Tailoring is a tool-oriented concept.
What is the story behind the creation of the "BOUTIQUE" shirt?
Kaneko: Once upon a time, I made a shirt using fabric from Carlo Riva, the world's most prestigious fabric manufacturer, with the same excellent tailoring. The shape was based on a B.D. shirt of a long-established American brand, and the tailoring was extremely beautiful, but somewhat casual. It was obviously good, but I thought, "If the tailoring is this good, why not use any kind of fabric? I thought to myself, "If the tailoring is this good, then any fabric will do.
In general, we often see shirts that use good fabrics but are not particular about tailoring. . However, I have not seen many items that go in the opposite direction.
Kaneko: The items we make at "BOUTIQUE" are also made from fabrics that I happened to find at a fabric store. They are mass-produced, so they are very cheap. . But I couldn't imagine how a bad shirt would turn out. . It was born from that idea, or rather, inspiration.
When I finally got around to making it, it turned out to be a great piece of work. When tailoring is good, the quality of the garment is enhanced. It is true that the luster and feel of the fabric may be different compared to high-end fabrics, but it is not lacking in any way. When I wear it, I sometimes get asked by designers, "Where did you get that fabric from? I thought that good tailoring makes the fabric look better (laughs). (Laughs) However, no matter how good the fabric is, it does not mean that the tailoring looks good. (Laughs) But no matter how good the fabric is, it doesn't mean that the tailoring looks good.
. - Even though it is a universal fabric in general circulation, it is by no means of poor quality, is it?
Kaneko: . cheap is only because it is mass-produced. The fabric is used for clothing in general, so in a sense, the quality is safe and secure. It is stable and durable. . So, just because it is cheap does not mean that it is inferior.
I have heard that such standard materials are easier for a craftsman to show his true potential. High-grade materials may be too delicate and difficult to handle. However, universal materials are easy for anyone to handle.
Kaneko: . that may be so. I often hear that if the material is too good, it slides around and is hard to sew with, or the needle won't fit in the sewing machine. If you think about it, vintage clothes were probably made using fabrics that were available at the time, and I don't think they were made with the intention of doing anything special, or the idea should have been simpler.
Yes, that may be true. It was more instrumental.
Kaneko: . However, experience and knowledge are still necessary to create something good. It is important to utilize them in what context. In my case, I am attracted to clothes that are made in a utilitarian way, and the "BOUTIQUE" shirts are a great reflection of this thinking.
Do you mean the tools of the world of the dress?
Kaneko: Yes, it is. Beautiful sewing is a matter of course in the world of dressmaking. I think that improving tailoring is a tool-like concept. However, if we move the situation to a casual setting, it becomes more interesting from a fashion point of view. Wearing beautiful clothes in a casual setting is unique. Even people who are usually sloppy can look decent when they wear this. I think the fact that it can be worn in such a way is the reason why it is a tool.
