INTERVIEW Authentic yet modern. The balance between the two is superb.
PROFILE
After working for a long-established vintage clothing store, he became independent and opened "Pitz" in 2020 in a back alley in Harajuku. The shop has become a magnet for clothing lovers with its unique selection and distinctive atmosphere that cuts across countries and eras.
Instagram:@pittzz_tokyo
Harajuku is home to many vintage clothing stores. PITZ" is located in a quiet area a little off the center of Harajuku, and not only because of its location, but also because the selection of secondhand clothing in the store has a unique atmosphere and radiates individuality. The buyer of the store is Tsubasa Ito.
Our opening is in 2020, and we wanted to do it a little differently than a typical vintage clothing store. We mainly buy in the U.S. and Europe, but we try to visit countries and regions that other buyers don't go to. Especially in Europe, there are many regular items that are still unfamiliar to the Japanese market, so I am often surprised when I am looking for something like this.
On the other hand, in the U.S., he often buys authentic vintage items. In the process, he sometimes visits Pennsylvania, where Woolrich was founded.
One of the reasons I fell in love with vintage clothing was the influence of outdoor brands such as Woolrich. Recently, items from these brands have been gaining momentum in the vintage clothing market. This has made it difficult to find good items.
There are many outdoor brands in the U.S., but what does Mr. Ito feel is the unique appeal of "Woolrich" among them?
It's not about the details. I'm more interested in the atmosphere it creates. It's American clothing, and there are clothes that shine locally. An old man walking around the neighborhood or filling up at a gas station wearing a red buffalo check shirt may be unfashionable, but it seems very realistic and appealing. I am attracted to such stories.
We wondered what Mr. Ito's impression was when he saw Woolrich Outdoor Label's clothes, which are made in a modern way while paying respect to the past.
I got a very modern impression. When I coordinate vintage clothes, I often try to subtract and arrange them in a modern way, but the Woolrich Woolrich Outdoor Label" gives me a modern look just by wearing it. I felt that Woolrich Outdoor Label is particular about the silhouette, use of materials, and use of color.
For this styling session, Mr. Ito chose a denim jacket, pants, and a cotton vest. What was he conscious of when wearing these items?
Many of the items had already been subtracted, so I was conscious of adding to them when I was styling them. I felt that was different from vintage clothes. When I wear vintage clothes all over, I tend to look like an "old clothes person. But I don't become like that when I wear "Woolrich Outdoor Label". But by wearing "Woolrich Outdoor Label," I can tell that I like American casual wear. I think the balance between the two is superb, and I think it's very attractive.
