So, What is NEW VINTAGE? Vol.32 "Stylish and one-of-a-kind". 80's-90's sweatshirts of dogs and words.

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 32nd issue features Michihiko Kurihara of Mr. Clean (VINTAGE CLOTHES & ANTIQUES "Mr. Clean").

Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Michihiko Kurihara / Owner of VINTAGE CLOTHES & ANTIQUES "Mr. Clean
Vol.32_Printed Crewneck Sweatshirts from the 80's and 90's

-What is the new vintage item you are going to introduce this time?

The theme of this issue is printed sweatshirts from the 80's and 90's, which are undergoing a reevaluation. Among them, I would like to introduce dog prints and message prints. Why are these sweatshirts so popular now? In my opinion, sweatshirts from this period are treated the same as T-shirts. Until now, the position of sweatshirts in the vintage clothing industry has been described in terms of vintage values, where "older = better" in contrast to the many different types of T-shirts. The two basic genres were military and college. However, with the recent trend toward oversized silhouettes, these genres and eras have become more and more popular, and I realized that "there are unexpectedly interesting things out there! I realized that there are unexpectedly interesting things.

-. It's true that dog prints have been gaining momentum recently, but where did they come from? But where did this item come from?

If anything, T-shirts are more often found, but I guess the kicker that started the trend was social networking. It was also from Japan. The prices have skyrocketed in the U.S. over the past year or so, and what used to cost $15 in the past can now be found at flea markets for as much as $40.

-Is there an itemized feature?

Some objects have an overall image and depict the characteristics of the dog's breed, but the most popular type is this one with the dog's face and the name of the breed printed on it. . "BACA's BULLDOG" means that the owner was probably Mr. Baca. I think it means "Bulldog owned by an idiot" rather than "Bulldog of an idiot.

Onita's crew neck sweatshirt ¥8,800(Mr. Clean)

-The shades and textures are somewhat mysterious.

. because it has been bleached. . It was originally gray, but the color was removed to give it a wooden look. . By the way, the body is made by "ONEITA," which was also used by Uraharajuku-style brands in the 90's. As you can see, there is a wide range of variations, such as Labrador Retriever, Collie, Dachshund, and so on, in addition to Bulldog. . So, next is the popular pug. The body is by "Hanes" and the raglan sleeves are the key.

Haynes crew neck sweatshirt ¥6,600(Mr. Clean)

-It's cute. A touch of realism and a dog lover's touch. And the other one is the message print. What is this "UGLY XMAS SWEATER."?

In the West, there is a culture of daring to enjoy wearing dorky "Ugly Sweaters" with Christmas motifs in December, and this is printed on them, in essence, an American joke. Similarly, there are T-shirts printed with "THIS IS MY HALLOWEEN COSTUME" for Halloween, so it is in the same vein. Poof, it's just plain cool, and even funnier when you know what the message is.

Fruit of the Loom crew neck sweatshirt ¥6,600(Mr. Clean)

-It's definitely just plain cool! But the silhouette is kind of interesting.

Ah, that's probably because it's not men's wear. This is a women's jacket by "FRUIT OF THE LOOM" in size XXL. After the 1980s, all major manufacturers began to sell different silhouettes for men and women, and women's models were generally a little wider in width and shorter in length. In this sense, the silhouettes are boxy and modern, and this one is no exception. Men can also wear it!

-What are some of the criteria for selecting message prints in your opinion?

The basic premise is to choose something that you know what the print means, that you are comfortable with people making fun of you, and that is fashionable. I don't know if this one really exists or if it is a joke, but it is a piece of clothing worn by a left-handed supremacist group (!?) that claims that left-handed people are superior. . The names of left-handed celebrities from all over the world, from Alexander the Great to Babe Ruth, Picasso, and Chaplin, are printed on the left side of the shirt. It is quite stylish, don't you think?

Fruit of the Loom crew neck sweatshirt ¥6,600 (Mr. Clean)

. - It would be a good topic of conversation, and is truly a unique piece of vintage clothing. Are there any other points to keep in mind in terms of materials, details, etc.?

Compared to T-shirts, sweatshirts have been recognized as a fashion item since the 80's, which is relatively recent. Therefore, most of the body is made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, and there is no need to worry too much about the material or details of the sweatshirt. Compared to the cotton 100%, the fabric is softer and can be worn oversized without any discomfort, so if you find one you like, I recommend you buy it immediately!

Michihiko Kurihara / Mr.Clean Owner, Vintage Buyer
He started working in vintage stores as a teenager and later became a buyer for the famous "Lost Hills" store in Harajuku, Tokyo. 2011, he became independent and opened "Mr. Clean" in Tomigaya after working as a freelancer. As a vintage buyer, he travels to the U.S. for about 180 days a year to make purchases. With his wealth of knowledge and solid discernment, he has been a regular member of HOUYHNHNM's famous "Vintage Summit" since its inception.
Official site:www.kurikurivintage.shop-pro.jp
Instagram:@mrcleantomigaya