Just the other day, I made a whirlwind trip to London for two nights and four days to meet with designer Patrick Cox.
The primary purpose was a meeting regarding his new project, but I also had the opportunity to visit his home, experience his private space, see his impressive archives of shoes and bags, and connect with his warm personality. I returned having learned a great deal.
This time, I'd like to share a somewhat dreamlike story for the future, gleaned from that short trip...

– How I Met Patrick Cox

I first met Patrick Cox himself last autumn.
It was at a party hosted by Vendome Aoyama, who handles his jewelry.
Actually, I was the initiator behind the collaboration line "nineSIXty LUXES×PATRICK COX" between Patrick and the brand "nineSiXty" by Hiroaki Kato, who is also featured in OPENERS. So, in a way, I was like the matchmaker.

From the time he came to Japan for a meeting regarding this, we hit it off, partly because we were born in the same year (1963).
During his return visit to Japan in March of this year, we went on a Tokyo cruise together, and after returning to our respective countries, we exchanged information via email, deepening our connection. Then, I received a very welcome "love call" from him saying, "I want to work with AKI." With the help of Mr. Takubo from BLBG, I began consulting work for him, covering all Patrick Cox items.

When we met in Tokyo, before accepting the role, I made a direct request to him.
I said something like, "I've known your wonderful shoes for a long time, but I want to see your shoe archives again, in person. And I want to know what kind of home you live in, what kind of interiors surround you, and how you live."
He had achieved great success, particularly in shoemaking, which once dominated the era, but I wanted to know the current him.
I believed that by understanding this myself, new ideas for our future collaboration would emerge.

I said this rather boldly to Patrick (laughs), but fortunately, I'm so busy with various jobs every day that I can barely manage my schedule (sweat). So, among the staff who went to the UK, I was the only one who ended up making this whirlwind trip.

– Taste is Revealed in the Details

Patrick himself had previously told me that the concept for his home's interior was
something like a "mix of Greco-Roman style and modern."

I myself have a strong passion for interior design, just as I do for fashion.
My own concept is a mix of modern and Art Deco styles, which is surprisingly easy to blend.
This is because there are common design roots, or rather, details, between them.
However, Patrick's mixed style – ancient Roman sculptures and reliefs with modern – how on earth do you combine them? I couldn't quite grasp it.
I hadn't seen any examples of this in the past.

But the moment I stepped into his house, I was overwhelmed by the calculated balance.

On the first-floor walls hung various sizes of golden mirrors, and above the fireplace opposite them was Damien Hirst's "AUROTHIOGLUCOSE," along with countless photos with celebrities like Elton John and Queen Elizabeth.

There was a glass dog figurine on his desk, so I asked, "Is this by Jeff Koons?"
Patrick replied, "This is a piece by Gareth Pugh. Quite nice, isn't it?" with a proud look (laughs).
As expected of someone with a discerning eye, his collection of art by emerging designers, like Gareth, whom he acquired before they became famous, sets him apart from mere art lovers who only collect works by famous artists.

He mentioned that he purchased all of them, like Gareth's, shortly before they became well-known.
I felt a strong sense of empathy with his flat perspective.

The staircase leading down to the dining room in the basement featured a very clever touch: only the old handrail remaining from the building was preserved, while all the pillars were made clear.

In the basement, a long table was placed, and on the walls, dramatically lit ancient Roman reliefs complemented the dark furnishings.



On the second floor, a large photograph of muddy ground adorned the main wall.
Looking at this photo, Patrick said, "It might look like just a muddy ground, but look at the tracks left by this car. See? It looks like the Union Jack, doesn't it?"
He told me with a childlike smile.

He has taste.
Not just any taste, but a sophisticated and original sense that differs from others.
I was utterly impressed by his excellent taste.

At the same time, his refined taste suggested to me immense possibilities for new creation.
My anticipation for the things he would newly create transformed into a firm conviction.

– With Anticipation and Excitement for a New Journey

And so, a new journey of creation with Patrick Cox has begun.
I'm already excited to see what wonderful things we will create together.
Simultaneously, a new journey is also beginning for my core endeavor: magazine creation.
It's a restart as an editor for "UOMO" magazine.

Although it was only for two issues, I had a very meaningful and enjoyable time at "Esquire Japan," which has since ceased publication.
At the farewell party, I met several people who didn't know I was the fashion director for the editorial department. I wanted to personally inform everyone of my move and greet them, but the reality was that the editorial department was in turmoil due to the impending cessation of publication. I sincerely apologize for that.

The June issue, "11 Stylists," and the final issue, "LOVE."
Both were completed to my satisfaction, and at the same time, I was able to open a box of creative possibilities within me related to magazines.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff involved with Esquire.
"Thank you very much."

And at the same time, I send a cheer to everyone, and to myself.

"Let's do good work, without giving up. Then, it will surely lead to the next step.
And let's work together again someday. Until then, let's both do our best."