THE NORTH FACE STANDARD "Uptown anthem"

"Uptown anthem"
http://www.clubking.com/event/northface/index.html

"STANDARDs to be passed down to posterity"

THE NORTH FACE PRESSROOM

I was invited to participate by Daisuke Oguchi.

While I'm not personally one to get hung up on the concept of "standard," I can certainly understand seeking it in one's approach to creation.

As it was rather sudden, this time I'm exhibiting my free paper "dictionry," which is approaching its 24th year, along with works from my iPhonegrapher series, which is also a personal expression, and my DJ selections from PIRATE RADIO.

The reception was better than I expected, so I headed to the venue on the 4th floor of the Harajuku shop, carrying additional copies of "dictionry."

As I hadn't visited since the opening,
I was able to see the characteristics of each floor while listening to Oguchi's explanations. And just as I felt at the opening, the sense of style here is truly impeccable. Although it's an outdoor brand, it has the pulse of the times, like a high-fashion label.
Moreover, the understated design and chic color palette are irresistible to someone like me who prefers a more subdued aesthetic.

This is nice, that's nice, and this one too... but the prices are also quite nice.

However, when it comes to men's clothing—though this is just my own theory and may not apply—

I believe that items that never go out of style are the best.

Even if they seem a bit expensive initially, when you consider the cost over decades, they are incredibly reasonable, aren't they?

There was a time when I was in charge of music selection for Comme des Garçons shows,

and I was quite involved. I tend to wear my clothes for ten, or even twenty years for some items, so they are a very reasonable purchase.

Although I couldn't afford it this time, I was drawn to a deep navy trench coat.

For some reason, men's clothing that's an adaptation of military uniforms just feels right.
While I haven't typically worn trench coats before, I've always relied on items like MA-1 jackets and peacoats, and still do.

It's not that I'm aiming for a macho look or trying to project masculinity, but why is it that they seem to suit almost anyone who wears them?
In the past, military items I found at flea markets in London and Paris are still active pieces in my wardrobe today,
and they fit perfectly.

As I was telling Oguchi, "This is great, and this is great, and that's great too," he ended up gifting me an exceptionally warm cardigan. I have a bit of a towel fetish, so I'm extremely weak for fabrics with that kind of texture.

It felt like a wonderful early Christmas present.

If I do some good work next year, I'd love to try that deep navy trench coat with my own money.

The joy of acquiring a piece of clothing you love is a pleasure unlike any other.

While the fashion industry isn't exactly booming,

as long as humans have this kind of impulse, perhaps clothing that can be worn for a long time without losing its appeal has a bright future.

If that's what you call standard,
then I too will come to support the standard.



And the reason I ended up taking photos with my iPhone this time was the freshness and sensibility of the information this shop disseminates.

It might sound obvious,

but has there ever been an era where the freshness and sensibility of information disseminated by clothing shops were questioned as much as they are now?
For fashion to always be at the cutting edge,
especially in this age of information, the discerning eye used for selection is critically important.

"Fashion is about wearing an ideology."

As I reflect on the evolution of fashion in my own way, these words resonate deeply.

I earnestly pray that the day will come when divine retribution falls upon those who, without permission, arbitrarily seize future heritage to mass-produce cheap, disposable goods for their own profit, disregarding the present.

As I ponder what "standard" truly means, the injustices of society once again stir anger within me.

It seems that those who have long held power are incapable of understanding the feelings of the weak who suffer before them.

The democracy in this country is, after all, merely a facade,

and power and money ultimately dictate what is just.

Even in the face of such natural disasters, the unyielding nature of people's hearts
leaves me stunned.



And, though it may be belated,
there is no longer "freedom of expression" in this country. Hahaha...

Like Maruki Dosado, chained in a prison, perhaps the freedom of thought can only be indulged in delusion.

Hahaha, this is a comedy, you know. (Laughs)

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