One style emerges when layered.
Each item is a standard item at first glance, but if you look closely, you can see many of Mr. Nakata's innuendo points hidden within.
Nakata:Anne Likely" has three identities. The first is "mixing. We mix various categories such as American traditional, classic, work, military, sports, outdoor, etc., to create something new.
The other is "detail." I deconstruct various details and re-edit them in my designs. I am not good at subtracting, so I add a lot to my designs. For example, I put an elbow patch on a shirt, or a western-style flap on the coin pocket of a pair of chinos. . I put those kinds of cute details together, and that's what makes it unique.
And finally, "layering. As mentioned in "The Book of Heavy Duty," I was influenced by the aesthetics of layering. I think it is rare for a brand to have this as its core concept. This is also expressed in the looks, which start out normal, but end up being very voluminous.
Unlikely 2023AW Collection
When people see "UNLIKELY" clothes for the first time, I think they will sense that they are ordinary but not ordinary. The sense of discomfort in a good sense that is contained in these clothes is born from these three identities, isn't it?
Nakata:I like things that are simple and ordinary. . I like layering, so I tend to choose basic items so that they don't fight each other. . On the other hand, I also love functional beauty and details. I am fascinated by the background of how the pockets on a hunting jacket came to be. I think that's very selfish of me, but I want to enjoy these things at the same time, and that's how I came up with the designs for "Unlikely.
I think the individual items are created with an editorial approach, but when I look at the coordinated looks, I can see that they are meticulously designed.
Nakata:. That's what I'm aiming for. I calculated the length and other details so that when the items are layered, a single style emerges. So, by coordinating them, the goodness of the items is brought out in a synergistic effect. We told the dealers that we wanted the items to be presented not as individual items, but as a whole, so that the world view created by the look would be conveyed clearly.
However, you also keep in mind that the clothes should match the customer's wardrobe, don't you?
Nakata:We have also given this a great deal of thought. The sizes are not that large, and all the items have a regular fit so that they are not difficult to wear or match.
. Recently, it seems that there are more and more brands that take an editorial approach to creating clothes by adding and subtracting. What are some of the strengths of "Unlikely"?
Nakata:As I mentioned earlier, there is a rule in American clothing that says, "It has to be ____," and I think the interesting thing about American clothing is that it breaks that rule. Such things require a technique to cross the line.
For example, there is a technique of taking an "A" garment from the past archives, giving it a high quality finish using modern technology, and reviving it as an "A+" garment. In the case of Anne Riceley's brand, this is not the case. Instead, when there are "A," "B," and "C," the clothes are dismantled and their individual parts are mixed together to create "A' (A-dash). I don't think there are many brands that make clothes in this way.
You are able to do this because you know the basics of clothing, don't you?
Nakata:. I also received thorough knowledge of clothing from my seniors at "BEAMS PLUS". I am not inferior to anyone in this American traditional aspect, and I don't want to be defeated. That's what I'm trying to do.
However, I think the interesting thing about "Unlikely" is that it reflects these thoughts in a charming way.
Nakata:I have an appearance complex, so adding some cuteness or pop to the styling is what brings it all together. . That may be part of my identity. I don't wear black or cool colors, but colorful combinations. This is also reflected in "Unlikely.
. Such pop culture creates communication, doesn't it?
Nakata:I like outdoor wear because it uses colors that feel comfortable in nature. That's why the clothes come alive in nature. I think there is something fresh and appealing about it as a fashion item. Likewise, "UNLIKELY" is also creating colors that seem unlikely. For example, the beige button-down shirt you are wearing right now. Normally, beige is not used very often.
