PROFILE
Born in Akita, Japan in 1982 , she became independent in 2009. With her unique yet timeless styling, she has worked for fashion magazines, brand catalogs, and advertisements, as well as styling actors and artists.
PROFILE
Born in Aichi , Japan in 1982. Studied under stylist Hiroshi Ozawa and became independent in 2009. He has worked on a wide range of projects from magazines and brand looks to advertisements, and his minimalistic yet presentable styling has earned him a strong following.
PROFILE
After working as a buyer and director at a select store, he became the director of in 2020. Starting this season, he is developing a new label, "FUSE," which combines fashion and functionality.
Daily wear for adults, regardless of the occasion
Katagai-san and Komatsu-san, what were your first impressions of FUZE?
Snail:It has an air of modernity and looks like it could be worn every day. I am the type of person who likes to wear a favorite outfit for a long time. I'm no Steve Jobs (laughs). (laughs). In that sense, I have a very good impression.
Suzuki:In fact, as a designer myself, I often wear different colors of clothes that I like. That's why FUZE emphasizes the importance of being able to fit in and feel comfortable in any situation.
Snail:What did Komatsu-kun think?
Komatsu:. I got the impression that it was genderless in some way. However, it was not genderless as a trend for the younger generation, but rather a neutral look that we in our thirties and older would want to wear. The nuanced materials, flat design, and subtle use of color... I felt the attention to detail throughout the collection.
Suzuki:I wasn't consciously aware of genderlessness, but as it turns out, you may be right. . In fact, while looking at women's clothing, I am often influenced by the idea that it would be nice to have men's clothing as well. . The same is true of the ribbed knit pants I've been seeing a lot lately. They feel like jerseys, yet are natural on the street. . This season, we have pants made with the idea of a men's version of these pants in mind.
Komatsu:I see, so you can actually be a source of inspiration.
Snail:Indeed, color variations are also available, with many beautiful colors in addition to the basics.
. There are many materials with excellent functionality, aren't there?
Suzuki:In life, you know, it suddenly rains or the soup from ramen noodles splashes (laughs). I like luxury materials, but don't you want to keep worrying about stains on your clothes all the time?
Snail:I can't wear such clothes. I don't want to wear it .
Suzuki:Clothes that are nice to buy but require a lot of care are consequently not worn very often. I thought it would be nice to have clothes that dry quickly when wet, return to their original state when dry, are stretchy, and are stress-free... I thought it would be nice to have such clothes. That's how we came up with FUZE.
Komatsu:Also, FUZE's clothes have a gentle texture like natural materials, don't they? . So, even though they are functional, they do not give the impression of outdoor or sportswear. They are natural, yet have a sense of quality. I thought the choice of materials was skillful.
Suzuki:I am glad to hear you say so. . All of our fabrics are blended with synthetic fibers, but the natural texture is a very important part of our fabrics.
Komatsu:I'm quite happy with this look and easy washing, or something like that.
Snail:Is seersucker also wool and polyester blend?
Suzuki:. yes. Solotex form-stabilizing material is also used in some of our items. It is stretchable, but also has the ability to return to its original shape even after stretching, so it is hard to lose its shape.
Suzuki:Also, I have always liked outdoor brands. However, they all have logos on them, so I find myself wearing logos all over my body. Also, I don't need watertight zips or hard shells in my daily life.
Snail:So "fuse" is a fusion of function and fashion that is just right. It is true that outdoor brands give a fixed impression of styling. Komatsu, you have the image of wearing mostly mode clothes, but you also like to go outdoors, don't you? How do you always do that?
Komatsu:. I would like to have clothes that I can wear throughout the day, not divided by scene, even if I go to and from the beach and the city. It is a hassle to take them off and put them on.
Suzuki:That's exactly the kind of person I want to see wearing FUZE.
Komatsu:In fact, we sometimes go out to eat in town on the way home, so well-designed clothes that are easy to move in come in handy.
. Also, one of your concepts is "uniforms".
Suzuki:Yes . So we have many types of set-ups. Not only jackets, but also shirts and blousons, and we have items in the same fabric that can be combined with the top and bottom.
Komatsu:By the way, Katagai-san, aren't you setting up today?
Snail:Yes . The setup is suvariably easy. You don't have to think about it.
Suzuki:That's right (laughs). It will be my daily "uniform". I am planning to make the set-up a brand staple. . while changing the materials and colors depending on the season.
Snail:. I was interested in the seersucker fabric set-up. The double jacket and slacks are a dress item, but it has a pleasantly relaxed, modern feel.
Suzuki:The shape itself is based on a tailored suit, but without interlining, and the shoulder position is loosely adjusted.
Snail:And the pants are easy to wear. I appreciate the fact that it is comfortable to wear, while still being elegant enough for an adult at my age.
Komatsu:The long shirts also seem to feel good with the thick material. At first glance, it looks like a high quality broadcloth, but when you touch it, you will be surprised at how soft it is. Moreover, it looks like a shirt, but is it a pullover?
Suzuki:Pullovers are easier to put on and take off. It looks like a shirt, but it is made into an easy-to-use pullover.
