Key figures from various fields examine "outdoors" as a fashion statement.
Adidas Originals' ATRIC debuted in Fall/Winter 2017. The brand offers lifestyle footwear and apparel that skillfully incorporates the essence of the recent outdoor trend, and has been attracting hot attention from sneaker enthusiasts and fashion freaks. This season's new collection from "ATRIC" is now available. Three key persons from various fields who have a great deal to say about the outdoors and fashion discuss its appeal from their respective perspectives.
Left: Tomoyuki Sasaki / Stylist. After studying under Katsuyuki Honjo, he became independent . . He currently works mainly for men's fashion magazines such as "GO OUT" magazine.
Middle: KOJI / atmos director. . Involved in various tasks such as buying and special order design. He is also a sneaker freak by his own admission and others.
Right: Kiho Ogasawara / Director of "Frieda". After working in PR for "Freakstore", she launched her original label "Frieda" in 2017.
The key word in outdoor, fashion, and sneakers is "'90s" .
. First of all, what is the relationship between the outdoors and fashion these days in your opinion?
SasakiIn the past, there was more or less a gap between the outdoors and fashion, but now the boundary has completely disappeared. It is no longer special to incorporate elements of the outdoors into fashion.
OgasawaraYes, that's right. At "Freaks Store," it is natural for us to consider the outdoors as a part of fashion. Not many people come to buy outdoor shoes to go mountain climbing, but most people come to buy outdoor shoes as fashionable shoes.
KOJIEspecially these days, the keyword "'90s" is hard to miss. Recently, not only fashion and outdoor activities, but also sneakers born in the 1990s are popular, and young people who do not know those days in real time are catching on to them and adopting them as something new. The sneaker market is led by young people in their teens and twenties. Since they are paying attention, the impact on the industry is significant.
The excellent functionality in the outdoors is also useful in the city.
By the way, do you ever go camping, to festivals, to mountain climbing, etc., in the outdoors?
SasakiI like mountaineering and often go out to the mountains . One of the pleasures of the outdoors is choosing the right clothes and gear for the mountains, and I often wear these outfits not only in the mountains but also in town. For example, I often wear a merino wool T-shirt with trekking shoes on my feet.
KOJI. I'm not much of an outdoorsman, but I do go to festivals from time to time. While stylish clothing and shoes for festivals are of course a must, functionality is also essential. I try to choose waterproof and breathable clothing that can withstand sudden rain.
OgasawaraI guess I only go to festivals once in a while. . I'm basically an indoor person. . I like fashion that incorporates the essence of the outdoors, though.
Excellent quick-drying and deodorant effect. Merino wool is used for the upper of the shoes.
Could you tell us your first impression of this season's collection for adidas Originals' "ATRIC"?
KOJIShoes, nice, the design is reminiscent of the water moccasins that were popular in the 1990s, but with a stylish look that is appropriate for today's fashion. The knit upper is made of merino wool , which looks very fresh.
SasakiIs this a merino wool upper? Actually, the T-shirt I'm wearing today is also merino wool. It's comfortable to wear, dries quickly, and has deodorant properties, so I've been wearing it all the time lately. You might ask me if I'm doing the right thing as a stylist (laughs). (Laughs.) But that's how attractive merino wool is to me.
KOJIAdidas Originals has many historical masterpieces, but recently they have not been content with just reissuing them, but have established a new category such as this "ATRIC" and are willing to come out with a modern version updated for the current style. I think it is wonderful.
OgasawaraMy first impression is that the coloring is exquisite, and it looks like it will be well received by the gentry. This use of color is only possible with knit materials. I found myself thinking, "How would I wear these if it were me? My arms are always fluttering (laughs).
. The color scheme is reminiscent of the outdoor wear of the 1990s.
What about apparel?
OgasawaraThe jacket and pants , the colors are lovely!
SasakiRecently, brands have been releasing clothing inspired by the outdoors of the 1990s, and this trend is especially noticeable this season. The "ATRIC" collection is just like that, with its use of color and silhouette expressing a sense of the current era.
. What is your recommended coordination using "ATRIC"?
SasakiIt would be cool to wear this retro jacket with thick pants like the '90s street style or hip-hop style. . For the younger generation, a jacket and pants set-up would also look good. . As for the shoes, the color is distinctive, so I think it would be good to incorporate them as a hassle.
OgasawaraI think the key is the use of color. For women, I think it is possible to wear them barefoot with the leggings that have recently become popular.
KOJIPersonally, I usually wear all black, so I would dare to choose a flashy color for shoes to make my feet stand out. Also, it would be interesting to change the laces. Recently, changing laces is a bit of a boom in the sneaker industry. Just by changing the laces, you can completely change your mood and atmosphere.
Check out the three different ways of dressing & wearing "ATRIC"!
." "The point is that the T-shirt and the shoes are made of the same merino wool material. I use merino wool T-shirts for both daily use and outdoor activities, and it is a really great material. Also, to make the orange of the heel strap of the shoes stand out casually, I chose a pair of short-length pants" (Tomoyuki Sasaki).
. The theme is a mix of outdoor and military. . I chose a vivid orange color for the shoes to make the feet stand out. When I actually put my feet in these shoes, they feel lighter than when I held them in my hands, and the knit upper has a good stretch.
. This gown is a one-of-a-kind item remade from four pieces of skirt fabric worn by the Hmong hill tribe people of Thailand during the New Year's harvest festival. . The more detailed the embroidery, the more wealthy the family is. I chose orange for my feet to coordinate with this gown," says Ogasawara.
Shoes inspired by the outdoor shoes of yesteryear . The upper is made of merino wool, a natural material that is soft to the touch, dries quickly, and has various functions such as deodorant properties. They are so comfortable that we recommend wearing them barefoot. The outsole is made of Continental rubber, which provides excellent grip on rough terrain.
The apparel collection expresses the season's theme of "Adventure" with an exquisite color palette and detail work. The lineup includes jackets, pants, and shorts.
