Jackets
Wearing a jacket makes you look put-together. For many people, it’s less about expressing their personal style and more like a “shell” that helps them present a polished appearance. But if there’s a story or personality behind that jacket, it’s bound to spark even more interest. We’re featuring the jacket styles of three individuals, hoping they’ll inspire you to create your own unique look.
1_Takayuki Kobayashi
My favorite outfit, chosen based on color and size.
A jacket by Helmut Lang, a shirt by Comme des Garçons, pants by Edifice, and shoes by Dr. Martens
PROFILE
Launched online in April 2010, "Flotsam Books" opened its brick-and-mortar store near Daita-bashi Station in January 2020. The store also hosts "ZINE TOUR," an event where visitors can discover independent talent, both well-known and emerging.
Instagram @flotsambooks
The owner of a bookstore that carries photo books and other publications on art, fashion, and more from around the world always stands behind the counter wearing a shirt and slacks. When I heard that, I assumed he must be very particular about his clothes, or that there might be some special story behind his jacket...
"No, I'm not really that particular about fashion (wry smile). I bought that Helmut Lang jacket about five years ago because I wanted a black jacket, and I found one at a thrift store that fit perfectly. If it's black, you don't have to think twice about what to wear with it—it goes with just about anything, doesn't it?"
Until my 30s, I used to wear casual clothes like hoodies, but ever since I opened my store in January 2020 and started working the sales floor, I naturally began wearing collared shirts. As you can see from my Instagram Live series “Osamu Channel” with photographer Osamu Kanemura, I’m close with many photographers and often attend receptions and exhibitions, so I imagine I wear jackets quite often, don’t I?
He doesn’t have any particular preferences when it comes to clothing brands or manufacturers; the only reason he chose this Helmut Lang jacket was because it was black and a perfect fit. He doesn’t own any other jackets, so he says this one serves as his go-to piece year-round. The Comme des Garçons shirt he’s wearing underneath was also bought at a thrift store, and he put it together because “it feels spring-like.”
"Even when I go to receptions or exhibitions, a lot of photographers dress pretty casually—they hardly ever wear jackets. So if I show up at those kinds of events wearing a jacket, I stick out like a sore thumb, and it’s kind of embarrassing to look like I’m trying too hard..."
The word “teiki” (appropriate), which Mr. Kobayashi used repeatedly during the interview, may evoke a casual image, but it also means “fitting a certain state or purpose just right (suitable, appropriate).” Given his clean-cut style, where everything—including his jacket—fits perfectly, it’s unlikely anyone would get a negative impression. Given that he runs a shop catering to a wide range of customers, would it be an exaggeration to say that his style is the result of careful consideration of his surroundings and age?
"If I were to buy a new jacket, I’d want to have it custom-made after taking my exact measurements. I guess I’d probably go with black."
