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June 7, 2016
Feature | "MADE TO MATCH" — Maya Yoshida on Football | OPENERS Special
Feature | "MADE TO MATCH" — Maya Yoshida on Football | OPENERS Special
A Polished Gentleman: Maya Yoshida in London
Maya Yoshida, a leading Japanese football player, belongs to Southampton FC in the Premier League. OPENERS features him as he clashes with top players worldwide. What is the source of the physical and mental strength that resides within Maya Yoshida? Fashion director Tomoki Sukezane directed and captured his hidden flexibility and polished gentlemanly demeanor, rarely seen, in London. We present "Maya Yoshida—MADE TO MATCH," harboring fighting spirit for the new battles ahead, impeccably dressed in a suit.
Text & Direction by SUKEZANE tomokiHair by ASASHIEdit by KOBAYASHI jun(MOVEMASTER K.K)Cinematography by OGURA yu(ADC,inc)
DUNHILLDUNHILL's London flagship store is known as "BOURDON HOUSE." As its name suggests, it is a flagship shop located on Bourdon Street, renowned as a space that fully satisfies the English gentleman. This "BOURDON HOUSE" was once the residence of the Marquess of Westminster, known for his relationship with Coco Chanel. Gazing at the building's exterior from across the street, one might imagine a British gentleman, impeccably dressed in a top hat and frock coat, stepping out with a cane. The mysterious and solemn atmosphere is sure to overwhelm anyone. In fact, I had been visiting "BOURDON HOUSE" every time I came to London. Inside, it is packed with facilities to "hone one's manliness" beyond just clothing, including a cafe, restaurant, spa, barber, and mini-theater. It is a superb space where one can spend blissful time, so even as a traveler, one cannot help but visit. By the way, my favorite is the shaving at the barber.
This time in London, I met Maya Yoshida, a football player belonging to Southampton FC in the Premier League, for the first time. The moment I saw him, I was stunned by his well-trained, tall physique. He has lived in the UK for four years. Recently, he told me, living near Southampton, "Unlike in Japan, houses here tend to have problems with small details, and it seems the British way is to fix these things little by little as they come." Hearing him say this with a smile conveyed his determination and resolve to establish himself here. During the shoot, his interactions with the staff at "BOURDON HOUSE" (barbers, doormen, tailors, etc.) were incredibly smart, embodying a gentlemanliness that rivaled the British. While feeling a touch of envy, I was convinced he would succeed here. His presence moving through "BOURDON HOUSE," with his un-Japanese physique (nearly 190cm tall!), blended in so seamlessly that one almost forgot he was a foreigner.
This season's Japanese national team suit is a slightly brighter navy. Even a classic style with side vents and a two-button closure looks courageous and modern when worn by a toned athlete. The combination of Maya Yoshida and DUNHILL truly felt MADE TO MATCH.
DUNHILL
www.dunhill.jp