ESTNATION Roppongi Hills: A Gathering of the Latest Domestic Brands

ESTNATION

Recommended by Joji Kobayashi, Buyer, Men's II Division, ESTNATION

The Latest Domestic Brands Gather

"ESTNATION means 'East's Nation,' signifying our origins. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we're returning to our roots by bringing together Japan's most vibrant and globally-acclaimed designer brands to showcase their allure."—says Joji Kobayashi, Buyer for the Men's II Division at ESTNATION. The ESTNATION Roppongi Hills store is currently hosting "ESTNATION MEN'S AUTUMN FASHION WEEK 2012" until Sunday, September 23rd, featuring a curated selection of popular domestic brands, from Paris Collection mainstays to emerging talents.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by HARA Emiko

This Autumn, Elevate Your Casual Style with Domestic Brands!

Since its inception, ESTNATION has focused on curating European and American brands and developing its own original lines. Building on this unique selection, the store is now introducing highly-regarded domestic brands such as "kolor," "sacai," and "White Mountaineering" for the first time. With a diverse lineup of noteworthy brands, they've launched the new season with rich variety.

Joji Kobayashi, who oversees buying, explains, "While we've carried avant-garde brands by Japanese designers before, for our 10th anniversary, we've gathered brands that truly represent Japan today—like kolor, sacai, and White Mountaineering—each embodying Japanese craftsmanship in materials, design, and fit. We've also introduced brands with distinct personalities for the first time, such as "08sircus," "MARKAWARE," and "BEDWIN & THE HEARTBREAKERS."
We're presenting these collections in a way that allows our ESTNATION customers, accustomed to European and American international designer brands, to fully appreciate their construction, tailoring, and styling."

The response to "ESTNATION MEN'S AUTUMN FASHION WEEK 2012," which began with a party at the Roppongi Hills store on Friday, September 7th, has been overwhelmingly positive. "We're receiving high praise for designs that leverage Japanese sensibility, their excellent practicality, and silhouettes that fit the body perfectly. We aim to continue actively sourcing new and interesting brands and taking on new challenges," Kobayashi states with enthusiasm.

MUST BUY 01 | kolor
Proud Menswear Representing Japan Today

"Once you try them on, you immediately notice the unique textures and fit. The brand captivates wearers with its meticulously crafted details and comfortable fit. While there's an element of playfulness in their material combinations, it's never overdone, which is a key part of their appeal. All the brands we've highlighted have already transcended the domestic label to become international players, and their ability to capture the contemporary zeitgeist is what earns them such high regard abroad. This season, we've curated items that truly showcase kolor's strengths."
Jacket ¥108,150 (kolor / ESTNATION)

MUST BUY 02 | sacai
A Masterful Fusion of Real Clothes and a Unique Worldview

"sacai's wardrobe often features designs that might initially seem charmingly cute, but they possess a distinct character that satisfies even ESTNATION's discerning clientele. It's a brand that epitomizes real clothes, crafted with a contemporary approach. This knitwear, with its Fair Isle pattern, aligns perfectly with this season's theme at ESTNATION, 'CITY CLIMBER,' and is also popular among women. This season, we've stocked many of sacai's iconic pieces, including designs with distinctive paneling, denim shirts, and cut-and-sew items combining cotton and cupro."
Knit ¥48,300 (sacai / ESTNATION)

MUST BUY 03 | White Mountaineering
A Pioneer Brand Proposing a Fashionable Take on Outdoor Wear

We've also acquired White Mountaineering, a pioneering brand in urban outdoor style and a key player in this season's theme. This mountain parka is a fully functional piece made with PERTEX SHIELD DV, a lightweight material that offers excellent water resistance and breathability. Its design masterfully balances practicality and fashion, maintaining a stylish aesthetic. For this season's buying, we've focused on eye-catching items like collection pieces and knits with original patterns that can be enjoyed as part of a coordinated look. Please pay attention to these outdoor items that embody the spirit of the times."
Mountain Parka ¥87,150 (White Mountaineering / ESTNATION)

INFORMATION
OPENERS x ESTNATION Special Catalog Released!

A style book featuring the noteworthy Japanese brands introduced here, coordinated by popular stylist Masayuki Sakurai, will be available in stores starting Friday, September 14th. It showcases the appeal of 10 brands, including kolor and sacai, along with the buyer's best picks and recommendations for seasonal jackets and leather items. It's a comprehensive guide you'll want to pick up at your nearest ESTNATION.

ESTNATION Roppongi Hills Store
6-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Roppongi Hills, Hillside Keyakizaka Complex 1F/2F
Tel. 03-5159-7800 (General Inquiries)
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00, Irregular Holidays

ESTNATION
Tel. 03-5159-7800 (Call Center 11:00 – 21:00)
http://www.estnation.co.jp