SHIPS | 2011-12 Winter Warm Biz Feature: Ryo Kakizaki, SHIPS Yurakucho Store

SHIPS

2011-12 Winter Warm Biz Special: Ryo Kakizaki of SHIPS Yurakucho

“The Charm of Woolen Yarn, Enhanced with Trendy Themes”

The SHIPS Yurakucho store is located in the Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Ginza area, frequented by businessmen in suits. Ryo Kakizaki, 26, who has been with the company for four years and is in charge of dress tailoring, says, “Woolen ties are easy to incorporate into Warm Biz. They create a three-dimensional V-zone and are popular for their texture that deepens with use. It’s also a characteristic of this store that many men enjoy styling each item, starting with ties, then shirts, knits, and jackets.”

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photos by HOZUMI Hitomi (fixakey)

Colors and patterns are subdued with business scenes in mind, while subtly incorporating trendy themes.

“The SHIPS Yurakucho store attracts a relatively older male clientele compared to other SHIPS stores,” says Kakizaki. “We see a variety of men, from those who wear suits impeccably to those who work in a more casual, no-tie style. Everyone here enjoys sophisticated fashion.”

Kakizaki notes, “Warm Biz requires both the impression you give to others and the functional comfort of working without air conditioning.” He first selected a jacket from SHIPS’ exclusive “Valditaro” line. Valditaro is an Italian factory brand, and this jacket features an original pattern developed by SHIPS, researched for Japanese body types and designed for ease of wear. “The traditional Italian sartorial handwork is translated into machine production, creating a slim silhouette favored by Japanese men, yet it allows for movement and offers a beautifully clean profile. The material is also high-quality, lightweight, and has a soft finish.”

He recommends a look that combines a jacket made of “woolen yarn,” which conveys a soft warmth visually, with a tab-collar shirt, knitwear, and country boots, subtly embodying SHIPS’ “British Country” theme.

Furthermore, his top outerwear recommendation for this winter is a collaboration coat made with “Balloon Wool,” developed by Ring Jacket. “Balloon Wool is named for its lightweight quality and its tendency to inflate like a balloon when exposed to heat. It offers a soft texture, resists creasing during business trips, and allows for relaxation. Please try it on.”

Kakizaki personally admires Ken Watanabe’s style for dress occasions. “His sophisticated dressing, appropriate for his age, and his overall demeanor are very appealing. The Yurakucho store serves many older customers, and we propose items that are elegant and durable. We hope you’ll also take inspiration from our staff’s styling and enjoy your winter dress style.”

SHIPS Yurakucho
1F, Shin-Yurakucho Bldg., 1-12-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5252-7748
Hours | 11:00–21:00 (Mon–Sat)
11:00–20:00 (Sun, Holidays)
http://www.shipsltd.co.jp/