We Live Strongly Through Our Clothes

Director Taichi Shigenobu gained experience in sales at a select shop, product management for a certain collection brand, and VMD after graduating high school. Designer Hiroyaki Hamada, on the other hand, dropped out of fashion school, worked as a stylist's assistant, and then began making clothes independently by deconstructing vintage items.

—What prompted you to launch the brand "HUM & RAWER"?

We've learned so much from the wonderful clothes of today. I believe people are influenced by various things to build their values and live their lives. We strongly felt the desire to depict and express people through clothing.
I think clothes have many possibilities beyond just wearing them. We want people to experience various elements like music, art, and culture through familiar clothing, and to build a rich outlook on life and live strongly. Especially in times like these, we too are living strongly through our clothes.

—Where do you find the fascination in menswear?

It's about how to express oneself within many constraints. Tradition and tailoring are always at the core. The challenge is how to incorporate and convey elements from street style, culture, music, and various other fields. We want to express how we can propose products that respect the past, embody the present, and connect to the future.

—What are the challenges in menswear?

I think it applies to both menswear and womenswear, but it's about balance. I don't believe we're in an era where simply having a strange appearance is valued. Specifically, in this age of abundant information, we want to increase opportunities for people to experience our clothing firsthand. Being too conservative is dull, and being too avant-garde makes it hard to be accepted.

—The brand's concept is said to be "YAMATOGOE" (Harmony of Sounds). What does that signify?

The process is the most important keyword in our creation. We believe that by understanding and re-examining the essence of things, we can embody the present. Objects with inherent meaning are loved across time and generations, and everyone is captivated by their authentic form. When the "beauty of inevitability" present there harmonizes with our concepts, a more comfortable and rich resonance is achieved. Without losing precious elements of the past, we constantly pursue the creation of new beauty and propose products that bridge the past, present, and future.

Creations That Go Beyond Just Wearing

—What is the theme of your debut collection?

This season's theme is "FARTHER." It's a collection inspired by Jack Kerouac, the American poet and novelist, and one of the representative writers of the Beat Generation, and his work "On The Road." We want people to experience that culture through our collection. We felt that the power to move forward is essential in the present.

—What items would you like to highlight from your debut collection?

The reversible blouson and the reversible coat. They express the duality of human nature on each side. While the exterior has a traditional appearance, the interior has a rebellious, punk image.—We believe we've created something interesting in terms of spirituality, technique, and texture.
The reversible blouson is inspired by Jack Kerouac wearing a swing top over two shirts, designed to look like layered clothing in a single piece.
The reversible coat features a pea coat design on the exterior and a 1950s D-pocket rider's jacket on the interior. The waist is separated, allowing for both long and short wear, and the hood is detachable. By unfastening the snap buttons at the hem, you can also achieve a silhouette similar to a mod coat.

—Then, a message from each of you.

HamadaI hope many people will feel something through this collection. Beyond just fashion, we will continue to strive to create things that go beyond mere wear.

ShigenobuAs we launch this brand, I've been reminded anew that I can't do anything alone. I am grateful every day for the support of my partner and so many others. Though we are a young brand, we will dedicate ourselves and work earnestly.

Inquiries
Porta PR
Tel. 03-5794-8278