05: Compass×#FR2_Gazelle Hi & Low Collaboration with a popular brand from Indonesia.
Lastly, I would like to talk about the canvas sneakers you are wearing today. I have never seen those before.
Ishikawa:This is a collaboration model with "#FR2," an Indonesian brand called "Compass. It has a black upper and white stitching, which I like, and a photo print on the outsole. When it was released in Japan in August this year, it sold out immediately.
I had never heard of the "Compass" brand. I didn't know there was a sneaker brand in Indonesia.
Ishikawa:Although completely unknown in Japan, the local popularity is tremendous. There are many enthusiastic fans, and official Instagram posts can have thousands of posts. Such a brand is hard to find.
Ms. Ishikawa, where did you learn about this brand?
Ishikawa:When I was invited to exhibit at an event in Indonesia, Compass's booth happened to be next to mine, and there was an unusual crowd of people. I was surprised and thought to myself, "Wow, this brand is amazing! I was surprised to see someone from #FR2 at the Compass booth, and after talking with him, we ended up collaborating on this project. Their enthusiasm for manufacturing is amazing.
Do you think sneaker culture is booming in Indonesia right now?
Ishikawa:It's not half bad. They all spend money on sneakers because Indonesia is hot all year round and does not need outerwear. Indonesia has a population of about 260 million. It is the fourth largest country in the world. I think it will still be very exciting in the future.
The trend toward standardization grows stronger year by year. In fact, HOKA also likes it.
The five pairs that you mentioned this time are subtly twisted or well-known to those in the know, but overall they are simple and basic.
Ishikawa:Perhaps it is because I am getting older, but I feel that I have become more oriented toward standard items. I no longer have a craving for flashy or challenging designs. I'm kind of over the rare and hyped thing these days.
Are you interested in high-tech performance shoes?
Ishikawa:Actually, I love "Hoka Oneone" and wear it often. I think its comfort is unique. I haven't been able to go on business trips recently because of Corona, but I usually wear Hoka Oneone on overseas business trips and other occasions when I have a lot of opportunity to walk around the city.
It is true that Hoka Oneone shoes are very comfortable, and once you try them on, you will become addicted to them. Well, I could go on and on, but I think it's time to send your friends to .......
Ishikawa:I would like to introduce Mitsuhiro Kubo of GR8. He is the same age as me. I am curious to know what kind of sneakers he is focusing on right now.
I'm curious to hear what you have to say. Thank you very much for your time today!
PROFILE
Born in 1975, Seino established Seino in 2002. He has worked with many popular brands, including VANQUISH, #FR2, and gonoturn.
