Stylist Masayuki Sakurai on the 2015 Pre-Spring Collection | HANKYU MEN'S TOKYO
HANKYU MEN'S TOKYO
“THE STYLE MODE EDITION” 2015 PRE-SPRING COLLECTION
Stylist Kenji Sakurai on the 2015 Pre-Spring Collection (1)
Following the much-talked-about “Pre-Fall Collection” that launched in Autumn 2014, HANKYU MEN'S TOKYO is currently presenting its Pre-Spring Collection, a precursor to the Spring/Summer season. Kenji Sakurai, a popular stylist familiar to OPENERS readers, discusses men's trends for Spring/Summer while reviewing the looks from HANKYU MEN'S “THE STYLE MODE EDITION” 2015 PRE-SPRING COLLECTION.
Photographs by SUZUKI Shimpei (TOP)Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Spring/Summer 2015: “More Real Clothes, More Wearable”
“Pre-collections used to be primarily associated with womenswear. Now, the role of ‘pre’ collections is growing, seamlessly bridging the gap to the main collections for men,” says Sakurai.
“Overall, men's fashion is showing a noticeable shift towards casualization, even within luxury and designer brands. One magazine editor described it as ‘Democratic Luxury,’ and indeed, luxury brands are becoming more accessible. The styling and items are increasingly street-inspired and casual, a trend driven by a generational shift where designers influenced by 80s and 90s street culture are taking the helm. The use of sneakers and backpacks as accents is a prime example of this,” he explains.
Looking at HANKYU MEN'S “THE STYLE MODE EDITION” 2015 PRE-SPRING COLLECTION, Sakurai notes, “There are no tie-up looks; instead, we see sets worn with bare feet or layered with T-shirts, offering a high degree of styling freedom.
The trend of ‘feminine and traditionally based’ that has been prominent in luxury brands for the past few years has completely faded, replaced by a flow of ‘pop, yet masculine and basic’ real clothes. The use of functional and wearable materials, the skillful incorporation of denim and chambray, and bold checks are also part of the trend,” he comments.
Regarding HANKYU MEN'S TOKYO, he comments, “The sheer number of brands and the extensive selection, with a good balance of luxury, designer, and domestic labels, is its appeal. The overall luxurious feel of the store and its ease of navigation are impressive; I often frequent the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors.”
“For the Autumn/Winter 2015-16 season, I'm looking forward to Maison Martin Margiela, designed by John Galliano,” he adds with anticipation.
The photo at the top left is from BOTTEGA VENETA. The hooded tracksuit, made from bleached summer loopback cotton jersey, features an espresso base color with a floral print. The T-shirt with pockets is garment-dyed in Japan, with a palm-colored round neck. High-tech sneakers combining suede, mesh, and Intrecciato calfskin add to the appeal.
The photo at the top center is from GIORGIO ARMANI. The navy and gray color palette embodies Armani's style. Crafted from stretch jersey fabric, this ensemble is suitable for wear during the pre-spring season and even into the main season.
The photo at the top right is from NEIL BARRETT. This collection proposes a sophisticated marine look for pre-spring, featuring a total coordination of high-quality materials.
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HANKYU MEN'S TOKYO
2015 NEW YEAR MERCHANDISE “RED”
Start 2015 Hot with “Red” (2)
The Chinese zodiac for 2015 is乙未 (Kinoto Hitsuji, Year of the Sheep). With significant events like the Hokuriku Shinkansen opening in March, the Milan Expo in May, and the FIFA Women's World Cup in June, this year is packed with must-watch happenings. However, the item to focus on for a strong start is “red.” At HANKYU MEN'S, red is the chosen color for the New Year, symbolizing auspiciousness and popularity among international tourists. New arrivals, particularly from popular brands featured at Garage D.EDIT on the 4th floor of HANKYU MEN'S TOKYO, will be presented in exclusive red colorways.
Photographs by jamanadfixText by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Choose “Red” for a Striking New Year
Red evokes a myriad of positive associations: energy, passion, positivity, excitement, activity, victory, and love. Brighter shades, in particular, are said to invigorate people, encouraging them to be proactive and action-oriented.
Color psychology is a field that explores how colors influence human physiology and mental states. For instance, wearing red underwear is believed to stimulate the body more than wearing white or black, potentially increasing blood pressure and body temperature, and inducing a feeling of warmth.
Furthermore, red symbolizes vitality and life force. It is said that viewing or wearing red when feeling down or lacking energy can naturally uplift one's mood, helping to restore a bright and positive outlook.
In China, red is a consistently popular color, symbolizing good fortune. Written as “紅” (hóng), it represents joy, happiness, and prosperity.
Embrace the Key Color for 2015
The photo at the top left is from KENZO, featuring the brand's iconic “Tiger” sweatshirt. A Spring/Summer 2015 colorway will be available.
The photo at the top center is from BRIGHT THINGS. This set includes an MA-1 bomber jacket and shorts made from high-density nylon with a light water-repellent finish. The original paisley pattern, featuring the brand's iconic rose motif, adds a lustrous touch to the classic impression. This WINE color is an exclusive to HANKYU.
The photo at the bottom right is from MAISON KITSUNE. They are offering their popular, classic college-style sweatshirt in an exclusive colorway.
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