FASHION /
MEN
March 16, 2015
Chapter 4 Interview: Luigi Borrelli Discusses Its Allure – Tatsuya Nakamura of Beams
A long-established brand that can reflect the times in its fabrics, collar styles, and sizing.
Tatsuya Nakamura, Manager and Creative Director of BEAMS Men's Division
BEAMS has been handling shirts since Luigi Borrelli first arrived in Japan about 17 or 18 years ago. Recently, we have also started purchasing heavier garments such as jackets. The BEAMS Marunouchi store, which caters to many adult customers, offers a selection of shirts, ties, and jackets.
Tatsuya Nakamura of BEAMS recalls visiting the Luigi Borrelli factory for the first time 13 years ago, where they proudly stated, "We make the best shirts in the 'South'." Nakamura delves into the charm of Luigi Borrelli.
Photo by Jamandfix
Luigi Borrelli: Continuously Evolving in Italy, the World's Foremost Production Hub
Naples is a city with many small factories, boasting high levels of handmade craftsmanship. Many of these places have consistently produced classic items without change. Among them, Luigi Borrelli excels due to its extensive collection of exclusive and unique fabrics, a variety of collar styles, and body specifications that are refined to be easily worn in line with contemporary trends. Japanese customers, in particular, are sensitive to sizing, so we highly value the brand's forward-thinking approach as a long-established company that can incorporate the spirit of the times, such as by offering unique patterns tailored for the Japanese market.
As the UK's prominence as a fashion production center has waned, and with the expansion of markets in Russia and the Middle East, as well as adapting to the American market, Italy has become a globally anticipated hub capable of producing the world's finest goods, with factories possessing the production capacity to adapt to each market. Within this context, Luigi Borrelli meticulously retains handwork not only in its first line but also in its sportswear line, "Luxury Vintage." This was a point of surprise when I first bought into "Luxury Vintage."
With the opening of Luigi Borrelli's standalone store in Roppongi Hills, I believe it's a wonderful opportunity for many people to see that Luigi Borrelli, which has long been associated primarily with shirts, also offers suits and jackets as part of its collection. I hope customers will enjoy the differences between the direct-managed Roppongi Hills store and our curated selections at our shop.
This season, lightness and softness are heavily emphasized.
For BEAMS' dress styles this spring and summer, the first notable trend is a shift in colors. The popular gray from previous seasons is now moving towards lighter tones, with light gray becoming more prominent. Browns are evolving into beiges and greiges, increasing in brightness. The fabrics are also becoming lighter and softer, allowing for a sense of lightness while retaining a British aesthetic.
In casual wear, the silhouette carries a European flair, but the styling evokes an American feel, which is a new direction. Key items include slip-on shoes, slightly square-toed loafers, white denim, polo shirts, casual jackets, and shorts. Seersucker is already gaining popularity among fabrics, and a style that blends "American with a Latin touch" is leading the trend.
BEAMS
Official Website│http://www.beams.co.jp/