I think he is a very good designer to work with Calvin Klein.
PROFILE
Studied photography and design in London and San Francisco . After returning to Japan, he launched his own brand, "Purple Things," in 2015 and has been working as a designer. Last year, he started a YouTube channel and is also focusing on video production. Instagram:@kiki_sun
What do you think of the "Heron Preston for Calvin Klein" collection?
Kikuno:The tank top, bra, and denim were very natural, items that I would wear often. They felt like everyday clothes. I really like the shape of the tank top. . I have a variety of tank tops, but I thought this one was nice because it showed off my décolleté line nicely.
Also, denim has this kind of silhouette in what I usually wear, and it looks very modern. I like the lines that street kids are wearing, and the way they have a bit of an old man's look to them. But it is still fashionable. I thought it matched the current mood.
What is your impression of "Calvin Klein" to begin with?
Kikuno:. I still have a strong image of underwear. In the past, Kate Moss was also in the ads, and the visuals remain in my mind. When I hear the name "Calvin Klein," that's what comes to mind.
Kikuno-san, you studied abroad in the U.S. at one point in your life. At that time, did you see anyone wearing this brand of clothing?
Kikuno:How was it? I was in San Francisco, and many people didn't care about fashion, in a good way. Everyone was wearing T-shirts and denim or jerseys, basically relaxed. Many of the girls of my generation, including myself, were wearing the sporty Calvin Klein underwear that is also in this collection.
Like the bra in this issue, it has a sporty and fashionable design. It is not too sexy in a good sense. I think the fact that it is not too sexy, in a good sense, is very attractive.
What is your impression of Heron Preston?
Kikuno:The image of orange is still strong. And then there is luxury street. It's not too sharp or too simple, but the balance is just right. . I thought it was a great match with Calvin Klein.
Kikuno-san, you usually wear men's clothing. Where do you get your roots?
Kikuno:. I have always been surrounded by many boys, and I myself like men's culture. I feel more comfortable when boys say I am cool than when girls say I am cute, and I have liked both men's and women's clothing since I was a student. I have liked men's and women's clothing since I was a student, regardless of whether it is men's or women's, and it was the same when I came back from the U.S. In Japan, it feels strange that everyone wears the same clothes. I felt uncomfortable with the fact that everyone in Japan was wearing the same clothes, and I simply wanted to wear clothes that were different from others. It was not yet common for girls to wear men's clothes, but I liked skate culture and hip-hop, and many of the clothes I wanted to wear were men's items.
Your own brand, "Purple Things," is also based on men's clothing, isn't it?
Kikuno:At first, I started on a spur of the moment. When I returned to Japan, I didn't have any clothes I wanted to wear, so I decided to make my own. I started out making clothes at my own pace, but then I got a job as a staff member at "United Arrows & Sons. This was a good opportunity for me to get to know men's clothing, and I wanted to make my own clothes more seriously. I became more serious about making my own clothes, and my desire to create my own brand became stronger.
Have there been any changes from there to the present?
Kikuno:Looking back, I feel like I have been through quite a lot. Now I work with an assistant, but when I was working alone, there were times when it was hard to keep up with the fashion cycle. But after Corona made it impossible for me to hold exhibitions, I began to think that it would be better for me to work at my own pace. . But I was able to make it through the past year, so I think that's good enough for me now.
I see.
Kikuno:. So I think the timing was a good opportunity for me to rethink myself and the brand. How will I continue the brand and what kind of designer do I want to be? The less time I spent meeting with people, the more I was able to concentrate on how I want to live my life. In my personal life as well, I eat out less and cook almost all of my own meals, and I go to bed early and get up early. Basically, I like to stay at home, so I feel that my life has become more fulfilling.
So you've come to live a life style that is more like your own.
Kikuno:I really don't have any stress, now.
Kikuno, is there anything that motivates you in such a situation?
Kikuno:I started my own YouTube channel last year to see if there was something I could do to help with the daily routine of the Corona Disaster, and I am now uploading videos about once a week. I am now uploading videos at a rate of about one a week, and I have even gotten some video work. I think video may be a new hobby for me.
What is it about?
Kikuno:Basically, it's a VLOG, where I cut out and edit my daily life, such as where I went today. I had been watching YouTube before, but the Corona disaster made me watch more videos, and I thought I might be able to do that too.
. So that's what you're enjoying right now.
Kikuno:It's fun. I do it like a diary. I have always been bad at writing diaries, but with video, I enjoy the filming and editing so much that I continue to do it. The comments are positive. I get comments like, "You've become a good editor," and that simply motivates me. This is my first visual diary since I started making videos, and each one is an important piece of work, so I am very happy that people are watching and enjoying my work.
A ribbed tank top that flatter the décolleté is layered over a unique Calvin Klein bra. The denim is baggy in silhouette and the bright indigo color is eye-catching. The red, white, and blue in the color scheme of the coordination are all softly toned to fit in with everyday life without being overly assertive. Bra ¥6,820, Tank top ¥6,160 (set of 3), Jeans ¥23,980, others, personal effects of the artist
Do you have any challenges you would like to take on in the future?
Kikuno:I would like to direct videos. . I want to work not only in the front, but also behind the scenes, where I can make use of my creativity. I am interested in what is behind the scenes, so someday I would like to shoot some kind of documentary. I would be happy if I could do that kind of work.
