— Within the large group that is Calvin Klein, what role does Calvin Klein Jeans play?

KevinI believe jeans are a lifestyle for self-expression. Mr. Calvin Klein himself felt that denim was a means of expressing oneself. I personally love denim. I think denim embodies the person you want to be, the person you should be.
While jeans are now a staple for everyone, the fact that Calvin Klein first introduced designer jeans in the 1970s is what I consider avant-garde about the brand.



— With designer jeans in a kind of "saturated state," where does the uniqueness of Calvin Klein Jeans lie?

KevinOf course, jeans are an iconic presence for this brand. They are everyday denim with a clean, minimalistic shape. I am very particular about "fit." We have been evolving this daily. In other words, we aim for a fit that suits one's lifestyle. While the approach of clean, minimalistic jeans is maintained, the fit has evolved with the times.

— In an era flooded with "functional" jeans like those that create a "beautiful leg" effect, what is the advantage of Calvin Klein Jeans?

KevinAre they jeans for urban working women and men? They are urban, sexy, and clean, and can be worn to the workplace. They are not distressed or heavily decorated denim, but rather something that is always in one's wardrobe, something that can be worn daily.

We can also say we have an advantage in terms of technology. Over the past 40 years, spanning the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, we have consistently evolved our technology, and I would specifically use the term "subtle" changes. For example, new technology is fully utilized in the recently released "New Body Jeans."

Our jeans are within reach. They are by no means too expensive, nor are they cheap like fast fashion. I would say they are sexy, urban, clean, and contemporary. We add technology to that, and they are accessible.



— Are there any differences in how jeans are worn in the workplace between America and Japan?

KevinI don't think so anymore, though perhaps 10 years ago there might have been. The way they are worn is now global. Of course, there are slight cultural differences, but that's the case in any situation.

However, regarding changes over the past decade, I think sports like skateboarding have had some influence on design. Baggy jeans were also like that. But these never become mainstream; they remain very niche trends.

Interestingly, skateboarders are now wearing skinny jeans (laughs). This is due to the effect of stretch materials.

— What is the "core" of Calvin Klein Jeans?

KevinThe clean, minimalistic approach to denim is the core of this brand. We must protect that, and indeed, we have. We need to evolve it.

I believe Calvin Klein has always been an American minimalist brand, regardless of the era. It pragmatically captures the modern lifestyle, and as a result, it has liberated women for the "workplace." American modern design involves stripping things down, without overdoing it.

The word "effortless" is very important. Effortless style means not overdoing it. Not being too fussy is cool.



— How will Calvin Klein Jeans evolve in the future?

KevinI believe new technology is important. It is crucial to further develop denim. I myself am particular about fit, so I am considering how we can achieve synergistic effects by combining underwear technology with denim.

The "five-pocket" design may look unchanged from 40 years ago, but due to technological advancements, it is actually something entirely different.