Three stylists of the same generation talk about the relationship between Birkenstock "Zurich" and adults.
Pursuing comfort underfoot [Joon].BIRKENSTOCKThe double-strap sandals were first released in 1966.ZurichThis season, the company released a soft footbed model with built-in cushioning. This season, the company released a soft footbed model with built-in cushioning for even greater comfort.Previous Styling by the Next Generation of MusiciansFollowing on from the first issue, we asked three stylists of the same generation to talk about their memories of Birkenstock and the appeal of Zurich, along with their self-designed outfits.
Born in 1977, he has been styling for men's and women's fashion magazines, advertisements, and catalogs since he became independent in 1998. He also supervised the publication of "Petit-Pla Men's Coordination Techniques (Ai Press). He is also known as an incomparable shoe lover.
Masahide Takeuchi
Born in 1977. He has styled a wide range of styles from casual to dress. He is known for his simple yet elegant styling that adults prefer. He works mainly for catalogs and advertisements as well as many men's fashion magazines.
Naoki Ikeda
Born in 1977, she moved to the U.S. in 2005. Since returning to Japan, he has worked in a wide range of fields, including brand consulting as well as styling for fashion magazines, advertisements, and commercials. He is an intellectual with a deep knowledge of the outdoors, art, and ceramics.
Encounters and memories with Birkenstock.
When did you first get your Birkenstock?
Matsuda.My first encounter with Birkenstock was when I was about 21 years old, when I bought a pair of "Zurich" sandals. I had known about Birkenstock since I was in high school, but I had an image of them as high-end sandals that were out of reach for teenagers, so I bought them after I moved to Tokyo.
At that time, only hard insoles were available, but a sneaker shop in Harajuku sold soft insoles that were purchased from overseas. They were very comfortable. There was also an outdoor boom, and many people wore them with mixed socks.
IkedaBy the way, everyone is barefoot this time.
Matsuda.Oh, yes (laughs).
military affairsIt's difficult to match socks, isn't it? I think bare feet are better.
Another problem is that the liner can turn black if sandals like the "Zurich" are worn barefoot.
Matsuda.In terms of dirt, it looks like a liner cleaning service was created last year.
military affairsThat's good. Like "Boston," they inevitably get dirty, so it's hard to wear them more than once.
IkedaIf you're a man, that dirt is cool. If you're a woman and you don't mind the dirt, it's kind of hippie-like to wear them. Of course there are degrees, though.
Matsuda.Come to think of it, I don't see people with black liners these days.
military affairsI wonder if they buy a new pair to wear beautifully. Or maybe I buy several pairs and rotate them. But if I did that, it would be like having a pair of Birkenstocks at my front door all the time. They are easy to walk in, and I think, "I'll just wear these again today.
IkedaIn the past, everyone used to wear Birkenstocks like tools until they were worn out. I also hesitated about wearing socks, but I ended up going barefoot. I feel like I want to go barefoot in "Zurich.
How do you feel when you actually wear them?
Matsuda.I like to check the cushioning of my shoes, so I immediately checked them out. Compared to the previous model, which had a hard footbed, the footbed was much softer.
military affairsIt's a subtle difference. It could be said that we notice it because we know how firm it used to be.
IkedaActually, today is the first time for me to wear "Zurich". When these were selling best, I myself was not looking for a relaxed feel on my feet. It was a time when I didn't even wear sneakers much. Until now, I had an image of stoic comfort, so this softness is good for people who haven't worn sneakers before.
Coordination.
Today, we have had three different styling styles for each of the three colors. What are the key points of each?
IkedaI was tempted to wear them with easy pants, but I wondered what would happen if I tried wearing them with slacks like boots, and when I put them with a coat, I ended up looking a bit like a doctor (laughs). (Laughs) However, I thought it would be easier to match beautiful materials with the large area of leather. So I decided to use wool mohair for the pants so that they would be beautiful, but still have a somewhat relaxed feel.
Matsuda.My "Zurich" shoes are khaki, and I styled them around this color. Birkenstock" is a classic and simple item that I have known for a long time, so it is interesting to style it with a top that makes a point. This gives a sense of fluidity in a good way.
military affairsI also think it would be better to match them with dressy, clean pants nowadays. Military pants or relaxed pants would also be good, but if they are not good enough, people tend to think that they are just for the neighborhood.
This season, suede models are also available. Do the different materials change the way you incorporate them into your fashion?
IkedaNubuck has a more beautiful impression, doesn't it?
Matsuda.Yes, suede might be rather more casual.
military affairsSuede goes with denim, chinos, whatever. On the other hand, nubuck might look better with a dressier style. I think it is cuter to wear them a little bigger so that the heel part is not too tight.
Nubuck is a sandal that can be worn by adults, he said. On the other hand, could it be said that there are no sandals that can be worn by adults?
military affairsInevitably, as we get older, we have fewer choices for flip-flops. After all, you don't want to wear cheap flip-flops as an older adult, do you? So I thought it would be better to wear proper flip-flops. On the other hand, beesan-type leather flip-flops would tire my feet.
In addition to "Zurich," "Birkenstock" is an item that people are not ashamed to show off, and it is gentle on the feet and lasts a long time. Even if you wear them out and replace them, they will last a lifetime.
Matsuda.Fashion goes around and around. I think that men in their late teens and early twenties will buy Birkenstock at least once, and then they will start to like them again this year. I think the softer footbed will be the most important point.
military affairsIt would be better if "BEAMS F" or other stores carried this brand. If "Zurich" was sold next to dress pants and high-end shoes like "CROCKETT&JONES," it would be fashionable and easy for adults to pick up.
Zurich ¥14,000+TAX
The Zurich is one of Birkenstock's masterpieces. More than 50 years have passed since its launch, and the Zurich is still highly supported by a wide range of people. The Zurich features two straps and a buckle that hold the instep of the foot in place with a catchy look. This season, the "soft footbed" with cushioning material in the liner makes the shoes much easier to wear than before. The fine nubuck material will become more shiny as the shoes are worn in, and the leather's unique color will change over time.
