A.G. Spalding & Bros. attracts the attention of a talented buyer at a select store . | feature

Naoshi Nagayama / Ships Buyer
Ships was quick to react to the revival of A.G. Spalding & Bros. As a pioneer of select stores with a history of more than 40 years and having followed America since its establishment, it was natural for the store to focus its attention on the legendary, historic athletic brand "A.G. Spalding & Bross. We spoke with Mr. Nagayama, a buyer with extensive knowledge of vintage clothing, to learn more about the reason why the store decided to place a special order with A.G. Spalding & Bros. in its first season, and about the revived products.

A.G. Spalding & Bross is an ideal heritage brand that still has the smell of America.

How did you come to know about A.G. Spalding & Bros.

NagayamaOf course, I was aware of them as sportswear used in basketball and baseball, but they are vintage clothes, after all. . Actually, before I joined "Ships," I worked in a vintage store, and that was about 20 years ago. Even back then, A.G. Spalding & Bross sweatshirts were exceptional. They were so high quality that I would frame them and display them.

What part of the project was so highly regarded?

Nagayama. I guess it's the unique details. There are many good brands, but their designs do not have the same impact as those of A.G. Spalding & Bros. Of course, the coloring is interesting, but A.G. Spalding & Bros. is a step above. I think A.G. Spalding & Bros. was at the forefront of the industry at the time. They were the first to use cotton for sweatshirts, which had previously been made of wool, and they provided sweatshirts as uniforms for the Olympic team, which competed for national prestige.

. Indeed, its deep story is also appealing. Then, why did you choose to carry the revived "A.G. Sporting & Bros." at "Ships" this time?

NagayamaOur company may have a strong impression of Italian casual wear and French wear, but our roots, Miura & Sons, were centered on American products. There is a trend within our company to go back to our roots, and we are now looking to add heritage wear with an American flavor to our existing selection, and A.G. Sporting & Bros. was the ideal brand for us.

What were your impressions of the actual product?

NagayamaTo be honest, it was an instant decision. Also, the actual sideline parka was on display at the exhibition, and it was in excellent condition, and as a vintage clothing lover, I was impressed there as well (laughs). The boxing glove pockets and the crossed neck of the parka were well reproduced, and the fabric of the sweatshirt was of high quality and comfortable to the touch without losing the vintage atmosphere, which I honestly thought was a high level product. I also liked the football shirts. The two-tone color scheme of the ribs on the shoulders and sleeves is good, and the replacement of the traditional wool fabric with sweatshirt fabric gives a clean impression. I think it matches the current atmosphere.

How would you convey this attraction to customers?

NagayamaOf course it is important to explain the historical background, but I think it is a good piece of work even if you look past those stories. There is a power to it. So, rather than daring to give a complicated explanation, those who understand the story can understand it and buy the product, and even if they don't know the story, they can buy it because they like the design.

A.G.SPALDING&BROS. SIDE-LINE PARKA ¥26,000+TAX , FOOTBALL-SHIRTS ¥16,800+TAX
On the left is A.G. Spalding & Bros.' iconic sideline parka, and on the right is a football shirt with a cut-out shoulder yoke. This season, "Ships" has specially ordered these two models in two tones of navy and gray. The photo shows the in-line model.

. It is true that there is a charm that can be conveyed even if you don't know the ins and outs. And I hear it was specially ordered from the first season?

NagayamaYes, it is. I really wanted to take this opportunity to introduce this item, but I couldn't get a sample in time (tears). I asked for a sideline parka and a football shirt in two tones. It's a must for vintage clothing lovers, isn't it? I dare to make it navy and gray as it seems to be in the old days. . Personally, I don't think black looks good with this kind of casual wear. . However, when I want a more subdued color scheme, navy is just right. Navy is also the corporate color of SHIPS, so in that sense, I think we were able to create just the right color scheme.

The shoulder yoke, underarms, sleeves, and hem are ribbed. The special order from "Ships" is arranged in two-tone specifications, with the body in navy and the ribbed parts in gray.

The double-faced sideline parka is specially ordered with a navy color scheme on the front side and a gray color scheme on the back side. It can also be worn as a reversible item, so you can enjoy two different ways of wearing it. The special-order items are scheduled for delivery in early October.

Certainly, Ships has a lot of special orders in navy , and I have the impression that many of them are very attractive. So, how should you coordinate your outfit?

NagayamaThe Sideline Parka was originally made as an outerwear, so I would suggest wearing it roughly as if it were an outerwear. However, it has been modified to a modern silhouette, so if you want to get the feel of the period, you may want to go up one size. Wouldn't it be nice to match it with wide chinos and leather shoes?　The football shirt features ribbed shoulders, so I thought this one could be the star of the show. The sizing on this one is basic, so it can be used as an inner layer as well, and I think it would be useful in a variety of ways. . Also, I made a special order in navy, so I'm looking forward to seeing how it will look when it fades. I think this type of clothing shows its true potential when it is worn in.

How do you plan to develop "AG & Sporting & Bros.

NagayamaSince the delivery is just starting, I don't have any specifics in mind, but I would like to have a long term relationship with them at a slower rate. . We have only just begun with the revival, and as a store, we would like to help in many ways so that we can add fans.

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A.G. Spalding & Bross is an ideal heritage brand that still has the smell of America.