Why Was I Chosen?

Earlier this year, Motofumi "Poggy" Kogi was named one of the "25 Most Influential People in Menswear" by style.com, and was also selected as one of the "100 People of the Year" by HYPEBEAST, an online media outlet that curates and disseminates contemporary fashion and street culture from around the world. He is rapidly becoming a key figure in global men's fashion.

The *Vanity Fair* list selects stylish individuals from around the globe, with the final list determined through a subsequent voting system.

—What were your thoughts when you learned you were nominated for *Vanity Fair*'s annual "International Best-Dressed List"?

Looking at the list, it includes many stars and celebrities from the entertainment and fashion worlds, so I was genuinely surprised, wondering why me, and why me alone as a Japanese person.

—Why do you think you were included on the list?

I often hear that "my Instagram is interesting." After attending the "Sartorialist Dinner" hosted by Scott Schuman (photographer behind "THE SARTORIALIST") three years ago, I found myself being photographed more often, and I feel like things have changed somewhat since then.


—Your Instagram has a large number of followers; do you feel its influence?

I frequently travel to Europe and America, and recently, I've been going to Asia a lot. The other day, in an Asian country, a complete stranger approached me, saying, "I follow your Instagram." I have just under 50,000 followers, but that seems to be a significant number within the men's fashion community.

Why I Love Instagram

—Why do you post on Instagram?

Initially, I used Facebook, but with Facebook, when you post something, people comment or like it, making the interactions conversational and dialogical. Instagram feels much snappier in those aspects, and the communication feels lighter.

At first, I posted photos of people I wanted to meet, but now, if something interesting happens abroad, I can upload it instantly. There's also the joy of being able to share things quickly. However, as my follower count has grown, I've become more cautious, ensuring that what I convey is understood by people around the world in the way I intend.

—It's said that your "hats" have become an icon.

Yes, when I'm not wearing a hat overseas, people seem to notice. I often wear a jacket with a T-shirt and sneakers, or pair a jacket with sportswear, and then add a hat. People say that's "Poggy's style."


—Is "POGGYTHEMAN," your original label debut from UNITED ARROWS & SONS, also inspired by that style?

Incidentally, today I'm wearing a jacket featuring graphics by LA-based visual artist Cali Thornhill DeWitt, a collaboration titled "DRx × Cali Thornhill DeWitt × POGGYTHEMAN." I've paired it with a T-shirt from "Keith," a shop in New York that I highly recommend right now. "POGGYTHEMAN" allows me to create street-inspired pieces with UNITED ARROWS' quality, which is incredibly enjoyable.

UNITED ARROWS & SONS
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