ABU GARCIA -APPAREL LINE
PROFILE
After working for a number of apparel companies as a designer, he is currently an assistant product manager at Abu Garcia. He was born in Nasu Shiobara, Tochigi, and fishing was a familiar pastime for him.
The key word that connects fishing and fashion is "stillness.
Swedish fishing brand Abu Garcia launched its apparel line for the 2019 fall/winter season. The response has been even greater than we expected," says Toru Tanaka, who is in charge of the line.
. there wasn't much in the way of cool fishing clothes. . If it were more fashionable, you could go from the city to the field without having to change clothes. We aimed for that kind of clothing."
. The base of the company is fishing wear. We want to make fishing more accessible by adding fashion to it. This is Abu Garcia's goal.
. The fabrics we use for our clothes are based on functional materials for fishing, such as water-repellent fabrics. However, we have added texture and expression to them and arranged them so that they can be worn easily on the street. We have changed the silhouette and incorporated military elements, while adding a fashionable touch so that the garment can be worn without discomfort."
According to Mr. Tanaka, "Fishing is a 'quiet' activity. Therefore, it has a lot in common with street clothes. This is an eye-opening perspective.
Compared to mountain climbing or running, fishing is a relatively low-intensity activity. However, since fishing is a waterside activity, the clothes must have at least water repellency and waterproofing to drain water well, and it is also important to be able to dry quickly after getting wet and to be able to store gear. In that sense, there is no need for excessive functions, and such functions would be helpful in the city.
. Ideally, the clothes should be usable in the field, and one should be able to walk around Shibuya and Harajuku without feeling uncomfortable.
. "My challenge for the future is how to cross the boundary between the city and the field. I am going to continue to experiment with specs and fashion, so that I can strike a good balance between the two.
This fishing jacket is made of a combination of waterproof, breathable material and durable, water-repellent material. The front pocket is large enough to hold a lure case. The mountain parka-like appearance is cool. Jacket ¥23,100 (Pure Fishing Japan)
This item is a collaboration with . The shorts, whose design is based on military pants, have an elastic waist for easy wearing. Shorts ¥18,150 (Pure Fishing Japan)
The vest in collaboration with "Isness" has a plain and simple design at first glance, but it is functional with pockets on the inside. Vest ¥20,350 (Pure Fishing Japan)
The cap is a bold sampling of a certain music TV logo. The unique design is the result of a collaboration with "Isness". Cap ¥6,050 (Pure Fishing Japan)
Cases for various fishing tools. The unique use of color tickles men's hearts.
. The graphic is a sampling source from an illustration in the catalog pictured below. The quick-drying fabric is quite useful during the hot season. t-shirts ¥6,600 each (Pure Fishing Japan)
A 1970s catalog from " Abu Garcia " that was used as a reference for the T-shirt design. Illustrations and photographs of fishing .
Wide pants made of water-repellent , moisture-permeable 3-layer fabric. . A pair accented with a large pocket that can hold a lure case as it is. Pants ¥21,450 (Pure Fishing Japan)
Rods and reels with a minimalist, stoic design. The use of gray color gives it a Scandinavian feel. Rod ¥11,550, reel for reference (both from Pure Fishing Japan)
This is a lure that Abu Garcia used to make in the past. The design is retro and unique, including the use of color in the packaging.
