The uniqueness of the store is built up with the staff and customers.
PROFILE
Born in Osaka, he joined BEAMS in 1998 and has been in charge of directing "BEAMS BOY" and designing original items. She joined NEPENTHES in 2021, and is also the designer of "Rodrillion" in addition to "NEPENTHES WOMAN". She is also known as a great cat lover.
Congratulations on the opening of "NEPENTHES WOMAN" in Hakata, following on from Osaka and Tokyo. You have been with Nepenthes since 2021. What kind of image did you have of this store?
Sudo:It's humorous, a little twisted, but not too explanatory. I have such an impression. Representative Shimizu values attachment to and memories of things, and buys and designs things that suit each of Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hakata. In addition, he buys and designs items that are suitable for Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hakata. He also builds his stores in locations slightly off the beaten path. In this way, Nepenthes has developed a unique style that cannot be matched by big-name stores, while creating a taste that can only be found at Nepenthes. I feel that I must also input this way of thinking and do my best to express it.
How do you perceive the city of Hakata?
Sudo:Many people think that Tokyo is the center of Japanese fashion, but in fact, the same things are popular in Hakata at the same time. I have been involved in the fashion business for a long time, and I have been told this since long ago. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it is a port town, but it is very open to other cultures. That's why I think of it as another place where trends are transmitted.
What role do you think NEPENTHES HAKATA has played in this process?
Sudo:It's an innate thing. I try to incorporate the essence of things that are not found anywhere else or that I have not seen anywhere else. For example, I think many people in Tokyo wear "Needles" track pants at full length. But in Hakata, they are intentionally shortened. I thought that was cool and innocent. It means that they are communicating their own style. At NEPENTHES WOMAN HAKATA, we hope to communicate with our customers and explore styles that they like and that are unique to Hakata.
This jacket from the PIPING COWBOY series was specially ordered from "Needles" to commemorate the opening of "NEPENTHES WOMAN HAKATA". The mint color was ordered to further exaggerate the decorative western details. The embroidered papillon motif on the back is also cute. ¥33,000
Pants that can be enjoyed as a set-up with the above items are also available. Of course, they can also be enjoyed separately. I wanted to emphasize a soft feminine impression, so I matched an ambiguous taupe-colored knit. The A-line shape of the pants is also a key point, so that the boot cut of the pants can be used to its fullest," says Sudo. Pants ¥26,400
These piping cowboy pants from "Needles" were also specially ordered to commemorate the opening. The dark navy coloring with silver accents reminds one of a night in Hakata. ¥26,400
Mr. Sudo is also in charge of "Rodrillion" design, and this brand is also an integral part of the "NEPENTHES WOMAN" expression, isn't it?
Sudo:When I joined this company, I was entrusted with the task of creating "the image of women that Nepenthes has in mind.
Trujillo's chimayo vest, which he bought on his first visit to New Mexico in a long time. We made a special order with a swallow motif, which is the icon of "NEPENTHES WOMAN" and is said to bring good luck," said Sudo with a smile. There are many other items in the lineup. Production is said to be limited, so if you are interested, please visit the store as soon as possible. ¥84,700
The styling is centered on the loose straight pants that are a standard item at Rodrillion, with an oversized jacket as a coordinating piece. According to Mr. Sudo, "I paired this with a Needles parka as an inner layer to give it an American casual feel. The use of badges as accessories is also effective. Rodrillion] jacket ¥52,800, pants ¥36,300, [Needles] parka ¥28,600
You mean the new "Nepenthes" image of women that is different from the women who wear "Needles" and "Engineered Garments", right?
Sudo:That's right. I believe that I have grasped the characteristics of Nepenthes in my own way, and since I have been working in the store for a long time, the knowledge, experience, and imagination I have gained there, as well as my identity, are integrated in Rodrillion and presented as the Nepenthes brand.
Lastly, please tell us what you would like to communicate through "NEPENTHES WOMAN HAKATA".
Sudo:As I mentioned earlier, I believe that the character of this store is something that is built up with the store's staff and customers. The female staff of this store has been active for 10 years with a small number of people, and they are trusted within the company. I hope to find it together with the help of these women.
What do you want to do with "NEPENTHES WOMAN" in the future?
Sudo:Now that we finally have three stores, we would like to increase the density of the three stores we have, rather than expanding them further. I would also like to create stores that will satisfy our overseas customers.
