A Recommendation for Daily Suits

Liquor, woman & tears, an unusual presence that, in a way, is surprisingly part of the United Arrows group. Despite its rather eccentric brand lineup, this shop boasts a large number of fervent supporters, and its discerning selection draws attention even from within the industry.

One of the brands contributing to this is The Stylist Japan®, a rising label helmed by stylist Atsushi Okubo. Here, Okubo and Motohiro Kogi, director of Liquor, woman & tears, who share a connection that transcends generations, discuss all things related to "suits." Let's begin with the origins of The Stylist Japan.

OkuboAfter making the button-down shirts, the next step was 'suits,' but I wanted something for daily wear—something you could wear every day. But I also considered using fabrics you wouldn't normally associate with suits, or perhaps making them like the pants I always wear, like Ben Davis or Dickies. That would be impossible, wouldn't it? (laughs)
I thought it was impossible, but when I asked them to find fabrics, they first presented an incredibly thick twill fabric called 'Oni-Katsuragi' – 'Oni' meaning 'ogre,' suggesting it was as thick as an ogre's head! (laughs) If that was the case, I thought I had to make it with an impossibly precise construction to make it interesting, so I commissioned one of Japan's leading sewing factories. But the ogre-like thick twill kept breaking the sewing machine needles! (laughs) The factory said they never wanted to do it again! (laughs)
But the 'Oni-Katsuragi' suits were incredibly well-received.

On this day, Okubo was also wearing a shirt with a subtle, exquisite charm.

OkuboChambray shirts are an absolute must. With these, even a Pucci tie doesn't look vulgar. The fact that it's a chambray shirt with a button-down collar is what makes it great.

From the perspective of a shop that connects various brands with customers, what kind of presence does The Stylist Japan hold for you, and what does Okubo represent to you?

KogiI always thought he looked cool when I saw him in the United Arrows press room. I think the hint of vulgarity is a key point (laughs).

OkuboA certain vulgarity seeps through, doesn't it? (laughs)

KogiOkubo has worn so many different clothes over the years, and I feel like he's trying to convey that to younger people in an easily understandable way... perhaps that's his perspective. The Stylist Japan is the same; until now, there weren't suits that younger people could 'step into.' I feel he's like an older brother figure who picks up on those things.

OkuboIt's all about how you mix them, right? Stylishly. But that's difficult, you know (laughs).

KogiMixing classic and designer pieces with a street sensibility, rooted in 'black music' like R&B and hip-hop—that's the theme of Liquor, woman & tears.



Indeed, for younger people, suits have a distinctly different meaning than as work attire for professionals.

OkuboDaily suits. I want to wear a suit every day! You know, with elbows showing, wrinkles on the sleeves, and knees showing. Pockets bulging with things inside. Something that looks like it has a bit of lived-in feel. That kind of suit is, in a way, the best for me.

But those suits are tailored in one of Japan's leading sewing factories. They have to be well-made from the start.

OkuboThey're made beautifully, you see (laughs).

(Note) Sta-Prest / Stapleless
The so-called Sta-Prest series, made from a cotton-polyester blend, was produced from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. It was popular among many people at the time as wrinkle-free pants.



Liquor,woman&tears items can be purchased on the web shopping magazine "Rumors."