TOMORROWLAND | Buyer Feature | Only Authentic Men's Clothing That Can Be Cherished Endures

TOMORROWLAND | TOMORROWLAND

Daisuke Nakajo, General Manager of TOMORROWLAND Men's Division

Only Authentic Items That Inspire Affection Endure

“Local production for local consumption” and “Going my way” are the keywords today, according to Daisuke Nakajo of TOMORROWLAND. “In an era without a single dominant trend, these two points are crucial for how we engage with clothing. Materials that can only be produced in a specific region, or products that can only be made here, are authentic, reflecting the history and culture of that place. And I am moved when I encounter clothes that convey the designer's intent, allowing them to express their creativity.” he says.

Text by OPENERSPhotos by Emiko Hara

Encounters with the "Uncommon" and the Thrill of Creation

“In this age of abundant goods, many are made with ease, but a ‘personal trend’ leads to affection. In my buying, I value the feeling of wanting to buy from a particular person or work with them, and in doing so, only quality items remain. While marketing is important, I often buy with respect for a designer's original, even idiosyncratic, creations. These are truly moving clothes, and such encounters heighten one's sensitivity,” says Nakajo.

Purchase01
J.M. Weston Bespoke Suede Chelsea Boots
An Elegant Aura That Feels Uniquely Crafted

“This spring, we carried J.M. Weston loafers, and for fall, we commissioned a bespoke version of the timeless Chelsea boot, commonly known as the side-gore boot.”

“Smooth leather black side-gore boots are worn worldwide, but they feel too familiar, limiting styling options, and I personally dislike them. However, this design is so perfect it requires no alteration; it's superb.
This time, we commissioned a bespoke version in beautiful brown suede, with a contrasting elastic gore for an elegant combination. Please experience the elegant, uncommon feel of Weston's masterpiece boots.”
J.M. Weston Bespoke Suede Chelsea Boots ¥107,100 (TOMORROWLAND)

Purchase02
Belvest Double-Faced Coat
Lightweight, Supple, and Tailored to the Times

“This double-faced wool coat is a design Belvest used to make. A Belvest staff member was wearing one, and when I asked, ‘Don’t you make these anymore?’, they initially dismissed me, saying, ‘It’s simply too labor-intensive, and there are few people who can make them now.’”

“We insisted, ‘You absolutely must make this this year,’ and managed to revive it exclusively. It turned out so well that when Belvest presented it at Pitti Uomo this year, inquiries poured in from buyers worldwide. We agreed to global distribution, but in Japan, it is sold only at TOMORROWLAND. There are hardly any factories left that can sew this kind of double-faced construction. It's handmade, lightweight, supple, and perfectly matches the current era. It comes in three colors: navy, gray, and beige.”
Belvest Double-Faced Coat ¥199,500 (TOMORROWLAND)

Purchase03
PIOMBO Corduroy Double-Breasted Jacket
A Superb Creation That Has Finally Found Its Moment

“PIOMBO is a brand that exemplifies clothing that is neither classic nor purely fashion-forward. I've been watching them for a long time; their collections are impressive, but they struggled to translate that into successful products. With a change in their structure, they have become much more accessible.”

“Massimo Piombo, the designer, is a genius in creating materials, color palettes, and combinations. He can also style and even envision retail spaces. His strong commitment makes him a valuable figure in classic menswear. This corduroy jacket, made with a soft corduroy and garment-dyed for a unique softness, is another 'uncommon' piece. The mustard color, born from a dedicated approach to garment making, showcases the brilliance of his creation. Pair it effortlessly with washed denim.”
PIOMBO Double-Breasted Jacket ¥76,650 (TOMORROWLAND)

Purchase04
Monsieur René Knitwear
A Perfect Blend of Classic, Playful, and Feminine for Today

“This knitwear is from ‘Monsieur René,’ a brand created by a woman named Garance Brocca. Apparently, Monsieur René was a poet, and she chose the name because she admired his philosophy and fashion sense.”

“This French brand marks its first season with TOMORROWLAND. The designer, who has a long history of creating knitwear for major fashion houses, has a passion for clothing that inspired my purchase. This is an alpaca 100% shawl cardigan, knitted in Peru with Peruvian alpaca – truly local production. The warmth of hand-knitting is palpable. A charming detail is the detachable placket, which can be worn like a scarf around the neck. It balances classic elements with a playful touch and a feminine sensibility that feels perfectly suited to the times.”
Monsieur René Knitwear ¥49,350 (TOMORROWLAND)

Purchase05
CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE Shawl Coat
The Brand I Adore Most Right Now

“This is a shawl coat, essentially a caftan. Christophe Lemaire recently visited Japan for Hermès' work and expressed a desire to see stores, so he came to our Marunouchi branch. I had been buying Lemaire's pieces personally for some time, but his boutique in the Marais district of Paris, which I visited last winter, was exceptional. Though small, it conveyed his vision and felt incredibly comfortable. Seeing the collection there, I knew this was the clothing I had been seeking. These are garments for seasoned individuals, and it was a long time since I had been so moved.”

“This short coat, like a Japanese kimono, has a flat construction, but the drape of the fabric is meticulously calculated, creating a beautiful silhouette that only a flat design can achieve. It truly feels like something you wear, and personally, it’s my current favorite. Lemaire is currently drawing inspiration from a train journey across China from Mongolia for his creations. He masterfully transforms the traditional caftan into a modern piece, with genius in the fabric, cut, and silhouette. Wearing it offers a sense of personal reward and luxury, making it a garment that converts you into a devoted fan.”
CHRISTOPHE LEMAIRE Shawl Coat ¥68,250 (TOMORROWLAND)

“The top I'm wearing today is from ‘Daniela Gregis,’ a brand from Bergamo, Italy, a region renowned for its linen production. Her originality lies in the atmosphere of her creations and her meticulous approach to craftsmanship. Although produced in very small quantities, I wear her pieces because I resonate with her mindset and the way she makes clothes. Unfortunately, TOMORROWLAND does not currently carry the brand. The pants are from a wonderful London store called ‘Egg,’ and they are a classic silhouette. They pair well with everything, so I wear them with affection.”

Daisuke NAKAJO
General Manager, Men's Division, TOMORROWLAND

After serving as the first store manager of TOMORROWLAND Marunouchi and as a men's buyer, he assumed his current role in 2009.

TOMORROWLAND
0120-983-522
http://www.tomorrowland.jp/