Stylist So Matsukawa,
A very personal way to walk around the Thai market.

In an age when social networking services and AI can suggest fashions without you having to look for them, you have to walk around on your own feet to find them. It takes time, you may make mistakes, and you may not be able to see the future, but the elation you feel when you find something is irreplaceable. I thought about this as I spent two days with stylist So Matsukawa touring markets in and around Bangkok, Thailand. We started at Chatuchak Market in the middle of the night, when most of the markets were closed, and ended at Si Nakhalin Railway Market, one of the best used clothing markets in Thailand. We hope you will enjoy the photos taken at the markets and the interview with Mr. Matsukawa after his return to Japan to find out how he came to acquire the astonishing 36 items he purchased. The niche scale that only Mr. Matsukawa can provide is also a must-see.

Photo_Kai Naito
Text & Editit_Yuri Sudo

Chapter 4_A T-shirt shop found in Bangs Junction.

The mall has a lineup of hundreds of stores, including clothing, sundries, records, furniture, and more. There is too much to go around in one day, so getting there early is recommended.

The frames display old Nike, Haynes, Converse, and other product tags, and the T-shirts and props suggest that this is a store for "specimen" enthusiasts.

Next, we drove 30 minutes from Bangkok to "Bangsoon Junction," a second-hand clothing and general merchandise mall. Here, too, you found your favorite T-shirt shop.

Matsukawa: There were also many specimen T-shirts of insects and fish, and although the owner was not in the store, his tastes were transparent. I have yet to visit all the vintage clothing stores in Tokyo, but there were some I had never seen before and some I would like to have even though I can't wear them myself for a reasonable price. Also, the props they have are attractive, but usually not for sale.

Since the owner is not present, you can shop without worrying. However, the staff nearby will send a message to the owner to inquire about the price, which is a bit troublesome.

Utada Hikaru, Evangelion, Crayon Shinchan. You can feel his love for Japanese culture.

Is the full lineup of accessories something to look for?

Matsukawa: It is more fun to find a large number of hats or toys than to find a thrift store that only sells clothes such as pants, outerwear, and T-shirts. I am attracted to stores that are generous enough to go to such lengths.