Fashion
March 12, 2015
Part 4: The 'coffee and milk' Brand x OPENERS Collaboration is Complete! (1)
Wanna be coffee and milk? (1)
We want to create clothes that are pop, fun, and happy.
Hiroshi Ozawa x Hiroshi Kubo (BEAMS Men's Division, Creative Director)
On the second floor men's floor of International Gallery BEAMS in Harajuku, casual clothes that seem to relax the shoulders coexist with collections that possess the tension and energy of the latest fashion.
When you pick them up, the price tag is shaped like a mug and can also be used as a coaster.
This intimate distance, which cannot be felt with the high-end clothing of luxury brands, is 'coffee and milk.' It's a brand created by two people: Mr. Ozawa and Mr. Kubo of BEAMS.
Photo by Jamandfix
After more than 20 years, the time feels right.
—This season's 'coffee and milk' collection is cool, isn't it? The knit caps are great (laughs).
OzawaThank you. It was over 20 years ago, when the gallery was in a corner on the second floor of BEAMS Harajuku, that I was a stylist's assistant and would frequent the gallery whenever I had free time.
That's where I met Mr. Kubo, and we talked a lot. But this is the first time I've worked with Mr. Kubo on 'coffee and milk.'
KuboThat's right. We made T-shirts as a pre-collection for Spring/Summer 2006 and officially launched in Autumn/Winter.
OzawaThe T-shirt Mr. Kubo is wearing today is from that pre-collection.
Hiroshi Kubo
—Who initiated the clothing creation?
OzawaIt was me. After getting to know Mr. Kubo, I felt like the time was right to finally do something like this. This is just my feeling, but there's a certain commonality between Mr. Kubo's everyday wear and mine, though they aren't similar. Perhaps it's a similar direction.
KuboI feel that too. We're different, but for some reason, we're drawn to each other. Mr. Ozawa loves clothes more than anyone, buys them with his own money, travels to see overseas collections every season at his own expense, and knows the market well. The clothes made by him and me, a professional buyer, are unique. I'm grateful that he asked me, as it was a great opportunity.
Appearing in a knit cap inspired by the theme "BLACK MOUNTAIN" from the brand 'coffee and milk's' 07-08 Autumn/Winter collection!
Knit caps ¥8,190 each
OzawaAlthough Mr. Kubo and I dress differently and wear different things, our sense of smell, taste, and what we find interesting are similar.
KuboFrom my perspective, I might be a complete fan of Mr. Ozawa (laughs). But actually, I want to be involved in making clothes, and with 'coffee and milk,' I can do what I love.
—How do you actually create them?
OzawaThe first thing I told Mr. Kubo was that I wanted to do it like a 'summer vacation free study project.' Mr. Kubo would be the teacher, giving me a broad 'topic,' and I would research it and have him create the answer. I wanted to start with that kind of approach.
KuboMr. Ozawa's initial ideas have a lot of momentum, making them very easy to understand. He values inspiration.
OzawaI enjoy wordplay, like coming up with catchphrases and slogans. This season's theme, "BLACK MOUNTAIN," is also inspired by Blue Mountain coffee beans.
To be continued in Wanna be coffee and milk? (2)
Brand 'coffee and milk' x OPENERS Exclusive Collaboration Items Completed!
Now available at rumors!
'coffee and milk's' 07-08 Autumn/Winter collection theme is "BLACK MOUNTAIN."
We will be releasing a hooded parka, an OPENERS exclusive collaboration item featuring a representative motif from this theme,
at rumors.
Quantities are limited, so please act fast!
OPENERS Exclusive Hooded Parka
Features a stock logo patch of the brand logo on the chest, and a climbing team patch depicting this season's motif. The hood top is adorned with a foam print of 'coffee and milk's' stock logo. Limited to 50 pieces.
¥19,950
→ Click here to purchase!
International Gallery BEAMS, which celebrated its grand opening as its true completed form on April 28th of this year.
International Gallery BEAMS
3-25-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, 1F・2F・B1F
TEL.03-3470-3948 (MEN'S 2F), 03-3470-3925 (WOMEN'S 1F・B1F)
STORE HOURS 11:00～20:00
Irregular holidays
