The charm of "Columbia" lies in the strange color scheme and wide range of colors.
Fujii and Doi, who have been buying vintage "Columbia" clothing for many years, are the only two who are regular, unexplained loyal users of the brand. We asked these two to bring along some of their personal items of vintage "Columbia" clothing. Here, they talk about their favorite models and the appeal of "Columbia," among other things.
-What kind of image did you originally have of Columbia?
Fujii:I'm impressed with the 1990s Duck Hunter camo rubberized setup. Das Effex (*a 2MC Hip Hop unit of Crazy Daze and Scoob, active in the 1990s) wore it, didn't they?
Doi:Yeah. You were wearing Timber (*Timberland) boots.
Fujii:The first step was that it was a brand that such people would wear. Later, however, there were various special orders in Japan, and the brand's image changed to one where everyone could wear it without being self-conscious. Then I started to deal in secondhand clothes, and I started to wear it myself. Now, I have the impression that it is a brand that does not choose its wearers.
Doi:In my case, I only became aware that Das Effex wore "Columbia" after I actually came into contact with it in the United States. Then I started buying second-hand clothes, and I had the impression that there were many interesting details. I like the fact that they pay attention to these details and have a different point of view. I like the catchy and easy-to-understand names of unique features, such as "Columbia PFG" for the fishing line and "Columbia GRT" for the trekking and travel line. I get the impression that they are very close to their users.
The three-color scheme is unique, and is a point where one can sense the "Columbia" style.
The "Mountain Parka" is made of nylon and is the inner layer of the "Quad Parka," which uses the interchange system with the "Columbia GRT" shirt. These are all Columbia's masterpieces that have been used in a wide range of outdoor activities such as trekking and hunting.
I also use the Columbia PFG pants as a swimsuit," Doi said. Denim shorts from "Tough Mother Jeans," named after Tough Mother, the nickname of Columbia's creator, Gard Boyle, are a rare item. The pockets and materials used are cleverly positioned, and it is clear that they can be worn as gear.
-What is your favorite item from "Columbia"?
Fujii:The first one I got was "Cottonwood". The pockets are interesting and above all, the color scheme is great. I still keep looking for it, wanting to collect all the colors. It's impeccable. All of our staff love it. I even want them to be reissued.
Doi:I also like the color of "Cottonwood. Basically, they use three colors, and I feel like they have everything that is good about "Columbia. Sometimes it is women's wear, but there is always the opposite color scheme.
-The coloring is certainly exquisite, and the colors are combined in a way that you don't see in other brands.
Doi:Cottonwood" is large, so it is convenient to put on clothes inside. In the cold early spring, I can just put it in my bag. Also, unlined outerwear doesn't have a good silhouette, but this one is firm and keeps its shape. It can be worn in many ways and is very easy to use.
Fujii:They went to the trouble of making tags to match the colors, which is very costly. I think Columbia is a good brand in this respect as well.
We found a 2000 release "Powder Keg" (¥11,000) for sale at the "Prop Store Annex" when we visited for an interview. Since it is vintage clothing, no innerwear is included. The combination of navy and green is stylish.
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