The fabric, the sewing, and the print must be a trinity to create this atmosphere.
NEXUSⅦ and Level Dread Hardware are collaborating on a sweatshirt first, followed by a T-shirt, but could you tell us about the items?
Hatchuck: I started Level Dread Hardware with Don. I had been away from fashion for a long time, so I asked Konno about it. I asked Konno, "I made something like this, would you take a look at it? I said, "I made this. Konno-kun really understands clothes, and he is the right person to talk to. As we talked, we decided to work together. The sweatshirt series had an interesting angle, and I thought it was a good idea.
You have been doing this series for a long time, haven't you?
Konno: I have a vintage sweatshirt with Beethoven's portrait printed on it. I got it a long time ago, but was somewhat embarrassed to wear it. . But for some reason, I couldn't let it go. I gradually became attached to it, and I thought it would be interesting to incorporate a character from a movie into the motif, and that was the inspiration.
Hatchuck: Is there more than Beethoven in the vintage?
Konno: The "Three B's" as the series is called, and the prints of Beethoven, Bach , and Blurhms exist as originals. . The origin of those three portraits were printed on the body of the Spruce Company's body. But various brands and campaigns have created items that pay homage to it, and there are many derivative vintage clothing items.
Is the Houdi over there (next to Beethoven) a derivative of that?
Konno: Yes, it is. Hooded ones are rare, and this is the first one I've seen. But I don't know who is depicted here... (laughs).
What decade was "Three B's" made?
Konno: . in the 60s. Later, this portrait series was printed in various bodies as a tribute, but the Spruce one is considered the original, isn't it?
Are you reproducing that body here as well?
NEXUSⅦ. × REBEL DREAD HARDWARE Don Letts Sweat ¥26,400
Konno: I made this item while consulting with Mr. Suzuki of Loop Wheeler. I used an old-fashioned hang knitting machine, but it was difficult to get this look, so I had to redo the process over and over again until I was satisfied with the result. I know this may sound geeky, but I was also particular about the lining, and I was careful not to make it look like fleece. The ribs are also grid ribbed, and the neck is made with a sewing machine that was modified for this purpose, so the sewing specifications are close to the original.
Konno: The T-shirts are also made in the U.S.A. The American cotton has a dry touch. American cotton is dry to the touch, and the "ARMY" T-shirts are made of this fabric mixed with synthetic fibers to make them durable. This one is knitted with the same look and durability as possible using only cotton. In this case, the fabric could only be made in the U.S.A. The sewing is done in Japan. The sewing is done in Japan, using a method called "single stitching," in which the threads sink when washed, giving the garment an airy look.
That's a great commitment.
Konno: I think there are a lot of people who like vintage, and I think the degree of their love has to be packed into our products. However, we are not a replica manufacturer, so we have to find a way to differentiate ourselves from others. It is difficult to find the right balance between the two, but in my own way, I think it is important to find out what makes the "Three B's" stand out. I analyzed what I liked about "Three B's" and made this product by following the points that I needed to keep in mind. The fabric, sewing, and print must be a trinity to create this atmosphere, and it is no good if any one of them is missing.
Hatchuck: . you have great originality, don't you? . and your choice of motifs so far has been excellent.
Konno: There are people who are alive, and there are people who don't exist (laughs).
Does it reflect your mood at the time?
Konno: Yes, I did. The first one I printed was Kaiser Soze from "The Usual Suspects". . It's a complete spoiler (laughs). (Laughs.) That kind of thing was inspired by a bit of goofiness.
You also drew the graphics.
Konno: Yes, that's right. There is an artist named NABSF who is currently providing graphics for a brand called "Tooness," and he had a piece that he had drawn before with the Beethoven touch that you see here. I asked him if he could paint with that touch. I asked him if he could paint with that touch. So, if he can't do it, I don't show it.
This time, Don's photo was given to me by Hatchuck, and I thought it would be a good idea to use a leopard print for the iconic tam. I thought it would be a good idea to use a leopard print for the iconic tam.
Hatchuck: . yes, that's right. I adapted it from the leopard print that Don is wearing in the other photo. It's punky reggae, so why not a leopard print? I thought it was a good idea.
I like the fact that you did not take the photo as it is, but arranged it in a proper way.
Konno: You have become more like Mr. Don, or rather, stronger.
Hatchuck: There's an aura about you, isn't there?
What kind of artist is NABSF?
Konno: He is a very dexterous person, and has provided graphics for various brands in the past. I was introduced to him by Shin Murayama of Tooness, and he is truly a genius. This sweatshirt series would not be possible without his graphics.
Hatchuck: Don was very pleased. From the beginning, all I told him was that I wanted him to draw the graphics. I knew from the beginning that he would be able to produce a good product. I didn't want to give away any spoilers. . So, he was even more pleased. . I haven't sent the actual work yet, so I think you will get a better idea of how good it is when you see it.
The connection between Mr. Konno and Mr. Hatchuck, as well as the connection between Mr. Don, NABSF, and Mr. Suzuki of Loop Wheeler, are born from relationships with various people, and I think they are really wonderful collaborations.
Konno: . it really is. I think it is a consolidation of currents from the past. I also bought this Beethoven sweatshirt when I was in my 20s , and I came across it in Sendai. I had been looking for it for a long time but couldn't find it in a larger size.
