How do we plant seeds that will serve as a starting point (Sawamura)?
What was your impression of MURO?
Sawamura:Like Gon-san (Mr. Gongmori), I had been following MURO since the mid-90s. My hometown was Osaka, and whenever MURO would come to Osaka to DJ, I would always go with my friends. I collected "Diggin' Ice" and "Diggin' Heat" on cassette tape. I still have them today. I don't know what was coincidence and what was inevitable, but I am happy that I was asked to join this project.
How do you think "Recognize" and "Azalea" go together?
Sawamura:The concept of "Aizukubi" includes the words "indigenous" and "migratory." Indigenous" refers to something that has been around for a long time, while "migratory" refers to something that has come to us from overseas across the sea. The crossover of these two words creates a unique sense of discomfort. Japanese culture itself is not only seen by people from overseas, but also by people in Japan today as being out of sync with their own culture, and "Azuma" embodies this sense of incongruity by crossing over brands from around the world.
The clothes of "RECOGNIZE" have a nostalgic logo and are a part of the culture that is familiar to our generation, but I am not sure if young people know about it, and I think it is a part that has not yet been incorporated by fashion freaks. I'm looking forward to seeing how young people will coordinate with it.
. It's like what happens when you take a classic logo and clothing in the so-called music culture and put it in today's fashion.
Sawamura:. I think it is important for young people to have a chance. Therefore, I think that the way to sow the seeds that will serve as a starting point will lead to the possibilities of the future. I love the culture of "The Loft" in New York (note: a legendary party that has left its mark on the history of club culture in New York), and we have recreated the sound system of "The Loft" from that time in our store, but even young people who are not that familiar with music say, "Wow! Even young people who are not that familiar with music come up to me and say, "Wow, it sounds great. What is this song? And so on. I feel that such things are actually very meaningful, and if we can express that through MURO's brand again, I think we can expand it even further.
MURO:So that's how young people are now.
Sawamura:. yes, I know. I think it's the feeling of wanting what you don't know. Nowadays, we live in a digital age, where things are easily available, whether it is clothing or anything else. What we are doing is a brand or project that is not available elsewhere, and that is what is resonating with our customers.
If "digging" can be included in the elements of HIP HOP (MURO)
MURO:. I've been going to vintage clothing stores more often lately, and it's a lot like looking for used vinyl, which is fun. The word "dig" seems to be used more often by people in the vintage clothing industry nowadays. I hear that mothers who come to used children's clothing stores are called "dig moms.
Sawamura:In the past, the word "digging" itself did not exist.
MURO:If that place becomes civil, I can die anytime I want.
All:LOL!
MURO:It is my dream to include "digging" in the elements of HIP HOP.
Do you look at clothes differently now that you are going to vintage clothing stores again?
MURO:. it changes. . I enjoy looking through the archives of those days. Like Gon-chan, I have more opportunities to meet collectors. I get more excited when I can see the background of the item and the meaning it had at the time.
What do you find interesting about MURO's perspective in creating clothes?
Rights holder:For example, the breadth of his clothing lineup makes me wonder what he has seen so far (laughs). (Laughs.) It may sound strange, but I think you really value sensibility. How about this kind of project? When I ask him, "What do you think about this kind of project? You have a lot of depth. He is also extremely quick to respond to a theme.
MURO:People who have been here since the 90's, remixes were popular, and I think many of them are good at arranging music. I'm sure. They can respond to a theme in a flash.
Rights holder:I have an image that I usually get a return within 5 minutes or so (laughs).
What kind of clothes do you want to make as "RECOGNIZE" in the future?
Rights holder:I am still exploring, but I would like to make it visible that everything is done by Mr. MURO, so that young people will be interested in it, and at the same time, it will resonate with people of the same generation as myself who attend the club events in which he performs.... I think that's the difficult part, but I would like to create something like that.
MURO:On a personal note, this year marks the 35th anniversary since I made my first cassette tape at the age of 15. Since this is such a milestone, I would like to send out more interesting things than ever before, including "Recognize.
