So, What is NEW VINTAGE? Vol.6 90's Abasing Ape: "It's not catchy," but that's why I'm interested in it.

What is the New Vintage anyway?

In the 1990s, the term "vintage" was used to describe vintage clothing that did not meet the definition of "antique," but still had value, as opposed to "antique" clothing that was 100 years old. Nowadays, there is a movement to find new value in "new vintage," even in old clothes from the 1980s onward, which used to be called "regular" vintage clothes. In this project, four vintage clothing stores with different styles propose new ways to enjoy vintage clothing. Each of them will talk about the charm of vintage clothing with their own sense of style.

The sixth installment is once again Tomohiro Kasai of "blue room.

Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Tomohiro Kasai / blue room Owner
Vol.6_Abating Ape's Striped Long T & Melton Jacket

-What will we cover in this second round?

A BATHING APE" has been on my mind lately. As I mentioned last time, we pick street brands from the 90s to the 00s because we want to show the younger generation, like ourselves, that there were such cool items in an era we didn't know about. In that sense, we think it's good to feature "new vintage" vapes, which tend to have a flashy image, but actually have many items sampled from the vintage era.

I see. What would be interesting as an item?

Border Long T by Abasing Ape ¥7,000-¥8,000+TAX(Blue Room)

First of all, there is the border long T-shirt. I also like to wear it, but to be honest, it is not the iconic design that "this is what I think of when I think of Vape". In the 90's, there were many catchy designs such as Apehead, Digicamo, 1st Camo, and in recent years, Shark. For those who know those days, it is one of the standard designs, but for the younger generation, the designs mentioned above are the first that come to mind, and I think they will look fresh.

-The item is certainly different in color from popular items, and can be described as plain.

The only thing that shows it is the sleeve tag (laughs). (Laughs) Nevertheless, since the designer himself would want to wear it himself, I believe it has the ability to be a hidden masterpiece as a product. The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the items is the silhouette, which gives a sense of the atmosphere of the time. The length is short and the sleeves are long, so you can get a good balance by rolling up the sleeves or folding them back. Back then, layering a T-shirt on top of this item was the most popular way to wear it, but now that you don't see people wearing it that way anymore, I think now is the time to go for it.

-In the case of vapes, many people go for iconic items.

It is true that pop and catchy items are the appeal of BABE, but we want people to pay attention to a wider variety of items than just those. There are many other items that are basic but cool, like the striped T-shirt I mentioned earlier, and this melton jacket is a perfect example. This type of jacket was also available from "FORTY PERCENTS AGAINST RIGHTS" in the early days when Sukeshin-san and TET-san were working, and it was probably one of the classic designs of Uraharajuku.

Melton jacket by Abasing Ape ¥39,000+TAX(Blue Room)

-The design is quite simple compared to current items.

It is true that it is quite simple except for the lettered patches on the front and sleeves, but the tag is also wonderful. It is just like the Sukesin, and I could eat white rice with just this tag (laughs). Incidentally, in the music video for Schadaraparr's "Doriginal Concept," the three members are wearing the same model in black. I was really impressed by the matching caps and the way they rapped together! The wide width and short length also fits with my current style and mood.

-The fact that the item was worn by my heroes is also very appealing.

That's right! The younger generation is free to wear what icons of the time, such as Puffy and Cornelius, not to mention Sucha, wore, with items that have nothing to do with the context at all. This is our way of thinking about the "new vintage. Vapes of this era are very basic, but NIGO's love of vintage and Skechinism shines through in his graphic designs, which show that he was making things that he truly thought were cool and wanted to wear. I think that's why his designs appeal to the younger generation like us.

-And it seems to be an easier challenge than the previous "Subware".

People from the generation directly affected by the Urahara Movement sometimes bring in items for purchase, saying, "If young people want it, it doesn't matter how cheap it is," and if you look, you can still find hidden good items. In this way, the next generation will inherit them with new ways to enjoy them. This is exactly what the "New Vintage" is all about.

Tomohiro Kasai / blue room Owner
The staff of "blue room" is composed of people in their 20s, and the store mainly deals with street wear from the 90s to the 00s. The shop aims to "convey the passion of those days" to the younger generation, including the same generation, by offering their own interpretation of the fashion and culture of the time, which they have not experienced in real time. Currently, they only have an online store, and are preparing to re-open a store in the near future.
Official website:www.blue-room.jp
Instagram:@blue_room___