Do you know the function and decide you don't need it, or do you decide without knowing?
Last year, "Euro Hiker" was reissued, and it seems that other brands are also releasing trekking and hiking boots like this one after another. What do you feel about this trend?
Fujii:I have always loved this kind of boots, so I have had trekking boots custom-ordered not only from "Timberland" but from other brands as well. I think there is a trend that when something classic becomes popular, we end up with boots like these. In the 90's, work boots were popular, and the next trend was outdoor boots like these.
Even though they are outdoor models, the "non-native" custom-made models are more urban, or as you mentioned earlier, they are designed for all situations, aren't they?
Fujii:I think you can hike in them, but I don't think hikers would choose these shoes (laughs). (Laughs) I design these shoes as a fashion item.
Is fashion the highest priority for you?
Fujii:That's right. We are not outdoor professionals. But we think it is important to know. I like and enjoy testing things like that.
I think knowing this will change the items you make.
Fujii:You know what you need and what you don't need in your life. For example, with GORE-TEX®, it is easier to determine what functions are necessary. You can't imagine a situation where you would be drenched in the rain for hours on end in a normal life. You would be inside a building. That is why I am more concerned about windproofing than waterproofing when it comes to GORE-TEX®. It is cold when the wind comes in.
In short, do you make the decision that you don't need it after knowing its function, or do you make the decision without knowing it? There is a big difference between the two. I want to be the former as much as possible. Otherwise, no one will understand what I have created.
That is why, when I make mountain parkas, I do not crimp the fabric, but stitch it together. For me, it is important to make something that looks low-tech.
