Relaxed Fit, Surprisingly Easy to Style!

—The length of these T-shirts is quite distinctive, isn't it?



UekiYes, it is.

TodaIt's a lovely design, too. The hem is rounded like a shirt. And because the lines are relaxed, it's comfortable to wear.

UekiRight. Once you wear something long, you can't go back to regular lengths. The other members I work with also exclusively wear long items.

—Is this trend originating in Europe and America?

UekiThe oversized styling from Black culture and the trend of big sizes from high fashion are overlapping. While the width is slim, the length is elongated. Even in fast fashion, most items are longer this season.

TodaHowever, overtly long styles are a bit much for adults, so we found a good balance. For the women's version, we've also made the neckline wider. Of course, you can wear it as is, or layer a tank top underneath and add a pop of color.




—It says "SHOW MUST GO ON" here.

TodaThis tagline has been our motto since we started the brand. It's because we live in the world of show business. It's a phrase originally used among Broadway actors: no matter what happens, the show must go on. The stage must continue.

—Meaning, there can be no gaps in the performance...

UekiI didn't know that. I learned it from you.

TodaYes. Your career started with dance, so your field is dance.

But ultimately, I think it's the same. When you step onto a stage to dance, you have to keep dancing no matter what. Everyone on that stage lives by "SHOW MUST GO ON." It's a phrase I love.



—Previous BagThe box logo on the previous bag had a collegiate feel, but this one is more chic.

UekiThat's right. We aimed for an elegant adult look with a fine-line font.

TodaI think making the letters thinner also added a sense of quality. It has a delicate, mature feel. We tried several other fonts, but this one was the best.

—There are multiple motifs below the tagline.

UekiWe selected motifs that have appeared before.

TodaThe skull is an original logo item we created. The swords were used on a scarf. We incorporated them as part of the pattern items when we created the monogram. We also included the brand name, BG.

—The letters B and G are the 2nd and 7th letters of the alphabet, respectively. This corresponds to the brand's founding year, 2007.

TodaIt's actually an episode that we retroactively fitted in (laughs). Originally, BG Brand is short for Backgammon. Backgammon is a backgammon game played by two people. We wanted to create the brand in a game-like spirit, with Go and me. When I say 'game-like,' it's not about playing around (laughs), but since we both have our main professions, that image came to mind.

We create brand items through our passion for fashion and design, and use the profits to support children with Down syndrome.

—I see. So that's the story behind it.

TodaNowadays, you can easily get inexpensive T-shirts. In an era where you can buy mass-produced fast fashion items for a few hundred yen. In that context, we're taking on a challenge, aiming for an "adult rock taste" that we ourselves would want to wear. We want people of all ages to enjoy a rock-inspired vibe, within reasonable limits.

—The concept itself is very edgy. While each detail is sharp, the overall impression is not. That duality is very appealing.

TodaAfter all, we want many people to wear our clothes. And we want to create clothes that we ourselves can enjoy.

BG Brand is Now in Its 8th Year

—BG Brand is now in its 8th year. Have your feelings changed at all?



—Meaning, not over-designing?

UekiExactly. How to take a step back, simplify the shapes, yet make them functional... That's how I've come to think. Lately, I've been discussing with Keiko-san how to refine the concepts and create stylish pieces. Since we've already made so many items, we also consider how easily they can be paired with past collections.

—Where did you manage to achieve a relaxed feel in this T-shirt design?

UekiWe focused on what we truly wanted to convey and the desired form, without cramming in too many motifs, so that the English text would stand out. The monochrome color scheme also contributes to this. Furthermore, wearing long-length items might be a new challenge for adults. With that in mind, we decided to keep the design clean. That's what we thought.



—I see. By the way, the venue for the August live performance is the Cotton Club, isn't it?

TodaYes, that's right. It's our first time performing there. Go won't be there this time, though. He said he didn't want to come.

Ueki(Laughs) There was another event whose schedule was decided about a year ago.

Toda(Chuckles) It was also decided late on our end.

UekiYou can't decide things a year in advance, can you?

TodaHmm. We were looking at various live houses, and while coordinating with my schedule, time just passed, and we finally managed to book it.

—Is this the first venue since the closure of Sweet Basil in Roppongi?

TodaYes, that's correct.

—Is it easier to use venues like this jazz-style club?

TodaNo, it's not about that. I want to try performing in various places now. In the future, I'd like to do more performances that lean towards Go's style. I'd also like to try performing with backing tracks instead of live instruments.

—Will this live performance be similar to previous ones?

TodaIt's pretty much the same. We just change the song selection depending on the time. However, we have new encounters with bands, so we'll be performing with a different lineup than usual.

—How will it change?

TodaThe instrumentation will be slightly different. Usually, the melody line often features a violin, but this time, we'll have wind instruments in the arrangement.

—How have things been with you, Ueki-san?

UekiI finished my own stage production, "WASABEATS," in the spring, and I'm currently taking a break from work. It's like a training period, a time to input new things. Otherwise, I can't produce output that satisfies me.

TodaDuring one segment of that "WASABEATS" performance, there was a corner where audience members were chosen to participate, and I joined in. There was a part where everyone danced to my voice.

UekiI was incredibly nervous. It was Keiko-san's day. It's going to be released on DVD.

—Could you also tell us about your future plans, Toda-san?

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A special live performance from Keiko Toda, active in stage, film, and television. This time's guest is Kiyoko Ogino, also active across stage, film, and television with a wide range of musical activities. She is a talented musician who not only composes but also performs as an instrumentalist. Enjoy the "chemical reaction" between these two.

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