SELECT SHOPS BUYERS | These Are the "Must-Have Items" for Fall/Winter 2011!
FASHION / FEATURES
March 16, 2015

SELECT SHOPS BUYERS | These Are the "Must-Have Items" for Fall/Winter 2011!


SELECT SHOPS BUYERS | A Feature on Boutique Buyers


The "Must-Have" Items for Fall/Winter 2011


For many fashion enthusiasts, the most pressing question right now is: "What should I buy first for the new season?" This season's menswear scene is built on a foundation of traditional, classic styles, elevated by luxurious materials, playful details, and an atmosphere that hints at the wearer's lifestyle. These items, more than ever, reflect the current mood and capture the spirit of the times. Check out the top picks from each popular boutique and enjoy a stylish, fun autumn and winter!


Text by OPENERS





Buyer Feature | DESIGNWORKS




DESIGNWORKS | KAWASHIRO Kazutoshi
Mr. KAWASHIRO Kazutoshi, Brand Manager, Men's Division


At the office, for example, wearing Tricker's boots. "Perhaps working in an office five days a week is actually more of our daily reality," says Kazutoshi Kawashiro, Director of DESIGNWORKS. "However, DESIGNWORKS this season proposes a style that allows people to enjoy their individuality in the workplace, offering a solution for the limited wardrobe choices dictated by the constraints and objectives of work."




Buyer Feature | UNITED ARROWS




UNITED ARROWS | UCHIYAMA Shoji
Mr. UCHIYAMA Shoji, Buyer, UNITED ARROWS


UNITED ARROWS has opened a successful combined men's and women's store on the second floor of Lumine Yurakucho. Shoji Uchiyama, the men's main buyer, appears in this buyer feature. "This autumn and winter, I was drawn to the human touch of handmade items and the warmth of natural materials. I also focused on our directional theme, 'Small Trade' – the effortless cool of uniforms and everyday wear encountered in daily life," he explains.




Buyer Feature | ESTNATION




ESTNATION | SAKAKI Toshio
Mr. SAKAKI Toshio, General Manager, Men's Department, ESTNATION


This year marks ESTNATION's 10th anniversary. "This season clearly emphasizes the strengths of ESTNATION menswear, with military-inspired details and luxurious touches," says Toshio Sakaki, General Manager of the Men's Department. A slim-fit jacket, a classic vest for a tie-up, military pants, and elegant brown lace-up shoes...──This subtle balance is the secret to ESTNATION's popularity.




Buyer Feature | SHIPS




SHIPS | SHINOHARA Wataru
Mr. SHINOHARA Wataru, Buyer, SHIPS


The theme for SHIPS menswear this autumn and winter is 'A TOUCH OF WOOL.' Wataru Shinohara, the buyer for men's casual wear, explains: "This season's theme is the fusion of a luxurious feel, emphasizing the warmth and quality of the season, with British prep. We are focusing on an elegant, comfortable atmosphere and wearability, represented by medium to low-gauge knits made from natural wool. We offer both imported and original items."




Buyer Feature | BARNEYS NEW YORK




BARNEYS NEW YORK | NAKAHASHI Mitsuo
Mr. NAKAHASHI Mitsuo, Men's MD, BARNEYS NEW YORK


On September 16th, BARNEYS NEW YORK Fukuoka, the fifth flagship store, opened with great fanfare. The basement level offers a clear display of dress and sports (casual) wear, with this season's exclusive items creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with BARNEYS NEW YORK's signature fresh style. Mitsuo Nakahashi, who handles designers and casual wear, is featured in this buyer spotlight. His main theme is 'MASTIGE' – a blend of the authentic and prestigious values that BARNEYS consistently proposes, mixed with street sensibility. He focuses on an extensive collection, with 'the highest number of exclusive items ever.'




Buyer Feature | TOMORROWLAND




TOMORROWLAND | NAKAJO Daisuke
Mr. NAKAJO Daisuke, Head of Men's Division, TOMORROWLAND


The current keywords are 'local production for local consumption' and 'going my way,' according to Daisuke Nakajo of TOMORROWLAND. "In today's fashion landscape, where there isn't one dominant trend, these two points are crucial for how we engage with clothing. Materials that can only be produced in a specific region, or items that can only be made here, are authentic because they reflect the history and culture of that place. And I'm moved when I encounter clothing that shows the designer's intent and passion in their creation," he says.




Buyer Feature | ISETAN Shinjuku Men's Building 6F




ISETAN MEN’S | SUZUKI Takehiko
Mr. SUZUKI Takehiko, Buyer, Contemporary Casual, ISETAN Shinjuku Men's Building


The ISETAN Shinjuku Men's Building celebrates its 8th anniversary since remodeling. This year, the "ONLY MI" fair, highlighting limited edition items, begins on September 7th (Wednesday) to welcome the full autumn/winter season. Takehiko Suzuki, the contemporary casual buyer, is in charge of the 6th floor. "At the Men's Building, casual wear is divided: the 2nd floor features creators, the 3rd floor is luxury, the 7th floor is authentic, and the 6th floor is contemporary. Leave your sophisticated casual needs, sensitive to current trends, to us," he says.




Buyer Feature | ISETAN Shinjuku Men's Building 7F




ISETAN MEN’S | WATANABE Kazuhiro
Mr. WATANABE Kazuhiro, Buyer, Authentic Casual & Sports, ISETAN Shinjuku Men's Building


Authentic casual wear deeply inspired by archives──"The 7th floor is dedicated to editing items that are basic, traditional masterpieces, and exquisite pieces," says Kazuhiro Watanabe, the buyer for the 7th floor of the ISETAN Shinjuku Men's Building. "Especially for autumn and winter, we focus on cold-weather items, adding new brands of interest alongside a collection of renowned brands from around the world. The concept is an exhibition of world-class masterpieces."




Buyer Feature | RESTIR




RESTIR | SHIMIZU Hiroyuki
Mr. SHIMIZU Hiroyuki, General Manager and Men's Merchandiser, RESTIR Boutique


'RESTIR Midtown,' which opened concurrently with Roppongi Midtown, offers over 50 brands for men, with 70% from Europe, 20% from New York (USA), and 10% from Japan – all of which are carefully selected. Here is Hiroyuki Shimizu of RESTIR, known for its unique curation ranging from Balmain and Thom Browne to Comme des Garçons, sacai, and SOPH.!




Buyer Feature | Ron Herman




Ron Herman | NAGAHARA Taizo
Mr. NAGAHARA Taizo, Buyer, Ron Herman


The Ron Herman Sendagaya store, which underwent an expansion and renovation on June 17th, is bustling with customers. As a lifestyle-oriented shop that offers more than just clothing and accessories, with the newly established 'RH Cafe' and the 'R' corner proposing beach lifestyles, its worldview has been elevated. This season's menswear theme is 'Trip to Cornwall.' The unique concept, typical of Ron Herman, imagines Mr. Ron Herman traveling to Cornwall, a famous surf spot at the southwestern tip of England, in search of good waves.