Gear shorts are the ultimate icon and a great classic.
PROFILE
Born in 1981 in Saitama Prefecture. After graduating from Bunka Fashion College, he joined "Text Trading (now Foot Locker ATMOS Japan)" in 2000. Currently, as Creative Director and Men's Senior Director of "ATMOS," he is responsible for overseeing operations and buying.
Instagram: @koji198139
I believe that ATMOS has collaborated with Grip Swany on a number of projects in the past. Could you start by telling us how you got started?
Kojima:It was an introduction from an acquaintance, but to be honest, I had never heard of "Grip Swanee" at the time. So we were skeptical, wondering if it would be okay to collaborate with them. We were skeptical about collaborating with them (laughs).
At first, you made a special order of "Grip Swanee" shorts, didn't you?
Kojima: We made shorts with an animal print. At the time, we were selling a special order of "Air Max," and we decided to make shorts to match the sneakers in the same color. That was around 2020.
The response has been quite positive.
Kojima: That's right. When we started to sell the product, there was a line up from the morning. From there, the impression and viewpoint within the company changed in a positive way. We have been dealing with HOKA, ON, and SALOMON for a long time, but at first everyone was like, "What about this? At first, everyone was like, "What about this? But now, we want to carry it in all of our stores. Items from "Grip Swanee" are just like that.
I feel that Grip Swany is a bit different from other brands that you have collaborated with up until now.
Kojima: For example, if it were a domestic brand that started last year, I might think twice. However, I was interested in Grip Swany because it was founded in the U.S. in 1848 and has a history of more than 150 years. Also, I am a fan of American culture, so that was also a deciding factor.
What do you think are the advantages of "gear shorts"?
Gear shorts 3.0 each ¥9,020
With a total of nine pockets, these versatile shorts are ideal for any occasion. Made of supplex nylon with a cotton-like appearance and softness, these shorts have a look that is at home in the city. The slightly above-the-knee silhouette supports comfortable leg movement in active situations.
Kojima: I like clothes with lots of pockets. I like clothes with lots of pockets. Even shorts have nine pockets. I don't really put anything in them, but they tickle my manly fancy (laughs).
How about the material?
Kojima: I really like the supplex nylon. It has a slightly cotton-like texture. Also, I generally wear black, but black fades. But with supplex nylon, the color won't fade.
You can wear them as daily wear without hesitation.
Kojima: I also like to buy standard items that can be purchased at any time of the year. With collection brands, even if I find a pair of pants that I really like, they will be gone after that season. On the other hand, I can buy "gear shorts" every season. When you get older, you tend to wear the shape you like for a long time.
It was my own image, but I thought you had it backwards. You have a lot of rare things.
Kojima: Yes, shoes are the same. However, when it comes to clothes, I have my own staple items that I can always buy. Gear Shorts" is my standard because the length is just right and the balance of not too thick and not too thin is just right for me. The price is less than 10,000 yen, so I can easily buy them.
I would like to keep buying things in the shape I like, wouldn't I?
Kojima: So, what's kind of interesting is that a standard item like "gear shorts" is similar to sneakers. The point is that you want to have a standard item and collect the color variations that go with it. It's a matter of whether it's a collectible or not.
You have the standard black and olive, but you also want the special-order Atmos colors.
Kojima:That's right. Air Force One" sells best in white-white after all, and "Stan Smiths" in white-green. You can buy them all year round, but every once in a while, an innovative and unusual item comes out in the same mold, and you want it. I wonder if this is becoming the case with "Grip Swanee" shorts. I think that brands that have a kind of standard are strong.
The special orders with Atmos always come in very different colors, in a good sense of the word, and it certainly makes me want to collect them.
Kojima: We only make a few shabby items every year (laughs). (Laughs) Also, I think the meaning of collaboration is to introduce each other's brand to customers who do not know each other. Some of our customers may have bought Grip Swanies for the first time, while others may have come to know about ATMOS because of Grip Swanies.
You've done a lot of collaborations in the past, but do you feel that you have a good chemistry with each other?
Kojima: I think outdoor brands in general and sneakers in particular go well together. Fashion is becoming more diversified, and various barriers are disappearing. In the past, there was a clear categorization of "outdoorsy," but now there is none at all.
By the way, when do you plan to release this year's Grip Swany special order?
Kojima: It is July 15. We have a standard line of python-patterned sneakers, and we have made "gear shorts" with the same pattern. I think they will sell out quickly this time, too.
I thought it was sold out immediately.
Kojima: That's right. The collaboration with "Grip Swanee" has already gained many fans and repeat customers. I think these shorts are so well supported. They look good, but they are also functional, which is one of the reasons why they are so well-loved.
Also, Grip Swany is famous for its original flame-retardant material, "Braze Shield.
A triple collaboration model by Grip Swany, ATMOS, and Crocs, released in November last year. Based on the boot-style "Classic All-Terrain Clog," this model uses Gripswanny's flame-retardant material for the shaft and upper cover, and is designed for outdoor activities such as camping and campfires.
Kojima: We made these "Crocs" using Grip Swany's flame-retardant material, and the response was tremendous. They sold like hotcakes.
It was very unique, and I think many people were surprised. By the way, are there sneakers made of flame-retardant materials?
Kojima: I've never seen them from a sports manufacturer. There aren't any shoes specifically designed for camping to begin with.
What are your impressions of Grip Swany's flame-retardant materials?
Kojima: I think people have an image of "Grip Swanee" as a flame-retardant material, don't they? I don't camp, but I think it's great for outdoor enthusiasts, and I'm currently working on my next project, so I hope you'll look forward to it.
Do you feel that the response to your work has grown as you have collaborated more and more?
Kojima: That's right. At first, we only made shorts, but now we are even making tents together, and the collection has expanded considerably. However, I can't see the goal for a while (laughs). (Laughs) We are setting a hurdle for ourselves, and each time we have to surpass the previous year's collection.
However, I think it is also because Grip Swanny is based on the real thing that it has received such a strong response. Both the shorts and flame-retardant jackets are definitely useful both in town and outdoors.
