Case 01_Stylist Shohei Higashi with ALL STAR 100 CASTELBAJAC HI
PROFILE
After working as a store staff at BEAMS, he left the company and studied under stylist Masaaki Ida. After working as a stylist assistant, he became independent in 2020. Currently, in addition to working as a stylist, he is also the director of the select store "Deer" in Nakameguro.
INSTAGRAM:@shohei_higashi
It's just the right amount of salt to make the feet of a basic outfit pop.
Mr. Azuma, in addition to being a stylist, you also direct select stores.
Yes, I am looking for a restaurant in Nakameguro, Tokyo. The store is called "Dear" in Nakameguro. The owner says, "Just do what you want to do." So, while focusing on an apparel brand called "Niche," I select items made in various places, such as hand-knitted knitwear from Nepal and accessories from France, to suit the mood of the times. I do as I please.
Speaking of France, you wore a collaboration model with Castelbajac, a brand from France. The base model is the All Star 100. The material used is Tencel ™️ canvas with improved strength, and the insole cushioning has been updated.
The brightly colored animal print textile is adorable. I've also heard that the REACT insole is very comfortable when actually worn. In fact, since my days at BEAMS, I have seen the staff around me wearing the All-Stars in style, but I had been avoiding them because I thought they were a little too masculine for me... but these look good on me, too. The fashionable and unusual design is also very much to my liking.
How should I wear these "All Stars" from a stylist's point of view?
There are so many styling textbooks on the "All Star" that it is easy to get lost in confusion as to what is the right choice. This time, I also tried to avoid becoming too masculine despite the American casual base by wearing a sweatshirt with a turtle knit in between and slim suede pants for the bottoms. It's just the right amount of salt to make the feet pop.
This is very helpful! What styles and tastes do you specialize in, Mr. Azuma?
Basically, I think I am the type of person whose style changes according to the trends of the day and the mood of the times, rather than trying to create a collection according to my own favorite taste. However, I feel myself shifting in a more mature direction every year. I am good at using color, and I often receive compliments on my work. I think the combination of basic items and subdued colors in this collection is very typical of me.
What are your future goals as a stylist?
I think all stylists have their own style philosophy and cultural background. However, I don't have such a background, and therefore I admire someone who has his or her own unique style. However, as I mentioned earlier, I know that I myself change with the times and trends, so for now I am not going to set my own style, but will do what I can for the time being. I think that is the first step.
ALL STAR 100 CASTELBAJAC HI ¥9,900 The "All Star 100" with improved cushioning and slip resistance has collaborated with Paris-based fashion brand Castelbajac. The pop and lively original safari print is a truly "CHEERFUL" work of art. Vivid key colors are also incorporated into the insole.
