Lounge
March 9, 2015
UEKI Go (PaniCrew) × TODA Keiko PHOTO SESSION 2008 Autumn (2)
UEKI Go (PaniCrew) × TODA Keiko PHOTO SESSION 2008 autumn
A New Single & New Item from a Sibling Collaboration (2)
The "Sibling Talk Series" continues its autumn installment. For our second feature, we're thrilled to present a comprehensive introduction to B・G's 2008 Fall/Winter collection.
The sister producer and brother designer found their synergy even stronger, leading to the creation ofこだわりのアイテム (specialty items) that evoke "adult rock" after what could only be described as telepathic, minimalist meetings. Take your cue for styling from their signature shots.
Compiled by Sora OnoePhoto by JamandfixHair & Makeup by Hiromi Aiba
A "Rock Taste" for Adults to Try
TODAFor the October casual live performance, B・G had prepared new fall and winter items, right? The jumper and cap, which we'd wanted to create for a long time, are finally finished! For the design, this time I pretty much left it up to Go, saying, "You get the image, right?" and then I just gave an immediate 'go' to the design that came out (laughs).
UEKII think it's not just that our tastes align, but also that the concept of the brand B・G has become clearer. We have a solid vision of what we want to create, and as long as we're on that wavelength, everything falls into place perfectly.
TODAAnd then, the great designer said he'd put this large illustration on with embroidery.
UEKIHuh, was that me? Well, I did say it (laughs).
TODAWhat's more, the craftspeople told us it wouldn't come out well unless it was done with Japanese techniques, so we had it processed domestically, which ended up being quite expensive (laughs).
UEKIIt's 100,000 stitches, after all. But it was worth it; from a distance, it looks as smooth and intricate as a print, and the weight of it is just right.
TODAStill... the illustration is huge, isn't it?
UEKISis... are you angry?
TODANo regrets! It's beautiful and cool, after all!! The illustration represents B・G's concept of "a life game where we roll the dice together," with a slightly rock-infused twist. We made it not just for Go's generation, but hoping that adults would also embrace wearing it. Like me.
UEKIIf a junior employee saw their department manager wearing this on a day off, they'd surely think, "That's cool!" and look up to them. I'd want my own father to wear it too. I think it would straighten his posture.
TODAWhy a department manager? (laughs) But I can guarantee the quality is good enough for a department manager too. As always, I chose everything from the fabric myself, and I personally checked the designs and prototypes. I even decided on the width of the ribbing on the sleeves and hem.
UEKIIf you leave the materials up to me, we'll always go for the cheapest option (laughs).
TODAAnd usually, things don't get done by the deadline (laughs). I've linked the design with previous items like the hand towels and the new cap. The ultimate detail is the studs on the front left hem! In Japanese, it's called 'byō,' but I must have said 'studs' thousands of times while making it (laughs) – that's how much of a focus it was.
UEKIHaving studs or not makes a difference in how you feel when you wear it! Recently, studded items are really trending in fashion, so I think it was the right choice.
TODAThe fabric is black, and the illustration on the back is a bit flashy, but once you put it on, you can't see it yourself (laughs). We've created a new item that adults can truly try and be satisfied with.
Their Purpose: Creating "Something Unique"
UEKIThe cap is also packed with special details. We actually created the original body mold for this cap ourselves for B・G. With mesh caps, there's a set width for printing designs, but we wanted to put a larger illustration on it, so... we went for it (laughs).
TODAMy personal touch was choosing an unbleached, natural white for the fabric, rather than plain white. I thought it would be better for enjoying how the texture changes over time as you wear it.
UEKIAnd the cap has studs too. I don't think I've ever seen a cap or jumper with such substantial studs; there probably isn't anything like it anywhere. If it's not "something unique," then there's no point in creating our own body molds or using 100,000 stitches for embroidery, is there?
TODAThat's the point of us creating things together. B・G is a unit for us to express what we find "cool" in various forms and directions, not just through performances like stage plays, films, and music. We hope many people will enjoy it with us. Through B・G's activities, I feel a great sense of expansion within myself.
UEKIBut Sis, you've always loved this kind of craftsmanship, haven't you? When we worked together on a stage play, you even gave me an original bandana.
TODAThat's right, I've always enjoyed making original accessories related to my projects and giving them to the cast.
UEKIThe first time I received one, I was both surprised and delighted. I never imagined I'd be involved in it myself. B・G is the embodiment of your desire not only to do things "for someone" but also your passion for creation.
TODAYes, it feels like my feelings have truly blossomed. Before, I was doing things on a smaller scale, but now that I have a partner. However, people don't seem to see this rock taste in my everyday style; they're always surprised when I show up at a location shoot dressed in B・G fashion (laughs).
UEKIYou're quite sharply dressed.
TODAWe took photos together today, didn't we? I thought it was a good balance, not just for people to see my usual self (laughs), but also as a representation of the age group that enjoys B・G products. "It's something an older sister can wear, and also something for the trendsetting youth." Like, "Our rival is EXILE" (laughs).
UEKI(Laughs) Should we make it a monthly publication?
TODAMonthly B・G, perhaps? But with just the two of us, we might not have enough material to fill it yet (laughs).
New Single
Released October 15
"Naki Uta" (Lyrics: Yasushi Akimoto / Music: Katsuhiko Sugiyama)
"Again～and Again～" (Lyrics: K-co / Music: Go UEKI)
Victor Entertainment
1,200 yen (tax included)
