PROFILE
After working as a sales representative and press at "BEAMS" in Osaka, he moved to Tokyo. . He worked as a buyer for the casual wear department. Later, he launched "Imagine" and took on both directing and buying duties. With his unique sense of style, he has planned many special items that can only be purchased here, and has developed it into a store that attracts nationwide attention.
PROFILE
He worked for many years at "Loftman," a famous store in Kansai with seven locations in Kyoto and Osaka, where he served as press and store manager. He is highly influential in the Kansai fashion scene, supported by his own fashion sense. Here at Imagine, he stands in the store as store manager and serves as a conduit to the end user.
A miraculous triple collaboration born of empathy.
. First of all, please tell us how you came to this collaboration.
Valley:When the designer, Mr. Tsuji, explained the concept of "BUT" at the exhibition, I felt that I wanted to deliver this message to as many customers as possible. This project is not so much a special-order project, but rather a way of putting the message of Mr. Tsuji on top of the meaning of what we have decided to offer at "Imagine". We were wondering if there were any artists who would share our feelings and who have graphic ability. We wanted to have a third-party artist join us in this project. My partner was Charlie of "Virgil Normal.
. What was your impression when you saw "BUT" for the first time?
Valley:I went to the Brunavoyne exhibition without knowing that "BUT" existed, but the moment I entered the hall, I felt a different breeze. . And I was able to see the products with doubts in a good way. I naturally looked at the "BUT" section before the "Brunavoyne" inline, which is what I was doing. While I was taking a closer look at the products, I remember switching to editing in my mind, wondering what the intention of releasing "BUT" was, and what the origin of the brand name was.
You had a completely different impression of "Brunavoyne.
Valley:The literal translation of the word "but" is "however. While feeling the connotation of "however," I began to think about "why" this background and design, and finally settled on the meaning of "BUT" in my mind as "I see. I finally settled on the meaning of "BUT" as "I see. . "BUT" has a positive meaning.
Interesting interpretation. How about you, Mr. Inaba?
Inaba:I was surprised at the shape of the leather jacket, which I had never seen before, and the high quality of the manufacturing overseas. I also felt the depth of the brand name "BUT". While domestic production has been highly evaluated in recent years, however, I was impressed by the idea of proposing good products and the commitment of the makers to pursue this regardless of whether they are in Japan or overseas.
I think this is the first time for Imagine to carry Brunavoin. What made you decide to carry the brand?
Inaba:. I was originally familiar with the quality of craftsmanship from my previous job. The attention to materials, the original fabrics proposed each season, and the high level of sewing ability. I think that alone is enough reason to deal with Brunavoin, but it is no surprise that Brunavoin is a company that is not only about "the pleasure of wearing clothes" but also about "making things. More than that, they always convey the "enjoyment of wearing clothes" and "making things with a story," and the main reason we decided to carry their products was that we could relate to the "enjoyment" aspect, which is one of our goals in creating a store.
Q: The "BUT" line offers various styles of leather jackets, but why did you choose a zipped jacket for this special order?
Inaba:In fact, this jacket is based on an outdoor shell, and has the necessary outdoor cut, including the sleeve length and body width. The reason why we chose this type of jacket for this special order is that we have incorporated realistic "functions" into a leather jacket, like the "Patagonia" and "Arcteryx" jackets that we used to wear in the early 2000s when we liked street style and American casual style. . We believe that by making it leather, we can incorporate it into a variety of styles.
Please tell us why you decided to entrust this item to "Virgil Normal".
Valley:. As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to add a message. I replaced the "but" in "but" with a positive mindset, and this positive mindset, which I actually picked up for the first time, links to the word "ADULT" that Charlie of "Virgil Normal" often sets as his message. ENTERTAIMENT" that Charlie of "Virgil Normal" often sets as his message. ADULT ENTERTAIMENT. I felt a similarity between these words and the thrill I felt when I picked up "BUT" in my hands. With this in mind, I asked Charlie to hand-paint it for me.
When you ordered the graphics from Charlie, did you have any requests?
Valley:I didn't have any specific requests, but I did talk to Charlie, who is very interested in Japanese culture, about Osaka, the Expo '70s, the upcoming Expo in 2025, and the Tower of the Sun. . We dug up Osaka in the 70's together at a time when the city is taking on another big challenge.
. What is the meaning behind the words "Adult Entertainment" and the graphic of the sun?
Valley:"Adult Entertainment" is entertainment for adults . The theme of the graphics is "From Osaka 70s to the future" as mentioned above . Osaka in the 70s itself had not yet been born, nor had Brunavoyne or BUT been born. Brunavoyne and BUT were not born yet, and Osaka is about to be on the verge of 2025. . If those of us who were not born at that time could grow up and have fun toward 2025, we could become adults and make everyone happy. I want to be an entertainer who can make everyone happy. That is my wish for "Adult Entertainment".
. What are your impressions of the finished product?
Valley:I feel happy first of all that we were able to show Osaka to a third party, a foreign artist who is interested in Japan. Without any preconceptions, the direct result was very satisfying, with a strength far beyond my imagination, and with Charlie's uniqueness. This work, which was done by hand painting each piece, is very intricate and is a one-of-a-kind item.
Inaba:It's seriously bad! One word!
. What do you particularly like about this jacket, and what are your particular points of interest?
Valley:We talked a lot and had the paintings done, so they are filled with the thoughts of Osaka lovers. Once again, I thought that the wonderful products of "Brunavoyne" and "BUT" are matched with the message and graphics filled with Osaka's mindset (laugh).
Inaba:There are so many, it's hard to say, but we can honestly say that "people" who we like have worked on this project. The world of Charlie of Virgil Normal and the designers of Brunavoyne have merged into one. The fusion of Charlie's sense of the world of "Virgil Normal" and the Brunavoyne designer's idea of manufacturing that transcends genres. There are no boundaries between styles, eras, countries, graphics, or production, and I think this is a good product that can be enjoyed simply as a single item.
. What kind of coordination would you recommend using this jacket?
Valley:We can offer suggestions on how to dress more beautifully and smartly, but there is no such thing as right or wrong coordination, and we are happy if you coordinate as you like. We prefer coordination that is fun and interesting to look at! . If I may suggest, if the message, logo, and texture are to be boldly expressed, I think color matching would be a good idea.
Inaba:Personally, I think it would be interesting to wear it more like a nylon jacket , rather than the leather image. . I would have it worn with sweatshirts or nylon pants, for example. Of course, there is also the seasonal feel, but I think it would also be interesting to see it worn with shorts and tights and mountain boots, as was the case back in the 2000s. Another idea would be to incorporate it into street style. Cotton knitwear and thick cargos with Timberlands on the feet would be a good idea.
Brunavoyne, a long-established brand from Osaka, and Imagine, an up-and-coming select store also from Osaka, have come together for this project. It is a deeply moving experience, but was there anything in particular that you were conscious of?
Valley:I have learned a lot from Mr. Tsuji, the designer, since my previous job. I have been conscious of the "angle" as a protractor, rather than a ruler, based on what I have learned. BUT ＝But" is a word that changes the angle. I like the idea of a protractor more than that of a ruler. Above all, changing the angle is entertaining. It surprises everyone and makes them happy.
I think it was a very rich collaboration between three unique brands and stores. Do you have any plans to create more in the future?
Inaba:We will take one step at a time, but next spring, we plan to move forward with a project that will delve deeper into the "Imagine" and "BUT" initiatives. We will re-explore the Brunavoyne brand, which has helped us grow since our last job, and make a new proposal that connects to the present in our own way. Please let us know how it goes.
Valley:We are looking forward to working with you on future fun and exciting projects. We hope you enjoy them. ！！！！
An artistic leather jacket spun by three individualists from Osaka and Los Angeles.
BUT × IMA:ZINE × VIRGIL NORMAL ¥148,000+TAX
Imagine" boldly custom-made a leather zip-up jacket from the "BUT" line derived from Brunavoyne. Charlie of the Los Angeles boutique Virgil Normal, with whom we have a close friendship, was asked to hand-paint the jacket, resulting in a piece of clothing that can be called an art piece. On the back, the main graphic, the words "Adult Entertainment" and the sun are laid out. Each piece was painted carefully and is a genuine one-off. The limited edition will be available at "Imagine" from October 5 (Sat.).
