Simon Taylor on the Appeal of Hankyu Men's Osaka: The Only Shop | WORK NOT WORK
FASHION / MEN
September 11, 2015

Simon Taylor on the Appeal of Hankyu Men's Osaka: The Only Shop | WORK NOT WORK


WORK NOT WORK


WORK NOT WORK's Third Store, First Exclusive Shop in the Kansai Region, Now Open!


Simon Taylor on the Appeal of the Hankyu Men's Osaka Store


Simon Taylor, one of the founders of the globally renowned creative collective "Tomato Studio" based in London, has overseen the creative direction for "WORK NOT WORK," a fashion label originating from London, UK. The brand's first exclusive shop in the Kansai region, "WORK NOT WORK URBAN RESEARCH Hankyu Men's Osaka Store," opened on August 29th.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)




This Autumn/Winter's Theme: "The Mariner"


WORK NOT WORK crafts its collections with a playful, free spirit, paying homage to the artisans and laborers of the early 20th century. This autumn/winter, the theme is "The Mariner."

"The Mariner collection looks to the vast seven seas, from the equator to the poles, and the people who inhabit them. While continuing to draw from artisanal clothing and classic menswear, we express a 'voyage narrative' through the collection," explains Taylor regarding this season's theme.

The Hankyu Men's Osaka store's interior design was personally supervised by Simon Taylor himself. This special space, where "intellect, courtesy, and creativity converge," offers a rich selection of wardrobes, accessories, and lifestyle goods that embody the season's theme, "The Mariner."

WORK NOT WORK | Hankyu Men's Osaka

WORK NOT WORK | Hankyu Men's Osaka


A "Studio" Space Also Integrated Within the Shop


"The Hankyu store incorporates our core WORK NOT WORK concepts—workshop (intellect), gentleman's club (courtesy), and library (creativity)—along with a new space we call the 'studio'," says Taylor.

"This studio space is for holding exhibitions and visualizing ongoing projects. For the grand opening, we are presenting an exhibition themed around 'Indigo,' featuring clothing and objects. This space will evolve with new exhibitions every two to three months. Please do introduce it to your friends," he adds, sharing his aspirations.

WORK NOT WORK | Hankyu Men's Osaka

WORK NOT WORK | Hankyu Men's Osaka


When asked about his top recommended items for this season, Taylor replied, "There are several key pieces this season. For example, the 'Poacher' (jacket), which we've released every season since the brand's inception, appears with stitchwork creating a border pattern. This often brings the 'strong material feel' we seek in our creations. Another notable item is the leather pea coat. It's a very limited production item, but I believe it will be a lifelong treasure for its owner."

Simon on the "City and People of Osaka"


Regarding his impressions of Osaka and its people, Taylor commented, "I've visited Osaka many times and have wonderful friends in and around the city. Even if they aren't Japanese, I can clearly see that Osaka has a very unique character. What's particularly interesting is that the majority of Japanese comedians are from Osaka. There's a sociable, slightly cheeky attitude there, and for some reason, I think it works well."

The Hankyu Men's Osaka store features a space for stimulating exhibitions showcasing clothing inspired by artisans, which WORK NOT WORK resonates with, as well as original cider created through collaborations that garnered attention at the opening. Here, one can experience new culture emanating from fashion.

WORK NOT WORK | Hankyu Men's Osaka

WORK NOT WORK | Hankyu Men's Osaka


Additionally, a fourth WORK NOT WORK shop opened on September 11th on the first floor of "Shin-Shizuoka Cerca," the station building of Shin-Shizuoka Station on the Shizuoka Railway.

WORK NOT WORK URBAN RESEARCH Hankyu Men's Osaka Store
7-10 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 5F Hankyu Men's Osaka
Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Sat), 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Sun/Holidays) Irregular holidays

Inquiries


WORK NOT WORK URBAN RESEARCH Hankyu Men's Osaka Store


Tel. 06-6313-8757


http://worknotwork.net/