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March 2, 2015
UNITED ARROWS | Buyer Shoji Uchiyama's Top Pick: "This is This Season's Masterpiece"
UNITED ARROWS
UNITED ARROWS Buyer Shoji Uchiyama's Top Pick
This Season's Masterpiece!
With "eternal keywords" like suits, jackets, and sets for dressing up, UNITED ARROWS buyer Shoji Uchiyama says, "I procure items that I find appealing at the time and consider styling." This time, he introduces "notable items recommended from early summer through summer vacation."
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)Photographs by HARA Emiko
UNITED ARROWS' Cherished Items for Summer
"I love suits, jackets, and sets. For this spring and summer, I recommend styles incorporating beautiful colors. For example, choosing footwear rooted in American culture feels both realistic and fresh," says Uchiyama. This time, he highlights items developed through "UNITED ARROWS bespoke" collaborations, reflecting this sentiment.
EXCLUSIVE|ISLAND SLIPPER
UA Bespoke Series: Casual Yet Elegant
Founded in Hawaii by the Japanese couple Sunaga, Island Slipper is a renowned brand that carries on the Japanese zori-making techniques in its comfort. We've been creating special models with them for about three seasons. The key to the UNITED ARROWS bespoke is, first and foremost, the special shape. Based on women's styles, we've adjusted the thong strap to create a UA original that offers a great fit and a smart look suitable for everything from jeans and shorts to slacks. We continue to evolve this by changing materials.
This season, we've created three series: "Neon Color," "Suede," and "Black Formal." The "Black Formal" series, for instance, is a confident creation inspired by resort parties and similar events.
Left: Sandals ¥15,750. Right: Sandals ¥13,650 (UNITED ARROWS)
EXCLUSIVE|Rancourt&Co.
The American Hand-Sewn Shoes I Most Recommend
Rancourt & Co., based in Maine, USA, continues to craft American hand-sewn shoes. They have secured skilled artisans, a rarity in the US today, and produce footwear of exceptionally high quality among existing made-in-USA moccasin factories.
This UNITED ARROWS bespoke features loafers made with Horween's cordovan, finished unlined, in two colors: natural cordovan and the very rare navy. The firm hold of cordovan combined with the lightweight comfort unique to unlined construction makes these perfect for the upcoming season. Their American-made volume and ruggedness add character, and even the stitching is captivating.
Loafers ¥84,000 each (UNITED ARROWS)
EXCLUSIVE|MIKIA
A Masterpiece: "A Glass Cord Full of Masculinity"
"I love necklaces and have worn many kinds, but I've always been intrigued by glass cords (eyeglass chains) for holding glasses. I wondered why there weren't more designs with a masculine feel."
I've long admired the refined use of natural stones by accessory brand MIKIA, and the turquoise bracelet I created about four years ago is still popular. Therefore, I felt MIKIA was the only choice for a glass cord that is both an accessory and functional. We collaborated to create MIKIA's first-ever glass cord. Try pairing it with sunglasses, which you'll be wearing often, or use it when you take off your glasses on a plane or train for a relaxed moment. It's perfect as an accent piece.
Glass cords: Top to bottom ¥15,750, ¥16,800, ¥14,700, ¥14,700 (UNITED ARROWS)
EXCLUSIVE|NUMERO UNO FOR COCKTAIL
The Styling Mantra: "Everyday Party!"
Our collaboration NUMERO UNO FOR COCKTAIL with Hiroshi Ozawa, the head of NUMERO UNO, began about three to four years ago during a freezing Paris January with the idea of "creating something interesting." Ozawa noted, 'UNITED ARROWS already excels in classic formal wear, so let's focus on more playful formal attire.' This led to our exclusive UA collection centered around "playful formal wear."
This season, we've created a terry cloth tuxedo, perfect for parties and ceremonies at resorts or poolside, along with matching shorts. While we've played with the material, we've kept the color classic black. Embrace this playful, more comfortable summer formal wear!
Jacket ¥35,700 (UNITED ARROWS)
EXCLUSIVE|1205
Clothing That Evolves With Every Wear
The designer of 1205 (Twelve O Five) is Paula Gerbase, who studied at Central Saint Martins and trained at the renowned Savile Row tailor Kilgour. She launched her brand about two years ago; 1205 is her birthday and the day she decided to start the brand.
Her designs are fundamentally minimalist, infused with a feminine sensibility and showcasing bespoke tailoring techniques throughout. The harmonious blend of high-quality materials and cutting expertise is a key highlight. She insists on manufacturing in London and other locations within her sight, ensuring uncompromising quality. This year, I wanted to wear military-inspired green elegantly, so I ordered an olive green three-piece suit. It's clothing that truly evolves with every wear.
Jacket ¥54,600 (UNITED ARROWS)
UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building
3-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo B1F-3F
Hours: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 AM - )
Tel. 03-3479-8180
http://www.united-arrows.jp




