I had been monochromatic for so long , it was time to go crazy.
. This time, the standard "Beta Jacket" and three bags have been specially ordered. How does the project proceed?
Arai:Whenever we collaborate with Arc'teryx, we always present our ideas to the brand side. We discuss as a team, decide on a color scheme and theme, and propose dozens of ideas. From these, Arc'teryx chooses the one that best fits the mood of the moment.
Kobayashi:After I gave my presentation, I felt pretty sozzled. I couldn't help but wonder which theme would be picked up.
Arai:There will be a presentation at the online meeting connecting Canada, London, and Japan, and I will ask them to explain their intentions as to why they chose the theme they did. From there, we would start a discussion to further enhance the appeal of the item.
You proposed dozens of ideas, and one of them was chosen.
Arai:. yes, I am. . Each of these ideas has a story or theme. The whole "BEAMS" buyer team thinks about it together.
Can you select the items?
Arai:That's a request from Arc'teryx. This time, I was like, "This is it.
By the way, what was the theme of the items you proposed this time?
Arai:I proposed a theme that would be uniquely Japanese for the global expansion of this project. We proposed themes such as "autumn leaves," "concrete jungle," and "wabi-sabi. As a result, Arc'teryx came up with this coloring, which is a mix of several ideas we had proposed. It's a mix of the best of both worlds (laughs).
Kobayashi:The colors were chosen to match the season's theme and colors of Arcteryx.
I see, so the color is a good mix of Proposal A, B, and C. .
Arai:Yes, that's right. So it is a true collaboration. . and finally the theme "DIMENSIONS" was decided.
DIMENSIONS" means "dimensions," right?
Kobayashi:. The general meaning is the colors of nature as seen from various angles and dimensions. The terrain as seen from the sky, the rocks and strata seen from the field, the fine details of the stones and sand you notice when you crouch down, etc. . The colors that are commonly found in these areas are used in this project.
Arai:It's a worldview that is typical of Arc'teryx, isn't it?
Kobayashi:During the meeting, I was shown an image of a geological formation. It is true that geological strata are layered and not all of them are the same color. From a distance, it may look like one color, but from up close, you can see that there are many layers and that they are composed of many different colors.
. So it's a crazy pattern.
ARC'TERYX x BEAMS Beta Jacket ¥56,100 The standard "Beta Jacket" features a crazy pattern of colors reminiscent of natural scenery. The iconic "Big Bird" logo that has become a symbol of the BEAMS project sits on the right arm, and as always, the finish is iconic. The double-zip design, not found on the in-line model, allows you to play with the silhouette. The fabric is made of "N30p 3L GORE-TEX fabric with GORE® C-KNIT(TM) backer technology," which features high waterproof/breathable and windproof properties as well as quietness when worn.
Kobayashi:This is the pattern we have always wanted to follow. We made a number of presentation sheets for this purpose.
Arai:I've been doing a lot of single-color special orders, so I thought it was about time to do a crazy one, and I've been seeing a lot of feedback on social media about the past crazy pattern special orders. So I was like, "Here you go! (laughs).
The coloring is also exquisite. Crazy patterns tend to give a loud impression, but this one seems very calm and easy to incorporate.
Arai:It matches the sophisticated mood of "Arc'teryx.
Kobayashi:Some of the designers on the Arcteryx design team decide on the coloring, and the result is a perfect balance of colors. As for the "Beta Jacket," I like the fact that the sleeves are white. I don't think white is often seen in outdoor gear.
Arai:I had made a special order for a natural color once upon a time, but this is the first time I've seen this much white.
Mantis 2 Waistpack" is colored to match the jacket, while "Mantis 1 Waistpack" and "Mantis 26 Backpack," which were specially ordered by "BEAMS BOY," are also attractive with their clean colors.
From left to right: ARC'TERYX x BEAMS Mantis 2 Waistpack ¥6,600 , Mantis 1 Waistpack ¥6,050 The "Mantis 2 Waistpack," which incorporates the coloring of the "Beta Jacket," can be worn comfortably on the hip or shoulder and can hold essential belongings in a minimalist manner. The Mantis 1 Waistpack is smaller than the Mantis 2, with a 1.5L capacity. It is an attractive size that is easy to use on a daily basis.
ARC'TERYX x BEAMS Mantis 26 Backpack ¥22,000 The Mantis 26 Backpack is based on a snow-white color scheme, but is finished with gradations of gray and black to give it a crisp, tight look. The draw-bridge opening allows easy access to the main compartment. The Mantis 26 Backpack is also equipped with several other pockets, making it easy to organize your belongings.
Arai:This is already a "gotcha!" I'm like. Cool.
Kobayashi:It's an unlikely color, isn't it?
