FASHION /
FEATURES
February 23, 2015
UNITED ARROWS: Spring/Summer 2012 Men's Buyer's Picks: United Arrows
UNITED ARROWS
UNITED ARROWS Buyer Shoji Uchiyama
The Buyer's Mantra: "Dress Up Anything!"
Umit Benanjacket & vest,Levi's XXand a 1954 model. When asked about the trends for the Spring/Summer 2012 menswear season, Uchiyama shared, "This season, we're actively emphasizing color. Yellow, royal blue, and turquoise are performing exceptionally well, from apparel to accessories, aligning with the season's ethnic and natural themes. As a buyer, it's incredibly rewarding to see our proposals being embraced." The cool, refreshing feel of linen items and bright colors brings a fresh impression to this season's styling.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by HARA Emiko
The Core of Buying: Dress Up & Set Up Everything!
Uchiyama explains, "My keyword for this season is 'effortless pace.' Trends are always present, but the ability to naturally select from them requires a balance that I believe is uniquely Japanese. This time, I've chosen items that embody practicality and craftsmanship, things that feel genuinely human."
MUST BUY! 01
"Effortless Pace" is the Keyword
"This ROSAMONSA is a brand created by a Japanese husband, who studied shoemaking at the prestigious Cordwainers in the UK, and his Austrian wife. Based in Austria, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary this July. I recently visited them and was impressed by their unpretentious approach to craftsmanship, valuing what's in their daily lives. While natural, they incorporate elements like rubber between layers of wood to improve flexibility. These sandals are filled with a human touch and the art & craft sensibility of our times. Just looking at them brings a sense of warmth. I'd pair them with a jacket or a linen suit."
Sandals ¥47,250 (ROSAMONSA / UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building)
MUST BUY! 02
Seeking Sneakers with Refined Style
"These are the New Balance '1500'. This collaboration with New Balance is our first in a long time, and for the '1500,' we've customized the color and materials. New Balance has an intellectual image associated with the East Coast of America, and that sophistication is a major appeal. Gray is the quintessential color, but this time, we wanted to express elegance through a different hue. We've achieved an elegant finish with a beige tone and a reduced mesh on the upper. You could call them 'dressy New Balance.' For the upcoming season, I'd pair them with gray or off-white pants, jeans, or a navy suit."
Sneakers ¥17,640 (New Balance / UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building)
MUST BUY! 03
A Brand Expressing Stylish Practicality
"TSS is a brand I like for its unpretentious feel. These apron pants skillfully blend practicality with coolness, and I find that interpretation fresh. I always admire designer Takuji Suzuki's evolution of the male uniform ideal. His work incorporates a Japanese sensibility for workwear, refined with a delicate touch, resulting in a distinctly cool aesthetic. I'd pair them with a sharp jacket. Since my job involves a lot of walking, I'd use these apron pants to carry essentials like business cards, a digital camera, and my phone, using them as a bag."
Pants ¥19,950, Apron ¥17,850 (TSS / UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building)
MUST BUY! 04
A Kaftan That's Fun to Dress Up
"This is a caftan (long shirt) from Umit Benan. I was drawn to it from the moment I saw it at the showroom and would love to wear it as an inner layer with a jacket and slim pants. Umit's collections, even within casual wear, evoke an '80s vibe, representing a new generation of clothing. The fabric, reminiscent of Japanese indigo dyeing or kasuri, has a pleasant, smooth texture, making it practical for summer. Please try incorporating it as a new styling option. It's a garment that transforms masculinity and offers a rewarding challenge for dressing up."
Caftan ¥54,600 (Umit Benan / UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building)
MUST BUY! 05
Our Top Pick: Batik Print
"MAND is a brand I love and purchase from every season. This season, my top recommendation is this jacket with an original batik print. It embodies MAND's signature 'elegance for daily wear,' ensuring a sophisticated look no matter how it's styled. Its unpretentious, relaxed feel also aligns with my focus on practicality. That's what I admire about it. The quality fabric and solid tailoring techniques are evident, making it a jacket I'll reach for when I want to feel naturally myself."
Jacket ¥59,850 (MAND / UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building)
MUST BUY! 06
47s and 66s are great, but for dressing up, choose the 54!
"I've recently been reminded that there's a reason why certain items endure. Classics like Levi's and Alden are essential for me. While the 47 and 66 models of Levi's XX are popular, I also recommend the 54 model. I favor the 54 model because I believe it's the most suitable 501XX to pair with a jacket. Its thigh width, the clean fit around the waist, the natural taper, and the narrower hem compared to other models are key features. They pair well with any shoe, and I also love them because they can be worn like slacks."
Jeans ¥29,925 (Levi's Vintage Clothing / UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building)
UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building
3-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo B1F-3F
Hours | 12:00-20:00 (Weekends & Holidays 11:00-)
Tel. 03-3479-8180
http://www.united-arrows.jp





