Case02_Kentaro Kabatani
Wayser RE 2.1 from a sneaker lover's point of view
PROFILE
Born in Tokyo in 1976. After working as a stylist, he became a designer for the fashion brand BAL. He is such an avid foodie that he writes a series of articles on food for a certain media outlet, and he also has a deep knowledge of culture, including music and street culture. His knowledge of sneakers is the best in the industry, and he often posts sneaker posts on Instagram.
Instagram: @kentarokabaya
We ate dinner while looking at sneakers.
Mr. Kamatani, you are not only an expert on food, but also on sneakers. By the way, how many pairs of sneakers do you own?
Gamaya:The storage is limited to 200 pairs, so I won't add any more. If I increase, I decrease.
When did you start wearing sneakers?
Gamaya:Since I was a teenager. When I was in my early 20s, I had time but no money. I loved sneakers so much that I once ate dinner while looking at them (laughs). (Laughs) I used to eat dinner while looking at sneakers, saying, "I can eat with these!
It's like a cartoon (laughs). What kind of shoes have you been wearing?
Gamaya:I started to consciously buy sneakers when I was in junior high school in the context of American casual wear. I don't really have a particular preference for "must-have" sneakers, but my current mood is toward technical sneakers, especially those that are trekking-esque. I also wear running shoes. I don't really exercise.
Do you choose technical shoes for their functionality? Or is it a fun way to incorporate performance footwear into your fashion line?
Gamaya:It's both. Sometimes I start with function, and sometimes I simply start with color. I feel like the mood of the clothes matches the mood of the coloring, so I may be rather color-conscious.
Then, what about one-tone colors like these shoes from DESCENTE?
Gamaya:But I also like these all-black ones. It seems that if I buy something colored, I eventually want a pair of all-black sneakers, and I have a lot of all-black sneakers. They are easy to match.
Because it is a Japanese brand, it fits Japanese feet.
Gamaya:I'm sorry for my ignorance, but has DESCENTE made sneakers in the past?
Yes, we do offer performance shoes. However, I don't really have an image of sneakers, do I?
Gamaya:In my mind, "Descente" has a strong image of "Descente Ortelaine. But it was originally a ski brand. In fact, I have been using it since I was a child. Since I started working here, I have the impression that you are a sports manufacturer with many brands. Among them, I strongly remember that there was a line that collaborated with street artists such as Futura, and I think it was in the 2000s....
I didn't know there was such a thing. I remember it well.
Gamaya:I actually had some of these items. Also, when I was in elementary school, I used to ski wearing "Descente" ski wear (laughs).
What was the first thing that caught your eye when you saw these shoes?
Gamaya:I like these quick shoe laces. I have always liked the one-action quick shoe laces, and I also like the design of the laces, which are thin and not too assertive. Also, the fact that they are waterproof is a nice touch! I also like the design of the laces, which are thin and not too assertive. They are suitable for Japan's rainy environment, and they don't get stuffy like they used to. I think that is another strong point.
What did you think when you actually tried them on?
Gamaya:I think it is partly because they are a Japanese brand, but when I put them on, I did not feel the narrowness of the width at all, and they were very comfortable. Shoes made by European manufacturers are often rather narrow, so they may or may not fit some people, but I honestly think it is good that a Japanese brand can fit Japanese people's feet.
How about the ease of walking?
Gamaya:The sole is not too hard, not too soft, not like the fluffy feeling of so-called "comfort" shoes, but rather firm and stable. I think it is perfect.
How about the design of the logo?
Gamaya:I think it's great that it's understated and doesn't make a statement. I like that you can't tell which manufacturer it is at a glance.
The overwhelming technology makes me envious.
What are the key points of your styling this time?
Gamaya:I am personally interested in the color brown right now, and we are planning to make many brown items for the next fall/winter season. And black and brown go well together. Rather than all-black, I would prefer to match brown and gray, or something similar in tone, but not too much. That is the kind of styling.
The top soccer shirt is from Bal, isn't it?
Gamaya:Yes, this is a collaboration with Umbro. Eda, who is working on the brand with us, is a huge soccer fan, and he is the one who pulls the uniform stuff.
You do a lot of research on the brands you collaborate with, don't you?
Gamaya:That's right. I don't do much unless I respect or want to use this part of the brand. Simply borrowing a name is meaningless. When I do, I try to bring out the brand's colors.
If you were to collaborate with Descente...?
Gamaya:The technology is overwhelming, and in that area, we can never compete with sports brands, and I envy them. Descente" fuses fashion and functionality, and sometimes, as in the case of Futura, culture comes into the mix. I think these points are attractive.
It would be interesting to collaborate with them.
Gamaya:Of course, I would love to do it if I could.
