FEATURE｜A.G.SPALDING&BROS. What is the charm of A.G.SPALDING&BROS. which attracts the attention of talented buyers of select stores?
Buyer's Eye For A.G.SPALDING&BROS.
What is the appeal of A.G. Spalding & Bros. that attracts the attention of talented buyers of select stores?
This fall, "A.G. SPALDING&BROS." is making its long-awaited return. A.G. SPALDING&BROS. is reissuing a special collection that has been reconstructed with reference to valuable vintage archives that could be called collector's pieces. The buyers of this special collection were among the first to take notice of the new collection, as they were the buyers of the famous boutique. Why did they pay attention to "A.G. Spalding & Bross" now? The buyers of BEAMS PLUS and SHIPS will talk about the appeal of "A.G. Spalding & Bros." from their point of view, taking into consideration recent trends and store characteristics.
Shigeru Kaneko / Buyer, BEAMS PLUS BEAMS PLUS" continues to offer styles based on American traditional, work, sports, and military clothing, with the concept of "genuine men's clothing that can be worn for years to come. While many select stores are always pursuing trends, the solid style of "BEAMS PLUS" stands out even more in the modern age. We asked Mr. Kaneko, the buyer, about what resonated with "A.G. Spalding & Bross," which started full-scale production this season, and why he dared to select only one model.
The new A.G. Spalding & Bros. is respectful of the good old days and updates them correctly.
Quick question, have you heard of A.G. Spalding & Bross?
moneyYes, of course , that's true. Many of the staff at BEAMS really like vintage clothing. Like many of them, I also like vintage clothing, so when I look for a good sweatshirt, I naturally end up at "AG Spalding & Bross. It is a brand that is still around today, so people who play baseball or basketball may be familiar with it, but I played soccer (laughs), so my entrance was through vintage clothing.
What attracted you to it?
moneyI would say sweatshirts and collegiate wear. Even though there are different brands of sweatshirts, many of the details are similar, aren't they? But "AG Spalding & Bross" was clearly differentiating itself from its competitors, and was a step above the rest in terms of both appearance and functionality. However, because of the interesting details, the prices at thrift stores were high, and I had a hard time getting my hands on them.
As you mentioned earlier, "BEAMS" has the image of having a large number of vintage clothing lovers among major select stores. Is there a time when this is used in your buying process?
moneyIt's time to create original clothing. BEAMS PLUS" is based on the products and styles born in the Golden Age of America from the 1940s to before the Vietnam War, and our originals reflect that worldview. So, when we talk about "using that vintage clothing as the basis" in our company meetings, we can usually find it in the personal belongings of one of our staff members (laughs). (Laughs.) We talk about how we can update it, and basically each staff member brings his or her own materials. However, since there are vintage clothing lovers not only in BEAMS PLUS, but in all sections, vintage becomes a common language, and the conversation goes smoothly.
SIDE-LINE PARKA ¥26,000+TAX
Now, please tell us why you selected "AG Spalding & Bross" for this project.
moneyBEAMS PLUS" is all about respecting the good old days, but at the same time updating them correctly. The most important thing is that we felt the same mindset in that identity and in the corporate attitude of "AG Spalding & Bross. I was impressed by the fact that they were the first to use cotton for sweatshirts that had previously been made of wool, and that they were constantly making updates to pursue the best details. The origin of such cutting-edge sweatshirts is now being reissued in full scale, and I thought there was no way I could pass up this opportunity."
Boxing glove shaped hand warmer pockets on the waist
The body, hood, and arms are double-faced (, 2-ply ). This makes it not only warmer, but also more voluminous and impactful in appearance.
What was the reason why you dared to limit yourself to one type of sideline parka?
moneyWe carry several brands that are strong in sweatshirts, and we also have a younger generation of customers who are not familiar with vintage clothing. Considering this situation, we chose only the iconic sideline parka to convey in an easy-to-understand way that the brand "AG Spalding & Bross" was at the forefront of sportswear at the time and made use of many unique designs. . The double-faced boxing glove pockets are still fresh even today.
On the left is the original made in the '30s. On the right is the new "A.G. Spalding & Bross," which has been revived this fall. The silhouette and materials have been reviewed and incorporated into today's style, while keeping the important points firmly in place.
How would you suggest this sideline parka be coordinated at BEAMS PLUS?
moneyAt that time, I think it was Ivy Leaguers who mainly wore sideline parkas for sports. So, in keeping with its roots, I think it is best to wear it over a B.D. shirt as if it were an outer garment, with slacks as a bottom layer. Since it was originally made as an overcoat, the larger sizing makes it look more modern.
It certainly looks like it could be worn by a young girl, and it seems that it could be worn by any age group.
moneyYes, I agree. But for young people, 26,000 yen for a sweatshirt may seem a little high. However, if we can explain the history of AG Spalding & Bros. and its commitment to quality, I think they will be convinced. I think it is also important for stores today to pass on what they have learned from the older generation to the next generation.
