PROFILE
. Born in 1976. . He joined the long-established sneaker store "MITA Sneakers" in Ueno, Tokyo, in 1996. He has been involved in setting up collaborations and special orders with all kinds of brands, as well as in brand projects and direction, and has attracted worldwide attention as a key figure in the scene.
Official website:www.mita-sneakers.co.jp
PROFILE
Born in 1981, he has been in the sneaker industry since the early days of ATMOS in 2000. He has been involved in the sneaker industry since 2000, when ATMOS was first established, and currently works as a director. He has been involved in special order projects that make news with each release, and his distinctive coloring and patterns have influenced the fashion scene as well.
Official website:www.atmos-tokyo.com
. ag® has given a good stimulus to the sneaker scene. (Kojima)
CA805 Metal Nubuck (available January 27) , CA805 Mesh Pollen / White (available February 17)
- What is the reaction in stores to the "CA805" series of sneakers from "ag®" that were introduced for the spring/summer 2019 season?
Kunii: Ag®" is linked to fashion rather than sports, and the "CA805" series is a good example of how you've been able to incorporate it into that. . It's a good incorporation of the evolution of a sports brand and the changes of a fashion brand. Because it hits those points, I feel that customers are responding sensitively and picking it up.
Kojima: With the release of the "CA805 MLT," I think the image of sheepskin boots has expanded. We were also involved in the "12×12 Collection" last year, which was well received by fashion lovers.
The "12×12 Collection" was a project to release a limited edition "CA805" designed with a different theme each month.
Kojima: . approached from various angles, incorporating elements of nature and art, which has broadened the fan base of [ag®]. The "CA805 Dalmatian," which we collaborated on for "Atmos," is also a long seller.
I heard that the "805 X Classic WP," a triple name developed with "WHIZ LIMITED," sold out on the same day.
Kunii: We were able to create that model by combining the best aspects of lifestyle and sports. When we actually tried it out in stores, the response was even better than we had expected. I felt that our image of "ag®" had become more rigid than ours.
. At first, Kunii-san, too, you had a strong image of sheepskin boots when you first heard the name "Ag®.
Kunii: When I was first shown the prototype of the "CA805" by "Ag®", the keyword "sneakerheads" came up. But to be honest, there are many sneakerheads who know the brand, but have never worn "agu®" before. So, we came up with the triple name as a result of thinking about how we could propose an "Ag®" style to our customers. When we introduced the brand on the sales floor, we found that the response was from a wider range of people than just sneaker lovers.
Kojima: Until now, sports brand sneakers have been the mainstream, but now we have a wider choice. I think [agu®] has given a good stimulus to the sneaker scene.
Kunii: Most sports brand sneakers have a logo or design on the side of the upper. But the "CA805" series has modest branding. Sneaker stores display most of their shoes on the side, and many customers may react to the difference.
