A deep respect for history and craftsmanship is absolutely essential.
—How will Ms. Kaneko style this collection?
Kaneko: Actually, this is the original Phil Cro piece I found at a thrift store. I’ve styled it in ways that make it look different from the original, but since it’s such a strong piece, I want to discover the fun of fashion by toning it down or deliberately pairing it with clothes from a different context. Jeans go well with it, of course, but since I’m wearing it, I want to put a little more thought into it. With that in mind, today I paired it with dress pants and dress shoes.
—So that’s what “Seattle Trad” is all about.
Jinjiang: There wasn’t really any trad in Seattle, though (lol). But I’m glad I was able to confirm that. Actually, I’d like to bring this to Seattle.
—Mr. Kaneko, you’ve created a line that’s easy for Japanese people to wear. As you plan to incorporate the brand’s original rugged essence moving forward, how do you intend to foster compatibility with Japanese fashion?
Kaneko: It’s not easy to incorporate them in a balanced way, is it? I get the feeling that the appeal of clothing as a tool hasn’t really caught on yet. The number of stores importing authentic local clothing is dwindling, and even the licensed items are mostly mild, Japanese-style adaptations, aren’t they?
Kaneko: The collection I’ve created this time is important to me, but I’m also planning to expand our imported clothing line going forward, and I’d be happy if people with the determination to “really make the most of these pieces” started to emerge. People who love fashion have always found ways to enjoy it by getting creative with pieces that are hard to style, and I want to take on that challenge myself. To keep that spirit of adventure alive, I want to bring items from the country of origin here as well. Though it seems like it’s going to be really tough (laughs).
—We want to showcase a deeper side of the world.
Kaneko: Going forward, I’d like to expand our product lineup. Filson is also famous for its distinctive “Rugged Twill” fabric, and bags made from that fabric are a key part of our collection. Since Japan excels at bag-making, I’m thinking of planning a dedicated bag line. I’d also like to create original fabrics, such as “Japanese Mackinaw” and “Japanese Rugged Twill.” After all, it’s a brand with a long history, so there’s an endless supply of inspiration to draw from—I never run out of ideas.
—That just shows what a generous brand it is, doesn't it?
Kaneko: That’s true. That said, to bring this vision to life, a deep respect for their history and craftsmanship is absolutely essential. I felt that acutely during my trip to Seattle, and since I’ve already been completely captivated by its charm, I plan to move forward with confidence.
