So, What is NEW VINTAGE? Vol. 14: Prices are soaring! Indians' stories are "disappearing in the flow of time.

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 was still valuable. Nowadays, there is a movement to find new value in "new vintage," even in old clothes from the 1980s onward, which were called "regular" at the time. 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 fourteenth installment is by Yuta Takahashi of Color at Against.

Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Yuta Takahashi / Owner, Color at Against
Vol.14_Cleveland Indians T-shirts & BB caps

-Now, what are the new vintage items you would like to introduce to us?

In the last issue, I introduced some items that are connected to my current hobby of outdoor activities, and this time I would like to introduce some items that are connected to my past. This time, I would like to introduce an item from my past. Even if you are not interested in sports, you are probably familiar with the MLB in the United States. In short, it is a professional baseball league in the United States, and one of its teams is the Cleveland Indians.

-Oh! For those of us in our 30s and older, we're as familiar with these teams as the New York Yankees in the East and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the West.

Yes, it was completely influenced by the 90's sports comedy movie "Major League Baseball. The theme song "X - Wild thing" was used in so many places that many people must remember it by heart. I myself have known about this team since I was a child, but it was the sequel, "Major League Baseball 2," that made a strong impression on me. It is known for starring Charlie Sheen and Takaaki Ishibashi of Tunnels fame, who also appeared in the main cast. Anyway, the character modeling of Taka Tanaka, played by Takashi, is excellent, so if you haven't seen it yet, please give it a look!

- (Chuckles). Can you recommend an item, not a movie?

Of course (laughs)!　So, first of all, the royal road, BB caps, which were made by the official MLB supplier, New Era, and have been gaining market share in the MLB since the 1990s. Grandfathers and other austere old men would definitely fold down the visor part, right? At the time, I was a baseball boy chasing the white ball, so I felt more comfortable with a curved visor like that. I also liked the "anonymous" (no-brand) or "niche" atmosphere of the visor, which was very appealing to me.

Cleveland Indians BB cap, left ¥6,930, right ¥7,920 (Color at Against)

-What is the significance of picking Indians stories now?

Many people don't know this, but the team's mascot and logo, "Chief Wahoo," is saying goodbye to the team in 2018. As a baseball fan and a lover of American culture, I felt compelled to take this opportunity to introduce him to you. The reason for saying good-bye, by the way, is the issue of racism against Native Americans. People who love the team loved the logo, but it was natural for the Native Americans concerned to protest against such a stereotypical expression. Moreover, the news is that not only the logo but also the name of the team itself may change in 2022. Although it is tied to a very sensitive issue of racism, it is sure to become a new vintage in the future, so whether you have a strong emotional attachment to the team or this article is the first time you have heard about it, why don't you check it out?

-I see. I'm sure you can find a lot of other items now.

Cleveland Indians T-shirt ¥7,700(Color at a Glance)

So here are three variations of the T-shirt in a row!　The Indians have a really cool font, too. I didn't have any particular feelings like "I loved the Indians!" I still have a parody T-shirt of this logo made by a friend of mine when I was a student, which is also a good memory. I still have a T-shirt parodying the logo that a friend of mine made when I was a student, and I still have good memories of that. This is the first strike.

-This one is quite assertive.

Cleveland Indians T-shirt ¥8,800(Color at a Glance)

It has a copywrite from 1992, doesn't it? I can't help but feel sad when I think that this logo, which I simply thought was cool, will never be seen officially again. However, from a clothing store point of view, the fact that there are two logos in different colors is remarkable, and considering the cost of production, it is quite extravagant, so in that sense, it may be quite rare. Yes, this is another strike!

-I used different types of pitches in a good way, and now there are two strikes. (While signaling) Finally...

Cleveland Indians T-shirt ¥9,900(Color at a Glance)

(Nodding in agreement with his signature) When a team wins the league or advances to the championship, a limited edition design is released, and the designs are always wonderful. The team's situation and management skills at the time meant that a variety of items were released unexpectedly, so it's fun to find them. This one simply has an American feel in the balance of the prints. The gold ribbon in the shape of a field. I thought. I felt like, "We're going to fight now! I felt the spirit of "We're going to fight now! Three strikes. The batter is out!

-Congratulations! As a Takahashi player, how would you recommend enjoying these new vintage items?

In the world of so-called "super vintage," such as the Levi's 501XX, we pursue details such as zips, patches, rivets, etc. By examining these details, we can understand historical and cultural backgrounds, such as the difficulty of securing resources during the war. It is the same with new vintage. The same goes for new vintage. Through the store, we will be able to explore and follow the culture and other aspects behind the designs from various angles. I hope to continue to show people that "that's why it's fun" through our shop. Thank you very much!

Yuta Takahashi / Owner, Color at Against
Born in Akita Prefecture. After working for "Stussy" and an American casual select store, he became independent. The store is located in a residential area near Yoyogi Uehara station in Tokyo, and is based on the concept of "adults who don't want to forget their playful and childlike spirit," and offers items that are reminiscent of fun and interesting vintage clothing from Japan and abroad,Color at Against.He is also a member of the board of directors of the company. Recently, he is into outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.
Instagram:@color_at_against