FASHION /
MEN
March 4, 2015
Chapter 4 Interview: Luigi Borrelli on His Appeal, with Ken Igarashi of Isetan
When you delve into the essence of shirts, you arrive at Luigi Borrelli.
Igarashi Ken, Buyer of Dress Shirts and Ties, Men's Department 1, Isetan MD Planning Department
The "Shirts & Ties Corner" on the first floor, renovated in 2003 as the Isetan Men's Building, has continued to achieve strong sales. Luigi Borrelli shirts and ties are also available in a wide variety, including Isetan's exclusive items.
We asked Ken Igarashi, the buyer in charge, who says, "We were able to introduce the brand after repeatedly approaching them" during the renovation, about the appeal of Luigi Borrelli.
photo by Jamandfix
Strengthening partnerships with brands that pursue the essential
Even before the 2003 renovation, products that presented authenticity and high quality, regardless of brand, for essential men's style items like shoes and ties were well-received by many customers.
In the renovation, based on this situation, we strengthened our partnerships with brands that pursue the essential in shirts, ties, shoes, and bags. By establishing a large corner for shirts and ties on the first floor, we are well-equipped to handle presentations essential for creating style, as well as gift demand. Luigi Borrelli is one of those brands that is unavoidable when you delve into the essence of shirts.
At Isetan, Luigi Borrelli is highly popular as a tool for self-expression or for those who desire to wear high-quality items. Conservative colors and patterns tend to be preferred. At first glance, the styles and patterns are orthodox, but our buying strategy focuses on items where originality can be felt in the subtle color coordination.
This season at Isetan, we are offering shirts with a unique fabric texture and ties in bright, light colors such as sax blue and beige.
Shirts that feel stress-free to wear and ties that are easy to knot
The appeal of Luigi Borrelli lies not only in the high level of product perfection but also, from personal experience, the shirts are very comfortable to wear, and the ties are easy to knot.
The shirts, tailored to "allow the wearer to feel most relaxed," feature hand-stitching in areas that experience tension when the body moves, and are created with a highly constructive approach. For ties, while normal sewing involves placing and stitching pieces horizontally or diagonally, Luigi Borrelli stitches them vertically down the center. It's a very delicate and difficult process, but this unique sewing method and the finishing ironwork result in ties with a pleasing fullness that are easy to knot.
Both the shirts and ties are meticulously crafted with sound reasoning in every detail, which is why they are highly favored not only by fashion enthusiasts but also by those who simply appreciate comfort and ease of use, remarking, "These shirts feel great to wear," or "This tie is easy to knot."
Fabio Borrelli shifts focus to pursuing visual beauty
Naples is a town with a masculine and elegant feel, and it's true that many men there are narcissistic. The current president, Fabio, is the ultimate narcissist, starting with designing his own body. When I visit him for buying, he talks more about strength training than shirts (laughs). Perhaps it's the local culture that emphasizes visual beauty.
Fabio's father, Luigi, was a reserved craftsman, embodying the quintessential Italian shirtmaker. However, under Fabio's leadership, there has been a rapid shift towards pursuing visual beauty.
The foundational craftsmanship for both shirts and ties was largely perfected during his father's era, so now, "how it looks" is becoming increasingly important. I am paying close attention to Luigi Borrelli's evolution as they add visual appeal to their renowned comfort.
Isetan
Official Website│http://www.isetan.co.jp/