The largest directly-managed Descente store in western Japan opens in Kobe! The store concentrates the brand's worldview with a strong focus on manufacturing.

Sannomiya is the center of Kobe. The area around the station is bustling with people and full of energy, but a 10-minute walk away brings a complete change of scenery, with a series of stylish Western-style buildings. This is the "Old Foreign Settlement," where foreigners have lived since the end of national isolation and the opening of the port in the early Meiji period (1868-1912).

On November 23 (Sun), DESCENTE KOBE, a DESCENTE directly-managed store, opened in the "Old Settlement," which has a different look from that of the area in front of the station. The size of the store is the largest in western Japan. The store, which reflects the brand's identity, offers a full range of products in all categories.

Upon entering the store, you are greeted by a custom-made skier mannequin. The first floor features performance wear for skiing, golf, running, and other sports. The first floor features performance wear for skiing, golf, running, etc. Wear worn by the world's top-level athletes gives you a sense of Descente's development capabilities.

Shoes are lined up in front of the cashier. The store carries the largest number of shoes in Japan, with a lineup of models for a variety of situations, from sports and outdoor activities to city life. The spacious lounge space with sofas is another feature of DESCENTE KOBE that is not found in other directly managed stores. This relaxed shopping experience is perfect for the calm, adult atmosphere of the "Kyukyoryuchi" district.

The store's interior design expresses the brand's background with inorganic stainless steel fixtures and wood floors, reminiscent of a "lab" where products are developed and a "lodge" at a ski resort. The herringbone flooring is reminiscent of the brand's spirit mark, the three-arrow logo. The diagonal pattern on the wall, which looks like a snowfield in the mountains, is also derived from the spirit mark and was done by hand by plasterers. This is another example of Descente's commitment to craftsmanship.

Lined up on the second floor is DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN. On one wall, the iconic "MOUNTAINEER" model, a down jacket representing "DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN," has a design of parts. We are aware of the high quality of Mizusawa down, but knowing that so much labor is involved makes us feel more attached to the item.

The passion that DESCENTE puts into its manufacturing can be clearly seen in the design of the store, but the best way to directly feel this passion is to directly touch the products. The clothes that can be worn comfortably and stylishly for everything from sports to daily life are full of attention to detail.

First of all, we would like to let you know that DESCENTE is supplying four countries with clothing for the quadrennial international winter sports competition to be held in February next year. The list includes the Swiss Alpine National Team, the Canadian National Ski Cross Team, the German Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton National Teams, and the Spanish Alpine National Team, as well as their national teamwear and racing suits. The fact that such talented people wear "Descente" is proof that they recognize the quality of "Descente".

On the first floor, ski jackets and ski pants worn by the Swiss Alpine National Team are on display. The ski jackets are divided into a hardshell jacket and a middle layer jacket, each of which is a 3-in-1 specification that can be worn separately depending on the temperature and usage conditions.

AEROSTREAM SCHEMATECH SKI 3in1 JACKET
¥275,000

Then we released a replica model based on the design of the Swiss, Canadian, and German teams. Although the design is different, the materials and functions are the same as those worn by the national team players. The category in which these replica models are lined up is "DESCENTE PRO," which is developed by solving problems together with top athletes.

While competing for 0.01 seconds, we have devised features to make you feel no stress at all. Of particular note are the "Smart Padding" middle layer jacket and the "Aerostream" hard shell jacket. Guaranteeing heat retention and eliminating steam inside the wear were issues received from the athletes, and these functions are the solutions to those issues.

The back of the middle layer jacket is equipped with "Smart Padding," which places padding only in areas where it is easy to feel warmth. This is DESCENTE's unique functional design that efficiently retains heat. DESCENTE INNOVATION STUDIO COMPLEX (DISC) OSAKA, DESCENTE's research and development base in Osaka, conducted joint research with Bunka Gakuen University to establish the "warmth mapping theory," which identifies areas that easily feel warmth, and the "sweat mapping The "warmth mapping theory" identifies areas that easily feel warmth, and the "sweat mapping theory" identifies areas that perspire heavily.

The "AEROSTREAM" is a three-dimensional molded part on the back of hardshell jackets that promotes airflow to areas where people feel uncomfortable due to steam. This function is also used in backpacks. Combined with "Smart Padding," the jacket provides both heat retention and breathability at the same time, allowing you to move comfortably even in extremely cold snowy mountains.

If you look closely at the fabric, you will notice that the pattern differs depending on the area. This is a special technology called "Schematech. Instead of switching several fabrics to increase stretch, durability, breathability, etc., different functionalities are added by changing the way the threads are woven and knitted within a single piece of fabric. The result of less fabric switching and sewing is a more comfortable fit and lighter weight. So this pattern is a functional beauty.

The chest pocket also functions as a ventilation system. The button flap makes it easy to take in outside air.

While we are excited about the functionality of ski jackets for comfort on the slopes and in the backcountry, we are also interested in the new Mizusawa Down models for daily use. First, we would like to introduce the "MERGE," which is available in a limited "DESCENTE KOBE" navy color lineup.

MERGE
¥220,000

The most distinctive feature is the use of a waterproof and breathable material made from a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester of 501 TP10T each. The design is inspired by Mizusawa Down's iconic "Mountaineer" model, and the rounded silhouette will be fun to coordinate.

The main fabric has an elegant sheen and a beautiful texture, giving it a different look from other models. The name "MERGE" means "fusion" because of the use of two fabrics.

The hood is detachable with a zipper. With or without the hood, the image changes, expanding the range of dressing styles.

Between the two rows of front zippers is a mesh fabric that allows outside air in to release uncomfortable heat and moisture that can easily accumulate inside the jacket. This "dual-zip ventilation" is one of the features of Mizusawa Down.

TRIDENT" is another new model debuting this season. The zippers are arranged in a figure eight pattern from the neck to the hem, and the three zippers, including the front zipper, represent the spirit mark of the DESCENTE brand logo.

TRIDENT
¥198,000

Incidentally, the model name "TRIDENT" means "three-pronged spear (yas or pike)," and was named after the three arrows in the spirit mark.

The iconic figure-eight zipper looks like a single zipper at first glance, but it is uniquely divided into three sections: ventilation, hand warmer, and pocket.

DESCENTE's unique ParaHood system, which prevents water and snow from pooling in the hood, has been updated with a new "QuickBurst®" system. The zipper remains slightly open even when closed, and simply pulling on the loop opens the zipper, allowing the hood to be released with a single touch. This zipper is actually used for life jackets. We feel that this is a unique idea by Descente to make real life more convenient and comfortable by incorporating something that is not generally used in clothing.

The TRIDENT is also equipped with dual-zip ventilation. When used in combination with the figure-eight ventilation system, heat and moisture inside the jacket are released at once.

And there is one more Mizusawa down we would like to focus on. The Mizusawa factory in Oshu City (formerly Mizusawa City), Iwate Prefecture, which produces Mizusawa down, celebrated its 55th anniversary this year and has been newly rebuilt. This "LUCENT" was released to commemorate the occasion.

LUCENT.
¥198,000

The new factory is constructed with a lot of glass, which can be seen from the outside, and in keeping with this image, a translucent fabric was used to create a skeleton specification. The down filling is 1,000 fill-power, as opposed to the usual 750 fill-power. The lightest weight and the highest bulkiness are demonstrated, and the warmth and comfort of wearing it as if it were covered with air are realized.

It is so transparent that even the inside seam tape, which is normally invisible, can be seen. The reason for this is to express the beauty of the inside design. It is proof that we have not cut corners even on the parts that cannot be seen, and it shows our confidence in our craftsmanship. The colors selected reflect the breath of nature in Oshu City.

The lining is made of "Heat Navi®," Descente's proprietary heat-retaining material that converts light into heat. The pleated structure on the back, which is easily felt, increases the amount of fabric used and promotes warmth.

Mizusawa down is not the only item of note from Descente Ortelaine. For example, the "Fusion Knit" series includes a stylish piece like this.

Fusion Knit Hybrid Crew Neck
¥44,000

A single piece of fabric is knitted in a jacquard weave to enhance comfort and stretch. Our proprietary pattern-making process has realized a three-dimensional silhouette and comfort that wraps around the body.

Mesh is used in areas where ventilation is needed, and ribs are used in areas where the body is mobile. The design is based on the body mapping theory, which is typical of Descente. This is also functional beauty.

The sleeves are made of a woven material that changes its appearance depending on how the light hits it. While playing a role in the design, it also improves abrasion resistance.

Other items in the lineup include the DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN 81, which can be worn seamlessly in the city and outdoors, and the DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN I/O, which can also be worn in business settings. DESCENTE KOBE. Don't miss the largest lineup in western Japan.

To celebrate the opening of DESCENTE KOBE, a reception party will be held on December 5 (Fri.). The theme of the party was "Après-ski," which refers to the time and culture of relaxing at a lodge or bar in the evening after skiing or snowboarding while enjoying food and drinks. Two Kobe natives, tofubeats and Yuka Mizuhara, played DJs at the party, enlivening the crowd.

The top performer was Yuka Mizuhara. She gradually loosened up the audience with her fast-paced house music, weaving in and out of Japanese traditional items to create a comfortable atmosphere.

After an hour and a half of play, tofubeats took over. The disco was appropriate for a Friday night, and the restaurant was filled with even more heat.

DESCENTE KOBE is the latest addition to Sannomiya's hot spots for fashion, dining, and sightseeing. From the store interior to the items on display, you can sense DESCENTE's honest approach to craftsmanship. How about spending the year-end and New Year's holidays in Sannomiya and visiting "DESCENTE KOBE"?

Photo_Masashi Ura
Text_Shogo Komatsu