Brands that continue to create products with a solid foundation are trustworthy.
PROFILE
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1997. After gaining sales experience at “L’ECHOPPE” starting in 2020, she worked as a buyer’s assistant, involved in merchandise planning and special-order projects. She currently works as a freelancer, providing direction and support for various brands, including her own label, 〈byeA.〉.
—There’s a certain sense to Mr. Ishiguro’s style that seems to “defy” the conventional, isn’t there? Has that always been the case?
Ishiguro:I’ve always loved vintage fashion, and at “Le Shop,” where I worked previously, I embodied both the classic staples of men’s fashion and the cutting edge of the era. However, I was really focused on expressing my individuality there, and as I explored a unique style that differed from that of my senior colleagues, I eventually became the person I am today.
—Does that philosophy also come through in the brand you run yourself?
Ishiguro:That's right. Rather than looking at a single issue head-on, I try to find the best option by examining it from various angles. As for ideas, they often come to me when I'm talking with someone or seeing or hearing something, rather than when I'm sitting alone at my desk trying to think them up.
I often find myself taking notes while having a drink alone after work. I usually get so drunk that I forget what I wrote (laughs), but strangely enough, I’ll come up with the same idea over and over again, and there are moments when I just intuitively know that this is what I really want to do.
Mr. Ishiguro’s personal items—such as his wallet and keychain—show a deep attention to detail in every single one. The DAY TRIPPER can easily hold a 13-inch MacBook.
—It’s kind of like he has a contrarian streak—in a good way, I mean—or at least that’s the impression I get.
Ishiguro:I want to distance myself a little from rules like “this is how you’re supposed to put an outfit together.” For example, I’m wearing military-style pants today—normally, you’d pair them with sneakers, and I think fashion-conscious people would go with dress shoes. But precisely because there are these conventional choices, I want to consider something different. That’s why I chose flip-flops. I figured a colorful item would give the outfit a light, summery feel.”
—Aren’t you worried about straying from the conventional path?
Ishiguro:It’s not that I want to dismiss rules or values. But sometimes I wonder how many people are actually wearing clothes in a way that brings out 100% of their potential. If that’s the case, I think it’s way cooler—in terms of fashion—to make the clothes your own, regardless of what others think, and wear them in a way that’s true to yourself.
—This time, you put together a look to go with “DAY TRIPPER.” What were you thinking about when you did it?
Ishiguro:I’m wearing military-style pants because I wanted to match them with the camo print. But since “military style” in the summer usually ends up being just military pants and a T-shirt, I didn’t want to go with that stereotypical combination. So this time, I paired them with a shirt. I actually chose brown because I wanted it to go with the camo pattern, too. For the layer underneath, I deliberately went with an ash-gray T-shirt to blend it in, and I added a leather lip balm case around my neck to create a focal point.
—What are your impressions of the ?
Ishiguro:It’s the kind of bag that’s tough enough to use both for work and for leisure. Back when I worked at “Leshop,” I was stationed at the Miyashita Park store in Shibuya, and a customer once came to me saying, “I want a bag I can use for both work and personal use.” At the time, I recommended *Briefing*, which had a store on the same floor. Since they carried a range of items suitable not only for business but also for travel and everyday use, I recommended them with confidence.
—What were your impressions after trying out “DAY TRIPPER”?
Ishiguro:I really like this tall, slender shape. It's stylish. It has a good amount of gusset, and the straps are nice and thick—it reminds me of a vintage newspaper bag, and I think it's a shape that's easy to use as a fashion accessory.
—Apparently, a tall, slender shape makes it easier to load and unload items, and helps keep the center of gravity concentrated in one spot.
Ishiguro:With a horizontal shape, it seems like the weight would be unevenly distributed when you put heavy items inside. It has way more storage capacity than it looks, so it seems like it’ll be super useful. Also, I really like this camo pattern. It looked a bit rugged in the photos, but when I actually held it in my hands, it had a more urban vibe. I think it’ll be easy to incorporate into my outfits.
—“Made in the USA” is also a major feature of the brand.
Ishiguro:Even when it comes to vintage clothing, I pay attention to the “Made in USA” label and find it appealing. Brands that continue to craft their products with a solid heritage are truly trustworthy, aren’t they? With so many brands changing their country of origin for various reasons, I hope they’ll continue to uphold that identity in the future.
DAY TRIPPER ¥40,700
An anniversary model featuring a Multicam pattern that highlights the military identity championed by 〈Briefing〉. The main material is 500-denier nylon, known for its high strength and abrasion resistance. Combined with the reliable craftsmanship of “Made
in
USA,” this piece exudes the brand’s signature style, offering both a rugged presence and practicality.
