The fact that it has spread as a fashion item is certainly a credit to Beams.
I know that you have been working with Arc'teryx for many years now, but can you tell us again what role this brand plays at BEAMS?
Arai:I think it is one of the brands that symbolize the collaboration of "BEAMS. When I tell people that I am a buyer for BEAMS, many of them say, "Arc'teryx's collaborations are great. I think that such recognition means that the brand is that impressive, even though it had not yet expanded globally at that time.
Kobayashi:I am very happy that the expectations are so high, not only among Japanese customers, but also overseas. There is no doubt that Arc'teryx itself is a very good brand, but we are striving to raise its priority even higher by placing special orders at BEAMS.
Q: How many items have you made so far?
Arai:I don't know how many. ...... To be honest, there are so many that I can't even begin to count.
Kobayashi:You probably can't look it up. ......
In a sense, it is a tradition at BEAMS, isn't it? Wasn't there a lot of pressure to take over the job from your seniors?
Arai:Yes, it is. It is something that has been going on for a long time, and I want to continue it in the future. I am looking forward to it, but I also feel comfortable working with a sense of pressure.
Arc'teryx is essentially an outdoor brand, but I feel the strength of the "BEAMS" concept in proposing it as a fashion item and having it take root in the fashion world.
Arai:After all, this is also something that has been built up by our predecessors. I am proud to say that BEAMS is responsible for the spread of this fashionable style. We are not a gear store, so what is the point of selling our products at BEAMS? Some people may think, "We are not a gear shop, so what is the point of carrying our products at BEAMS? However, I think our job is to focus on the fashionable appeal of "Arc'teryx" and propose it in a cool way.
