ESTNATION | Masayuki Sakurai Wears Lat 40.8

ESTNATION

Ahead of its Autumn/Winter 2010 debut, discover this noteworthy new leather brand!

Stylist Kenji Sakurai Wears "Lat 40.8"

The first rider's jackets, vests, and blousons from "Lat 40.8," a new men's leather brand, have arrived from Italy, where the brand is produced. Stylist Kenji Sakurai wore them for several weeks prior to the shoot. "The leather is incredibly soft, the fit is superb, and above all, the cost performance is outstanding," says Sakurai. Be sure to check them out at ESTNATION stores, available for exclusive limited release worldwide.

Text by OPENERSPhoto by JAMANDFIX

A Noteworthy Men's Leather Brand Meaning "40.8 Degrees North Latitude"

The men's leather brand "Lat 40.8" made its debut at ESTNATION faster than at any other select shop or department store worldwide. While its official full debut is for the Autumn/Winter 2010 season, buyers from renowned overseas select shops have already begun to take notice since its first exhibition.

"Lat 40.8" is an ambitious new leather brand with a factory in the Campania region of Southern Italy, handling all processes within Europe. The brand name signifies "40.8 degrees North Latitude."

Inside the factory

Milan Showroom

Using delicate, soft sheep and goat leather as a base, the material is meticulously tanned with "carnauba wax" and then heat-treated. This process creates a unique texture with an aged look, as if worn for several years. While retaining an edgy, robust feel, the beautiful silhouette and contemporary fit are truly remarkable, as expected from an Italian creation.

The Enjoyment of Aging Creates a Deeper Affection for Leather

Stylist Sakurai comments, "For me, the most important thing in leather is a comfortable feel that clings to the skin. I prefer a slim design, and the balance of the length on this Lat 40.8 rider's jacket is just right. The zippers are also a good size and serve as a design accent."

Depending on the tanning method, leather can sometimes feel rustic, but this has a modern sheen. The sleeves and pocket openings already show signs of wear, giving it a look as if it's been worn for years. Upon closer inspection, the contrast stitching and inseam stitching are fine and exhibit a refined design.

ESTNATION | "Lat 40.8" Worn by Stylist Kenji Sakurai 1

Stylist Kenji Sakurai Wears "Lat 40.8" 2

The leather vest is currently trending when worn as an inner layer for a spring coat. As it's a strong standalone piece, denim is the ideal pairing for the bottoms. Leather and denim are a classic combination, and wearing them in a standard way looks cool.

Leather's appeal lies in its ability to take on various characters through its color and texture, depending on the processing. My closet is full of leather jackets (laughs). Through the aging process in my relationship with the garment, it becomes my own as I wear it.—That's where the affection for the leather develops," he says.

ESTNATION | "Lat 40.8" Worn by Stylist Kenji Sakurai 3

ESTNATION | "Lat 40.8" Worn by Stylist Kenji Sakurai 4

The three items that have arrived in Japan—the rider's jacket, vest, and blouson—are being released exclusively and ahead of the rest of the world at ESTNATION and the online store rumors. They are currently available at ESTNATION's Yurakucho store (1st floor), Roppongi Hills store (1st floor), and Ginza store (basement 1st floor).