Brooks Brothers celebrated its 40th year of presence in Japan with a special runway show on a baseball field with accompanying female looks by Zac Posen, creative director for the women’s collection.
The 201-year old American brand celebrated with a favorite pastime — baseball. The collection, set, and all around vibes focused on the essence of the sport in mixing the unexpected. The lineup mashed up an array of sportswear and suiting, often mixing distinct textures like tweed and corduroy. Outerwear was layered atop eveningwear pieces finished off with a pair of white sneakers. The juxtaposition marks a fresh new direction that the brand has been working in for the past few years.
In its second release of summer outerwear, Slowear and Nanamíca fuse together the best of Italian and Japanese design. Mixing the natural flair of Italian character with impeccable Japanese functional, the collection is a crisp, neutral, and timeless victory for seasonless dressing.
Whether you’re braving the outdoors (good for you!) or just cruising the town (love that too), the versatile summer collection has something you can work with. Anchored by a neutral color palette of beige, grey, blue, and green, the pieces are easy to style and built to last. Some key pieces include a stylish backpack, made from water-resistant nylon and equipped with a pocket specifically for your computer, and the lightweight blazer made from a state-of-the-art super fabric that’s wrinkle resistant and boasts exceptional thermoregulating properties so that you’re always dressed for the weather — even with global warming and surprise rains making that harder to accomplish than ever before. There’s also baseball caps, raincoats, and trousers to choose from.
The Slowear and Nanamíca collection is available in select Slowear stores and online now. Check out some of the pieces below.
For the fourth release, Berluti and Hublot have once again married the integrity of both firms in truly exquisite fashion. The new Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti watch series is powered by a HUB1143 caliber and is available in King Gold or titanium, with either a rich brown or cool grey color leather strap — the material has a softly aged look that leaves it with a slight ombre appearance that only enhances its charm.
Additionally, each watch is packaged in a deluxe leather box and case that is inscribed with Berluti’s signature “Scritto” script, which was inspired by an 18th-century French letter that founder Olga Berluti won at an auction. The attention to detail and craft ensures that the packaging is just as remarkable as the watch within. There are even instructions on how to care for the leather inside the case. With a limited run of only 200 models being released this summer, Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti is a timepiece for the ages.
Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe and Berluti’s managing director Marc Nicolosi unveiled the watch in New York on April 30th with a special event at World of McIntosh in SoHo, where friends of the brand and other guests were treated to a performance by slam poet J .Isaak.
Classic Fusion Chronograph Berluti will launch in Japan from 21 June – 20 July, and globally the next day.
Two beloved jewels that emerged as trend pioneers in the early ’00s have teamed up on a limited-edition range of cozy summer footwear. Australian footwear brand Ugg and Japenese streetwear label Bape have unveiled two new shoe models that perfectly marry their signature styles: the Sneaker is a chunky shoe that is lined with Ugg’s distinct yet breathable sherpa and embellished with a shooting star detail on the exterior, while the Xavier Fur Logo Slide is peak branded luxury comfort, with each shoe spelling out ‘BAPE.’ Lil Wayne models the styles in an international campaign was shot by Neil Favila. It’s safe to say that the ’90s revival is ending and clearing the way for more retro-aughts trends to emerge.
The UGG x BAPE collection launches on April 27 at select Bape stores. Check out some of the looks below.
The latest addition the Lexus SUV line is the compact and efficient 2019 UX Crossover. The new model is among the company’s most compact vehicles and the perfect vessel for urban crossover.
“The Lexus UX is designed for the modern urban explorer seeking a fresh, contemporary and dynamic take on luxury driving,” Chika Kako, executive vice president of Lexus International and chief engineer of the UX, said in a statement. “We designed the UX to appeal to young buyers who seek not only what is new and exciting, but what is also relevant to their lifestyles.”
Some of the key features of the UX is its low center of gravity which enables smooth and agile mobility and its luxury interior. The inside of the vehicle features powerful noise reduction capabilities, and was inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, particularly with engawa, which is a technique that eases the transition between inside and out, and provides the car with a wide field of vision that makes driving and parking in tight spaces easier. Additionally, the car is equipped with Apple Play function and each seat is adjustable for maximum comfort. And at a starting price of $32,000, it’s an accessible price point that serves as an introduction to the world of luxury automobiles.
The 2019 Lexus UX is available now. Find out more in the video below.
After launching a highly successful pop-up shop on Mercer Street in 2017, Onitsuka Tiger has moved to a permanent space in SoHo. Founded in 1949, the Japanese footwear brand remains one of the countries oldest and resurged in popularity during the early aughts when vintage sneaker fever started to set in. Additionally, Quentin Tarantino asked the brand to bring back one of its signature models for Uma Thurman to wear in Kill Bill — you know the ones.
The new 1100-square-foot flagship store boasts an open layout and carries a line of merchandise exclusive to the shop, including limited-edition sneakers, a NIPPON MADE collection of Japanese-made shoes, and children’s footwear. Following the opening of the first standalone US store, the brand will also open a showroom in the city later this summer.
Onitsuka Tiger is open now at 276 Lafayette Street, NY 10012.
Jil Sander has released their Spring/Summer 2019 campaign, shot by the incomparable Mario Sorrenti. The intimate image series chronicles a journey through Japan, as the models travel through the country on a road trip. The new campaign uses both color and black & white photos which play to Sorrenti’s signature strengths, resulting in a warm group of shots. Check out some of the images below.
Herno is releasing an intimate look at their 70 year history with In Flumine Est Vita, allowing us a close look at the company from the very beginning, which began the shores of Lesa and the Arno Valley in Italy, when Giuseppe Marenzi made the very first raincoats that would become the anchor of the global fashion presence.
By offering classic cuts and a commitment to luxury craftsmanship in its outdoor clothing, the book chronicles the unique history of the innovative designer with archival and contemporary images (shot by Giovanni Gastel and Asako Narahashi.) The title of the book references a 50’s label of theirs during an “imper” movement, and the presence of water and environment is a significant theme as it is in the company because, frankly, without rain there’d be no raincoats.
Additionally, Herno was one of the first Italian designers to enter the Japanese market. As part of the commemoration, the book will debut along with the reveal of the newest milestone renovation of the designer’s flagship store in Tokyo. This occasion will be accompanied by art, artists, and more as audiences around the world look back through the years of Herno.
In Flumine Est Vita will be available in Herno stores and booksellers on October 20th.
For a fleeting two-week window, cherry blossoms bloom all across Japan. The highly-anticipated occurrence marks the end of winter and arrival of spring. Interestingly, a similar event in Järntorget square in Göteburg—hometown of Sweden-based Nudie Jeans—also signals the change of seasons. In anticipation of the upcoming bloom, the global brand, which sources its denim from the East Asian country, is releasing a limited edition Long John Sakura Selvage Jean. The skinny-fit jean is made in Italy and features Nudie’s specialty Japanese Kaihara stretch denim with a cherry blossom pink embroidery along its back pocket. Each pair of jeans is presented in an organic cotton indigo tote, emblazoned with a custom Järntorget print. Inside the bag, customers will additionally find an organic Sakura (Japanese for “cherry blossom”) handkerchief. Featuring a livelier take on the city print courtesy of the namesake flower and lavender accents, this subtle nod to Japan ties the capsule together.
The limited edition run is available now in the US in-store at Barneys New York, Madison Avenue and Mildblend, Chicago.
Time has yet to stand still and neither has G-Shock. Over the last 32 years, the Japanese watchmaker has managed to follow its own unique evolution, at the same time, making a series of tough and resilient tickers. Originally designed for the working man, the G-Shock watch became one of the hottest fashion street style statements soon after its inception thanks to its collaborations with groundbreaking artists and athletes—Maison Margiela, Supra, HUF, and more—amassing along with them a youthful following. As time went on, G-Shock continued to grow and, simultaneously, so did its costumers. Now, the brand releases its G-Steel collection for the active gentleman that enjoyed the fashion sentiment the brand had to offer in his youth, but that is now ready for an elevated, luxe look to support his changing life. Comprised of six premium models with a bold new design, the series has a touch of maturity yet still remains true to its roots. Fusing resin and steel materials the styles utilize solar power and feature up to 200 meters of shock and water resistance. We caught up with G-Shock’s Vice President of Timepieces David Johnson to learn more about what is to come from G-Steel.
ESSENTIAL HOMME: G-Shock has been around since 1983. What has been one of the driving forces behind the growth and development of the brand’s designs? What makes G-Steel different from anything G-Shock already has to offer?
DAVID JOHNSON: G-Shock is simply a unique watch brand. Its base DNA of “absolute toughness” offers an incredible value to consumers looking for a rugged yet cool timepiece that will stand up to the rigors of their occupations—think law enforcement, military, construction workers, etc.—or active lifestyles. Through the 30+ years of its existence, it has also become a bit of a fashion brand as well. To that end, G-Steel offers an elevated style statement, metal being a dressier everyday wear, at an attainable price point. We are expecting huge success and broad consumer acceptance to the new line.
Image: G-Shock.
With a rubber ball as the inspiration for G-Shock’s-absorbing material and the biggest spark in its first prototype ever, what was the biggest material inspiration for G-Steel?
This product required the development of yet another shock resistant case structure we call the Layered Guard Structure that, in the simplest of terms, sandwiches shock absorbing resin between the heavier metal parts of the case.
Functionality plays a huge part in watch design. Was it difficult to make a luxury timepiece that still maintains G-Shock’s style and functionality?
Without question it was challenging to make it, but that is what our customers expect from G-Shock and, frankly, what we expect of our brand … to overcome challenges. The overriding policy of G-Shock’s creator Kikuo Ibe was “Never, Never, Give Up!”
You’ve had your fair share of collaborations from all types of artists and sportswear brands—even infamous streetwear labels. What can we expect next from the brand? Will G-Steel play a part?
Oh yes. G-Steel rounds out our lines nicely and has the potential to not only give our fans another choice, but also bring in some customers who have chosen other brands before because they preferred to wear a metal timepiece. You’ll see some real exciting things with G-Steel for years to come!
Image: G-Shock.
G-shock became insanely popular in youth and urban culture because of its dramatic shifts in fashion. Who would you say is the target man for G-Steel and does it differ from G-Shock’s target market?
G-Steel will be the watch of choice for several “target men,” as you put it. There is the young fan that has enjoyed the fashion statement that G-Shock offers, but that is now ready for an elevated look. There is the working man fan, who has sworn by G-Shock’s toughness for years and now will be delighted to be able to wear the brand for times when a more formal watch look is appropriate. And, of course, there is the not-yet-a-fan-but-once-I-buy-my-first-G-Shock-I-will-be guy that we hope G-Steel gives us a chance to woo.
If you could describe the G-Steel watch in one word what would it be?
“Subarashi,” which in Japanese means “awesome.” In English I might say: Long overdue, but very much here to stay … Sorry, that was more than one word.
For the Italian house‘s latest capsule collection, Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Made in Japan, Head of Design Stefano Pilati looked to five charismatic personalities to star in an exclusive project with photographer Takashi Homma and Olivier Zahm. The protagonists—actor Ryo Kase, creative director Kaie Murakami, musician and composer Keiichiro Shibuya, chef Zaiyu Hasegawa, and architect Shohei Shigematsu—were revealed at a special event for the collaboration last night, September 3, 2015, at the Aman Tokyo hotel in Japan beside Pilati and Zegna CEO Gildo Zegna. Celebrating both the heritage brand’s tailoring skill, as well as its growing Japanese market—Zegna opened a Ginza flagship earlier this spring—the Made In Japan project unites both worlds in smart technical fabric and Italian design.
This past weekend renowned eyewear brand MOSCOT opened its first Japanese shop in the heart of Tokyo’s fashionable and sophisticated Aoyama neighborhood.
Image: MOSCOT.
The store perfectly reflects the brand’s signature aesthetic: classic, refined design mixed with New York’s cool downtown culture. Opened in a close partnership with Optec Japan Group, the new space is a truely authentic MOSCOT experience tailored to the Tokyo fans. “Optec Japan Group has been a dedicated and loyal distribution partner,” says owner of the brand, Dr. Harvey Moscot. “They understand our brand, and as a family business, share our values and dedication. We couldn’t have chosen a better partner for this new, exciting endeavor.” MOSCOT Tokyo will offer the full breadth of styles from all three of its collections as well as the same quirky treasures, historical photographs, and vintage décor elements one can find in the brand’s three New York shops.
Image: MOSCOT.
Image: MOSCOT.
MOSCOT Tokyo is located at Dai-2 Kuyo Building, Room 102, 5-10-2 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan, and is open now.
