PROFILE
After working as a buyer for “ÉDIFICE” and “L’ECHOPPE,” she is currently active as the creative director of her own brand, “FOUNDOUR,” and as the owner of “BOUTIQUE” in Gaienmae. In addition, she demonstrates her expertise in a wide range of fields as a fashion director and will serve as the Japanese concept developer for 〈Felisi〉 starting in 2025.
Even in the heat, she remains composed and doesn't let her spirits flag.
It had been 25 years since he last visited “Pitti Immagine Uomo” (hereinafter referred to as “PITTI”). Through his participation in one of the world’s largest men’s fashion trade shows, Mr. Kaneko—who had previously held a deep admiration for “functional clothing”—reportedly experienced a dramatic shift in his perspective toward “dressing up.”
—You mentioned previously that for the PITTI events held this past January and June, you “had anticipated all sorts of possibilities” right from the planning stage, didn’t you?
Kaneko:I was experimenting with a different look every day and, unusually, felt like “dressing up.” I’ve always liked functional, practical clothes, and since my wardrobe was filled with those kinds of items, I wanted to try a slightly more glamorous look.
—Did you buy anything extra before heading to PITTI?
Kaneko:Things like a white wool summer jacket or a vintage *Charvet* shirt.
—That's definitely a dress.
Kaneko:That said, there are a few casual elements mixed in. For example, when it comes to shirts, I tend to choose ones with pockets and soft collars. Since I don’t wear a tie anyway, I figure that’s probably good enough when it comes to my shirts.
—I would never have imagined that from the Kaneko I usually know.
Kaneko:That's true (laughs). That's why I chose pink and added a little playful touch.
—For example, do you press those items after you arrive at the hotel?
Kaneko:As for the items I brought this time, I decided when I bought them that I would only take them to the dry cleaner. So, in Japan, I had them dry-cleaned and pressed, and in Italy, after arriving at the hotel, I steamed them to remove any creases from folding. Then I’d head out.
—You're really thorough, aren't you?
Kaneko:I'm actually surprised myself—I've really grown a lot (laughs). But doing that really does help me stay focused.
—When it comes to traveling, you want to pack as light as possible, right?
Kaneko:This time, I even wore dress shoes on the plane. Instead of putting on sweatpants if it got cold, I made sure to bring a nice sweater. I’ve completely changed my mindset.
—What was the temperature like there? You can handle the cold in winter by layering up, but isn't it tough to wear long sleeves in the summer?
Kaneko:The heat wave in Paris has been making headlines this year, but Florence was also close to 40°C. Strangely enough, though, if I’m in the right frame of mind, I don’t break a sweat.
"Wow! That's amazing!"
Kaneko:When I look around, it seems that the people dressed most lightly are the ones saying, “It’s hot, it’s hot.” Just staying out of direct sunlight makes a huge difference. In Europe, there’s no humidity, so even when the temperature is high, it feels dry, and it’s cool in the shade.
—Even when you look at the people at PITTI, you’ll notice that a lot of them are wearing long sleeves, right?
Kaneko:Everyone trying to make an impression is wearing long sleeves. Even in the heat, they remain dignified and undaunted.
—Everyone’s just acting cool and keeping a straight face.
Kaneko:I think so, too. The people dressed the most sloppily seemed to be the ones who looked the hottest.
