The Mixed-Use Building CoSTUME NATIONAL Aoyama Complex (CNAC) Also Opens Simultaneously!

Founded in 1986, CoSTUME NATIONAL is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Ennio Capasa's designs, described as "Edgy Chic," have created numerous trends and movements, including "minimal" and "androgynous." In its manufacturing, the brand consistently prioritizes authenticity, continuing to produce high-quality clothing backed by the traditional tailoring techniques of "made in Italy." Simultaneously, it actively incorporates the latest technologies, such as laser cutting, constantly pioneering new frontiers in fashion. Its innovative spirit knows no bounds.



First is CoSTUME NATIONAL Aoyama, literally the brand's flagship store. Ennio Capasa himself directed the shop's design. An operational plan and services befitting a full-scale relaunch have been prepared, including the release of Aoyama store-exclusive items and unique services for loyal customers.





Within CNAC, numerous contemporary artworks are displayed, including Patrick Blanc's commission work, as well as pieces by William Kentridge, Wilhelm Sasnal, Shaun Landers, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and others.

The Concept Behind CNAC: "Tornados"

The mixed-use facility CNAC (CoSTUME NATIONAL Aoyama Complex), comprising three spaces, aims to create a new hub for bidirectional communication, transmitting high-quality content across numerous fields. This concept is expressed by the term "Tornados." Tornados, on their periphery, create chaos, drawing in and absorbing everything around them, while at their center, they create a state of concise, refined order known as the "Eye of Tornados." This corresponds to "self-organization" in complex systems science.

CNAC, centered around the CoSTUME NATIONAL flagship store, acknowledges the difficulty of creating and disseminating new culture towards Tokyo's and Japan's uncertain and challenging future. Nevertheless, it challenges itself to create a space for discussing what constitutes the next value, traversing chaos and order like a "Tornado." Isn't this incredibly exciting?

COMMENTS FROM CREATORS

The events of 3.11 were symbolic for me and are still ongoing. Therefore, I hope to provide energy to the people of Japan, however small my contribution, and to receive energy in return. Regarding creation, I intend to incorporate technology more and more. It's a fusion of Italian tradition and the future. We also have items exclusive to the Aoyama store. A new shopping experience awaits you here. Please enjoy your time in this space."


However, in this vertical garden, the main artist is the plant. The artistic aspect is secondary. This is because I use rare plants from places like Colombia and the Amazon, but they are all arranged based on their ecosystems. What grows below, what grows above – it's all a natural representation of nature as seen in the wild. I simply provide water for the plants (laughs). I developed the wall material myself. It's currently the best. It's made from compacted felt scraps of French polyamide and polyester. It's a synthetic material. This kind of fusion also occurs in nature. Nature itself is art."


The idea is that garments seen from afar gradually disappear as you approach, and by the time you can see the details, only one remains. This is my first time considering the space for clothing, but I was struck by the natural and beautiful relationship between material and form in Ennio's clothes, so I wanted to create a similar relationship. I utilized the tension created by fixing ribbons at staggered points between the ceiling and floor. Unlike architecture, clothing effectively utilizes such tension, and I applied that concept. While it may appear decorative at first glance, it's a catenary curve, a line of mechanics. I hope people can associate it with various images, such as the forelock of hair or whalebone, rather than just one interpretation."

CoSTUME NATIONAL Aoyama Complex
Tel. 03-4335-7772 (CN Japan Inc)