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FEATURES
March 6, 2015
TOMORROWLAND | Buyer's Feature | The Fusion of Tradition and Creation, and Innovation
TOMORROWLAND | Buyer Feature
Daisuke Nakajo, Head of Menswear Business, TOMORROWLAND
The Fusion of Tradition and Creation, and Innovation
"This season, TOMORROWLAND's menswear focuses on the creations that are added to our foundation of tradition and culture," says Daisuke Nakajo. "Buyers can tend to be too niche, but we want to propose items with a more pure, consumer-driven perspective – that feeling of really wanting something, or finding it cool and new." He passionately discusses masterpieces that will endure through time, exploring the origins of products and the people involved in their creation.
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Emiko Hara
Masterpieces of the Season, Inspired by the Craftsmanship
"Clothes can uplift your mood," Nakajo explains. "Through color, pattern, and texture, you can feel a sense of newness, appreciate the high level of craftsmanship, and enjoy styling." He further advises, "When there are no major trends and clothing becomes simpler, the material and cut become more prominent. In such times, focus on clean styles that aren't confined to specific 'looks' or 'styles,' and the comfort that comes from high-quality materials."
Purchase01
QUAI DE VALMY Leather Blouson
A Creation with Freshness That Makes You Say, "Brilliant!"
QUAI DE VALMY, designed by Isaac Reina from Spain, is renowned for using leather from the luxury leather factory Seraphin. This blouson's goat leather features a unique color achieved through a 'plaque' process, where the leather's color is stripped with a special solvent. While the blouson's design is extremely simple, details like the short cuffs and intentionally loose ribbing at the neck are masterfully executed, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship.
"I visited Seraphin in Paris and was moved by the pride of the veteran artisans crafting world-class products," Nakajo shares. "This blouson, which I found to be 'brilliant,' combines that solid craftsmanship with modern creation. It's versatile, but I'd recommend pairing it with a white shirt, rolled-up straight-leg denim, and J.M. Weston loafers. Leather is more of a collectible item than a trend, so its value is very high."
QUAI DE VALMY Leather Blouson ¥189,000 (TOMORROWLAND)
Purchase02
J.M. Weston Patent Loafers
A Versatile Shoe That Complements Any Outfit
"This season, I feel like wearing elegant leather shoes. These J.M. Weston loafers are a classic, and wearing them instantly puts me in the right mood. While various pant silhouettes are available, these shoes surprisingly work with any balance. We specifically requested to carry the patent leather loafers, which are usually only available by special order, from Weston, as we wanted them for TOMORROWLAND. They're perfect for modernizing your styling."
"I also visited the Limoges factory in France. I had always wondered about the thick soles, and after they explained everything from the leather condition to the tanning process, seeing the work in progress was truly enlightening. What also surprised me was the vast storage area, like a gymnasium, holding 50,000 lasts, and the in-house repair department and specialized artisans handling over 10,000 repairs annually. I was deeply impressed by how J.M. Weston shoes are loved worldwide."
J.M. Weston Patent Loafers ¥76,650 (TOMORROWLAND)
Purchase03
MACKINTOSH × KITSUNÉ Drizzler Jacket
The Latest Creation Reflecting This Season's Theme: Tradition x Creation
"KITSUNÉ is fundamentally basic, yet their clothing has a unique balance that you feel when you wear it. While it has a traditional, almost school-like vibe, it also represents the newest creation, making it a very current brand. The color palette of this drizzler jacket is refreshingly KITSUNÉ."
"Although TOMORROWLAND has had a relationship with MACKINTOSH for over 20 years, I hadn't had the chance to visit their factory in Scotland until this winter. I was surprised to find no sewing machines inside the factory. Each rubberized coat is meticulously crafted by a single artisan, almost like an assembly process. It was inspiring to see them working with such pride and enjoyment. They also have an extensive archive of designs for numerous prestigious brands, all incredibly stylish. It became clear why so many designers and fashion houses rely on MACKINTOSH."
MACKINTOSH × KITSUNÉ Dog Ear Blouson ¥99,750 (TOMORROWLAND)
Purchase04
Pierre-Louis Mascia Stole
An Artistic Accessory for a Casual Era
"Scarves have always sold well at TOMORROWLAND, and we offer a wide variety each season. We've carried Pierre-Louis Mascia since its debut collection; it was love at first sight. The designer is a talented illustrator and designer with a unique color sense and excellent pattern design. Their artistic, painterly aesthetic is truly distinctive. The classic patterns offer a sense of security, and the ability to unify seemingly disparate colors and patterns is remarkable."
"I've worked with the Italian printing factory that produces these scarves before, and their established techniques combined with new creations are excellent. Even in this casual era with relaxed clothing, elegance remains important – it's an inner quality. When seeking elegance even in casual wear, try balancing your look with shoes and accessories like scarves. When mastered, they become a unique expression. These scarves are unisex and a great collectible item."
Pierre-Louis Mascia Stoles Left / ¥28,350, Center / ¥28,350, Right / ¥31,500 (TOMORROWLAND)
Purchase05 | ANNAPURNA Knit
A Cotton Low-Gauge Knit That Matches This Season's Mood
"ANNAPURNA is an Italian knitwear brand. This low-gauge knit is perfect for the desire to wear spring items immediately and has become a huge hit since the menswear line launched."
"While outerwear is still necessary, the appeal of wearing something new right away is driving its popularity. The unique rustic feel of the colors and textures, along with the bold patterns reflecting the current mood, are fresh. The fit, neither too tight nor too oversized, with a bit of room, is also great. You can style it in various ways, such as with slim-fit bottoms for a sleek look or by rolling up wider-leg pants. Pairing it with denim work pants and loafers would also be stylish."
ANNAPURNA Low-Gauge Knit ¥57,750 (TOMORROWLAND)
Daisuke Nakajo
Head of Menswear Business, TOMORROWLAND
After serving as the first store manager of TOMORROWLAND Marunouchi and as a menswear buyer, he assumed his current role in 2009.
TOMORROWLAND
0120-983-522
http://www.tomorrowland.jp/