STEVEN ALAN | An Interview with Designer Steven Alan

Japan's First "STEVEN ALAN" Shop-in-Shop Now Open

Designer Steven Alan Interview

Interpreting the atmosphere of the New York "Steven Alan" store with a BEAUTY&YOUTH twist, "STEVEN ALAN in BEAUTY&YOUTH STORE" is being held at BEAUTY&YOUTH Shibuya Cat Street until November 3rd (Tuesday/Holiday).
We spoke with designer Steven Alan, who visited Japan.

Text by OPENERSPhotos by Emiko Hara

The Spirit of Youth in the Keyword "1968"

— Please tell us the theme for this season's "STEVEN ALAN."

The 2009-10 Autumn/Winter collection is inspired by the rebellious youth of America and Canada in the 1960s.
While discussing this season's theme, one of the design team members mentioned having their father's college yearbook. The messages written in that Ohio university yearbook were very inspiring, and reading them helped me deeply understand what young people were thinking at the time.

— What aspects of it appealed to you?

In addition to the college yearbook, I also drew inspiration from the 1968 British film "If...." At that time, there was the Vietnam War, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and President Kennedy, the May Revolution in France, and significant political and economic turmoil.
In a way, the situation is similar to today in 2009. Amidst such social backgrounds, the young people of that era were very active. That's what strongly attracted me.

— How do you see today's youth?

I think today's youth are also powerful. However, with the global spread of the internet, influential platforms like blogs have changed, so I believe we are in an era where we must be mindful of how we use them.

— Do you use the internet?

Of course. I use Twitter and frequently check our company's e-commerce site.

The "Perfect Shirt," Born from a Policy of Trying on Clothes After Making Them

— "STEVEN ALAN" is synonymous with "perfect," and your shirts, in particular, are famous as "perfect shirts."

When creating clothes, before I even think about the design, I first look at the fabric, make something based on that initial idea, and if I feel something is missing, I consider what to add. So, I don't sketch designs on paper like typical fashion designers.

— The characteristic of "STEVEN ALAN" shirts is that the first button is twisted, making the shirt appear symmetrical when the first button is undone.

When I gave instructions to the sewing factory, they sent back a sample with a completely different specification. However, my policy is to try on anything I make, so when I actually wore it, I thought, "This is really good!" and decided to adopt it. It's a detail born from an accident, so to speak.

— I see.

However, in pursuit of "perfection," I refine it every season, aiming to create shirts that possess a certain "mood."

— You are a true native New Yorker. How is New York for you now?

I love New York, of course. It's a city where anything is possible, so I'm always thinking about how to keep it from becoming boring... I also love Japan.

— What aspects of Japan interest you?

I love Japanese culture in general. Japanese food is delicious, and recently I've become interested in pottery and home centers. Japan offers many discoveries.

— A word about your impression of United Arrows.

I love United Arrows too. We've been doing business since 1999, and they were the first to show interest in my brand. We still have a good relationship, and they are important to me.

— Thank you very much.

Steven Alan
After working as a curator, Steven Alan launched his brand in 1999 when he couldn't find the "perfect shirt" he was looking for.
The collection focuses on carefully selected high-quality materials and fit, with subtle designs that give each piece its own individuality.
He gained attention, including being nominated as a finalist for the 2008 CFDA "Best New Menswear Designer in America" award.

BEAUTY&YOUTH UNITED ARROWS
Shibuya Cat Street Store
1F, 5-17-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5468-3916
http://www.united-arrows.co.jp/shop/bsc.html