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May 18, 2015
DESIGNWORKS | Buyer's Picks | This Winter, a New Style Proposal for the Working Individual
DESIGNWORKS｜Buyer's Feature
Men's Division Brand Manager, Kazutoshi Kawashiro
This Winter: A New Style Proposal for the Working Individual
At the office, perhaps wearing Tricker's boots. Kazutoshi Kawashiro, Director of DESIGNWORKS, states, "Those who work in an office five days a week might, in fact, consider it their everyday life. However, for the limited styling options within the constraints and objectives of work, this season DESIGNWORKS proposes styles that allow working individuals to enjoy their personal expression within their professional settings."
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Emiko Hara
This season's collection showcases ingenious creations, realized through diverse techniques and arrangements!
Purchase01
"Tricker's for DESIGNWORKS" Lace-up Boots
For this year's wardrobe equation, boots are a direct recommendation.
"While the 'Country' model is synonymous with Tricker's, for these boots, we've replaced the original collection's suede with smooth leather, specified the interior green color, and requested a Dainite sole. Although some companies may prohibit boots, this is a proposal that allows them to be worn like dress shoes if hidden by trousers."
"This year, materials like heavy-weight tweed are popular. When pairing with such fabrics, boots offer a better balance and a more cohesive look. We also have them in brown, so please do try them."
Tricker's for DESIGNWORKS Lace-up Boots ¥63,000 (Tricker's for DESIGNWORKS)
Purchase02
"Gian Franco Bommezzadri for DESIGNWORKS" Knit Jacket
For indoor work, a stress-free jersey jacket is ideal.
"This jacket is designed by an Italian factory that also produces for major luxury houses. Jersey is currently trending for its lightness and ease of wear, but this piece is constructed with a single layer, lacking pads or shoulder wadding. To describe its comfort, it's perhaps better to call it a cardigan with a tailored collar."
"The material has a knit-jacket-like texture, and the fit is slim. With metal buttons adding a preppy touch, it's perfect for office work or evening dates. For coordination, we highly recommend pairing it with very light gray flannel trousers. If a tie is optional, wear it with a white turtleneck or a scarf. It's also available in black."
Gian Franco Bommezzadri for DESIGNWORKS Knit Jacket ¥89,250 (Gian Franco Bommezzadri for DESIGNWORKS)
Purchase03
Double-breasted Chester Coat
A 100% Cashmere Coat Unlike Any Seen Before
"The remarkable feature of this coat is its material: 100% cashmere bonded with hemp in a double-faced construction. While the exterior is plain, a subtle herringbone pattern emerges, a characteristic created by the bonded hemp, lending the material a deep texture."
"Our initial goal was to create a 'lightweight 100% cashmere coat,' but thin cashmere tends to have a very feminine appearance. Therefore, we considered bonding it with a structured material, and experimented with a double-faced construction using hemp, a natural material with low specific gravity."
"Although it appears voluminous at first glance, it is incredibly light when worn. You'll surely be surprised when you try it on. Furthermore, for a 'luxurious material with an elegant look,' we adopted a double-breasted design with parallel button placement, reminiscent of military attire. It also features water-repellent treatment, so you can wear it without worry even on rainy days. It's also available in single-breasted and in black."
Double-breasted Chester Coat ¥304,500 (DESIGNWORKS)
Purchase04
Double-breasted Blazer
A Blazer from 'Half a Step Ahead,' Developed from the Yarn Up with Special Buttons
"Every man owns a blazer, but we wanted to create a 'special blazer,' so we developed the yarn from scratch. It's a cashmere stretch, offering the look and feel of 100% cashmere."
"If you look closely at the buttons, you'll see the fine details of the crest's relief are clearly defined. These brass metal buttons are original to DESIGNWORKS. Typically, the crest is applied afterwards, but this can cause the brass to corrode due to residual steam inside the button. To prevent this, we've incorporated charcoal into these buttons. Furthermore, as a blazer proposed by DESIGNWORKS, it features a slim, elegant silhouette with a drop of approximately 8.5. The slightly longer length and the X-line silhouette for younger individuals represent a forward-looking design. It also has stretch, making it perfect for the office. It's also available in black."
Double-breasted Blazer ¥147,000 (DESIGNWORKS)
Purchase05
2-Way Stretch Jacket
Comfort like Jersey, with a Standard Appearance
"This jacket and slacks are made from a material developed from the yarn, with stretch in both the vertical and horizontal directions, designed for comfort in business settings. We developed the yarn to resemble Saxony fabric, and by adding polyurethane with strong resilience, it resists wrinkles and can be worn frequently for daily use. The slacks, in particular, benefit from the vertical stretch, and you'll notice the difference when you wear them. The concept is 'perfectly ordinary,' but it's a new workwear that we hope will become the standard."
2-Way Stretch Jacket ¥61,950 (DESIGNWORKS)
Kazutoshi KAWASHIRO
Director, DESIGNWORKS
Born in 1962. Began his career in the early days of major select shops, excelling as a buyer and head of various departments. Subsequently, he served as director for overseas brands before taking his current position in 2007.
As a specialist in menswear, he is highly trusted by industry professionals such as fashion magazine editors and stylists.
DESIGNWORKS
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