Margaret Howell for both of them.
Designer Margaret Howell calls herself a "clothing designer" rather than a fashion designer. This is probably because she takes pride in the fact that what she does is "making clothing for food, clothing, and shelter.
Our goal is to create clothes that are easy to wear and easy to move in everyday life, rather than as fashion. The refined, lean design comes across at first glance, but if you pay attention to the details, you will see that materials with comfortable textures and functionality are tailored with calculated cutting.
So how did they feel about the clothes they actually put on their sleeves?
What kind of image do you have of Margaret Howell?
Usuda:I have several personal items of clothing from [Margaret Howell] and [MHL.], such as sweatshirt dresses and sabots, and I feel that they are brands of a lifetime. I feel that they are brands that will last a lifetime, because they appear in my wardrobe every year, and I actually wash and use them with a lot of care. This shows me that it is not just a trendy brand, but something that can be used for many years to come.
Inowaki:I didn't have one, so I was looking forward to experiencing it for the first time. When I actually tried it on, I felt it was "soft" and not at all constricting, perhaps because the range of motion is well-designed, even when wearing thicker items. I also felt that the clothes could be worn seamlessly in a variety of situations, such as at home, in a casual setting, or in a slightly more formal setting. I felt that this brand is truly a brand that is close to our daily lives.
Usuda:It's easy to match with a variety of clothes, as well as places. Recently, I think it's really cute to match socks with tie-dye or other flashy socks with sabots. I can match them with the clothes I like at the time, so perhaps I can wear the same items with a fresh feeling every year.
When I asked Ms. Kotori who she would like to photograph, her two names came up. In the case of Ms. Usuda, she has also taken photo collections, etc. Have you been working with Kotori-san for a long time?
Usuda:Looking back, the first time I had a picture taken was 15 years ago. However, it may be surprising that it was for a job. I had no plans to make a photo book at first, but rather had them take pictures of me every time we went on a trip together or had fun, and that is how the book came to be. So I think they were taking pictures of me as usual today. Oh, but I think he was a little excited today. Unusually, in a slightly thick voice, "Good!" repeatedly (laughs). Probably thanks to Mr. Inowaki.
I think you did the same thing with the part where you pulled on the suspenders. That was a nice, sweet and sour kind of picture.
Inowaki:I knew his name and had seen his photographs, but I had never had a chance to work with him until now. One day, however, when I was talking with two photographer friends, we happened to mention Mr. Kawashima, and I said, "I think he would be a great match for Inowaki. The very next day, I received the offer.
It is very fateful, isn't it?
Inowaki:I thought it was strange, but I was really looking forward to it. In fact, I was able to stay flat today and didn't mind the distance from the camera at all. I think it was partly thanks to Mr. Usuda, who I have worked with many times, but it was a lot of fun.
