined "LEON" under former Editor-in-Chief Ichiro Kishida.
Incidentally, he is an old acquaintance of Hiroteru Kato's wife, Azusa Yoshikawa,
and played a role in bringing the couple together.
[LEON]
URL■http://www.shufu.co.jp/magazine/leon/
