So, What is NEW VINTAGE? Vol.34 "I want to match a hamburger with wine. This is the best company for such a situation.

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.

As we enter the fifth season of the Series, we have relaunched this series with a new participating store. The 34th installment is by Katsuya Suzuki of CCX.

Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Katsuya Suzuki / Owner, CCX
Vol.34_Best Company's Crew Neck Fleece Shirts & Crew Neck Sweatshirts

-What is the new vintage for you?

My hometown of Omiya in Saitama Prefecture is a fierce battleground for vintage clothing. So I have been going to the famous "White Head Eagle" store in my hometown since I was in the 6th grade of elementary school, and I have always loved vintage clothes and continued to wear them. However, I have never been interested in studying so-called "true vintage" because of my rebelliousness against my predecessors. ...... I am more interested in how to find interesting pieces that don't fit the standard of value called "vintage" in the context of the existence of such a standard. I think this is what I consider as new vintage. I think this is my idea of "new vintage".

-Do you have a specific definition in your own mind?

To sum it up in one word, "something worth digging up. Best Company," which we will introduce here, fits this definition exactly. The designer is Mr. Ormes Caretti, who also worked as a designer for "HENRI LLOYD," a marine wear brand that represents the United Kingdom. A long time ago, when the C.P. COMPANY and STONE ISLAND were getting a lot of attention, I was digging for something more interesting. I was digging for something more interesting, and this is where I found it.

-Hey, I have never heard of this brand before.

In the 1980s, a culture called "Paninari" was born in Milan, Italy, and had a great impact on young people in Europe. In short, it was the Italian version of American casual. Here is the image of the brand that strengthened the American casual color in the midst of it. At that time, there was a regular agency in Japan, but it did not seem to become a big movement in Japan.

-What items were there?

Shall we start with the crew neck sweatshirt? The sleeves are a modified version of the Freedom Sleeve. There are gussets on the side parts, which gives it an "overdone" look that is typical of Italian brands (laughs). If I were to mention one personal favorite element, how many different kinds of threads are used for the casual sweatshirt fabric body?　The embroidery is so detailed and colorful that it makes one wonder how many different kinds of threads are used on the casual sweatshirt body. The embroidery and the use of color are wonderful, and are a must-have point when talking about this brand. Also, the color-coded collar ribs are fresh and attractive, and considering the historical background of the 80's, it gives off a European flavor and adult sex appeal that is different from American brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren.

Best Company Crew Neck Sweatshirt Reference Items(CCX)

-I think the price was quite expensive at the time, considering the quality and the fact that it was an Italian brand.

I think the price of these items is still high in some parts of the used clothing industry. If we were to put them on our store shelves, they would cost between ¥18,000 and ¥20,000. Even so, it is still quite inexpensive compared to the market price. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are many people who don't even know they exist, so I am sure you can find them if you look for them (laughs). (laughs) And now, another piece of clothing. I brought a crew-neck fleece shirt.

Best Company Crew Neck Fleece Shirt Reference item(CCX)

-It's a very current design that would make sense if it were a new street brand.

That's right. I said earlier that the embroidery was good and sexy, but I thought this "uncharacteristic" look was quite unusual (laughs). I think this item is not so old in terms of time, and probably dates from the late 1990's to the 2000's. Dana Claire, who was very popular at that time, was a popular actress. I think it was slightly influenced by brands with a street flavor, such as Donna Karan New York (DKNY), which was popular at the time. The message on the front is probably something like, "Back to the best = the best company after all! I think the message on the front is something like "BACK TO BEST! I don't understand the use of the free material crew neck, and what is this really about? （I don't know what this is really about.)

-(laughs). I'd like to hear about it too. But the fact that it's not well known seems like it would be fun to dig into. How do you recommend wearing it?

In my opinion, it would be a good idea to match them with Levi's 501s, just as Paninari did back then. Or, try NIKE dunks on your feet or CHAMPION reverse weave instead. If the usual American casual style is to pair a beer with a hamburger, "Best Company" can be used when you are in the mood for a glass of wine today. Please look for it!

Katsuya Suzuki / CCX Owner
CCX will open on July 7, 2021, as a select store that "strikes back at minorities and proposes the joy of discovering sharp things" for people who enjoy fashion freely. CCX will introduce items and styles that can be found nowhere else, without being bound by genres such as vintage, designer, European, American, Asian, military, or work.
Official site:www.ccxwebstore.xyz
Instagram:@ccx_kitazawa