FASHION /
MEN
August 3, 2015
GARBSTORE | Exclusive Release of Custom-Order G-SHOCK by rumors!
GARBSTORE
GARBSTORE: A Concept Brand Arrives from London
Exclusive GARBSTORE x G-SHOCK Release at rumors!
GARBSTORE, the concept brand that landed in London, is releasing a new collaboration G-SHOCK, its iconic item, exclusively at rumors. Here, we speak with designer Ian Paley about the concept brand GARBSTORE and the special-order G-SHOCK.
Text by OPENERSPhoto by TAKADA Midzuho (Steel)
Reproduction of Imagination (Creation)
GARBSTORE, a concept brand from London, was launched in 2007 by designer Ian Paley, who previously worked as a senior designer at Paul Smith, overseeing R.Newbold and Paul Smith Jeans. Many may recognize Ian Paley as the founder of "One True Saxon."
GARBSTORE has already begun to be carried by select shops in Japan. Its items, which adapt authentic outdoor mountain parkas for urban wear, have garnered attention and made it a known entity among the fashion-conscious. The brand proposes sophisticated casual wear by adding details, not by altering the original form of the clothing, but by using high-quality materials and refined tailoring techniques. What is the philosophy behind GARBSTORE?
—What is the brand concept?
I had been thinking about starting a brand for a long time and always wanted to have my own shop, so launching GARBSTORE allowed me to achieve both simultaneously. Our philosophy is "unfamiliar Vintage." We use vintage-style Japanese fabrics to create collections that feel as if they could have existed before. It's a kind of "reproduction of imagination (creation)." I focus on what I consider Englishness, the English style, and incorporate the style of France, our closest neighbor. I myself spend a lot of time in the South of France and I like the style of the farmers in that region.
—What is the theme for this season?
I usually develop ideas based on a phrase or a word. This season's theme is "Men who did"—a nod to the traditional British ethos of moving forward without hesitation. The items inspired by Britain's great industrialists also stem from this.
Originally for Tie Cases, Not Watches
GARBSTORE offers a wide range of products beyond Paley's menswear, including womenswear and children's lines. The three-story London shop features different lineups on each floor, and of course, a rich selection of accessories. Among these, a new model has arrived in the collaboration G-SHOCK watches, which are becoming a staple of the brand. This time, it will be released exclusively at rumors.
—What was the design concept?
The creation of G-SHOCKs for GARBSTORE was initiated by an invitation from them, but since I was a G-SHOCK collector before, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. For this piece, I drew inspiration from old pilot tie cases and the phrase "in the seats of mighty." This phrase was awarded to outstanding Spitfire pilots in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. First, we remade the tie case in a British factory, and designed the watch with a military feel. I really like this case. It's originally for tie cases, not watches (laughs).
The watch face design resembles aircraft instrumentation. These details, along with the matte texture, volume, and moss green color combination, create a military aesthetic, yet it remains chic rather than overly casual. The GARBSTORE logo on the side and the design theme "in the seats of mighty" serve as effective accents. As we head into seasons where attention to accessories becomes key, what kind of style does GARBSTORE propose?
—What style does GARBSTORE propose?
Don't unify all your items with a single brand; create your own style by incorporating at least one vintage piece. Accessories like this G-SHOCK are also great for expressing individuality. The key is to avoid looking like you're wearing a costume. Lately, it seems like a pantomime-like way of dressing is becoming a trend. Fortunately, both the British and Japanese know how to mix and match.
At GARBSTORE, we welcome anyone interested in our items, but we aspire to be a brand cherished by those who appreciate the quality of materials and design, rather than just chasing trends.
—The "GARBSTORE x G-SHOCK LIMITED EDITION" is an exclusive release at rumors. Embrace originality with items you can't find anywhere else.
Ian Paley
After honing his skills in design and creative management for R.Newbold and Paul Smith Jeans as a senior designer at Paul Smith in London, he launched his own brand, "One True Saxon," in 1998, gaining immense support from football fans. In 2007, he unveiled his new concept brand, "GARBSTORE." His collections, imbued with a pursuit of and love for quality casual wear, express "true value, roots, and lessons worth heeding." The following year, 2008, he opened his flagship store in London's Portobello district.