—Could you tell us about the people and things that have influenced your designs?

I suppose military is still a major influence.
That's a major source of inspiration, along with the artists I collaborate with. Travel also influences the collections. And GRIFFIN exclusively uses British and Italian materials, which also inspire me.
GRIFFIN is not a brand that creates various items with sales as the primary focus; it's a brand where I do what I want, driven by my own tastes and desires.



My current approach to work is quite localized.
For example, I buy materials from a friend's fabric shop, produce them at a factory run by an acquaintance, and distribute them to a limited number of stores in limited quantities. I can do this because I have close relationships with many people.

—That's why you used tartan check fabric for the outdoor products, wasn't it?

Exactly!
This season's theme is 'Lost of Ben Nevis.'
'Ben Nevis' is the name of the highest mountain in Britain.
When considering 'What is British?', people often imagine icons like tartan checks, The Beatles, or traditional elements. I've added the concept of 'mountain climbing' to this, creating a story with a touch of humor, like wearing tartan check pants while climbing a mountain in gear suitable for serious mountaineering (laughs).



All the materials are also genuine mountaineering fabrics. For example, the wool glen check blouson uses fabric from Fox Brothers, a venerable fabric supplier that provided materials to the military around World War I. This tartan check fabric is also made in a traditional Scottish factory. We don't use any imitation materials.
We also collaborated with the long-established British manufacturer Gymphlex on T-shirts.
I believe the collaboration with Mackintosh this time has resulted in a superb product, expertly blending luxury wear and sportswear.


—What are your recommendations for this season?

I highly recommend the Fox Brothers hooded jacket.
It's an item that mixes traditional Prince of Wales check with high-tech materials, which I personally find very appealing.
Then there's the rugby shirt.
This was made at a factory that has been producing rugby shirts for a long time. The quality is, of course, superb.
And the Baracuta.
This is also recommended because it's the first time Baracuta has used a fully printed fabric.
Also, the tartan check blade-cut pants.
The mix of traditional tartan check and camouflage makes this another interesting product.

—I was actually surprised to see tartan check used in GRIFFIN.

I'm glad to hear that (laughs).

—The fashion scene is clearly shifting towards digital, encompassing design, production, and online sales. What are your thoughts on this current situation? And in what direction do you see it heading in the future?

Fashion, along with technology, should naturally progress in this direction. That's how it should be.
However, I hope people don't forget that the clothes we wear are real, not virtual. That's the important part. I personally like high-tech aspects, so I'm currently using YouTube and podcasts for promotion.

—Why did you start becoming interested in 'nature'?

As I've grown older, I've moved away from clubbing and parties—though perhaps it's just getting older—and I feel like I'm returning to nature. But isn't that natural for humans?



—Could you say a few words to your fans in Japan?

I believe GRIFFIN fans already understand the importance of 'being true and honest to oneself.' Life is short, so let's enjoy it! And please continue to buy GRIFFIN (laughs).
Also, if you send me a message through the website, I'll give you a 10% discount. But only for good messages, of course (laughs)!