So, What is NEW VINTAGE? Vol.42 Spice up the dreary rainy season and hot summer. Tabasco, which you may or may not know.

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.

This Series has entered its sixth season. So, we are restarting this series with a new store. The 42nd issue features Makiji and Koike of Kiraku.

Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Makiji & Koike/Kiraku Owner
Vol.42_Tabasco T-shirts

-What is the new vintage for you?

Maki: As mentioned in the lead section, regular vintage clothing from the 80's onward, things that were not paid much attention to at the time or that we ourselves had passed over, but that we feel are interesting "precisely because they are made now. I think that is what New Vintage is.

-Do you have any conditions for what you feel is "interesting only now"?

Koike：Conditions......... for example, "Made in the USA"? You could find them all over the place back then, but now, "Made in USA" is one of the reasons why people pick up a product. I think that is a good point for us.

Makiishi: That's also a matter of age, isn't it? We, too, have seen a variety of things and have finally come to appreciate them. First, we became interested in clothes and started wearing domestic brands, then we learned that those brands sampled from vintage clothes, so we went into the vintage clothing business, and then we went through what is called "True Vintage. . And then I came full circle, and now I am enjoying regular vintage clothes.

Koike：Of course, I still like true vintage clothes, but in the sense that I can enjoy them in my own way without dressing up, I think regular vintage clothes fit better. Even if they are regular vintage clothes, in the 80's, they still looked very formal, but in the 90's, they became somewhat more relaxed. What can I say? . I guess you could say it's a sense of fashion becoming more familiar in our lifestyles.

Makiishi: I feel this is especially true for outdoor wear, and compared to items from the 1980s and earlier, items from the 1990s have a more modern silhouette and are easier to incorporate into one's wardrobe.

I see. I can see what you mean. What are some of the new vintage items you would like to introduce to us?

Makiishi: We picked up a T-shirt, the rather interesting "TABASCO (TABASCO®️)" T-shirt, among other corporate items, as a hot item for the rainy, dreary rainy season and for summer.

I wasn't really aware of it, but I heard that "Tabasco" is a brand of McIlhenny and its official name as a condiment is "Red Pepper Sauce". Did you know that?

Koike: Wow, I see. I had not been particularly conscious of it, but I guess there were no other Tabasco products in existence. In terms of vintage clothing, most of the designs have a bright red body with a logo print, and this is just like that.

Tabasco T-shirt ¥6,000(Kiraku)

-What other condiment stories are there other than "Tabasco"?

Makiji: A famous one would be Heinz tomato ketchup, for example. You don't see it very often, but it comes up once in a while . Around here, it would be from the late 90's to the 2000's. . Both are made in the USA.

Koike: Even the package design proudly states "Made in the USA," so they must be very particular about it (laughs). (Laughs) As I mentioned earlier, the bright red one is exactly the same as the logo design, but this one is a bit more clever.

Tabasco T-shirt ¥8,800(Kiraku)

Makishi: The joke is that when the mosquito thought it was blood and came up to you, it was "Tabasco". Bite me" seems to have the meaning of "fuck off" or "fuck you" in English slang. So, from the mosquito's point of view, if it thought it could suck blood, it couldn't and said, "Screw you!" . From the Tabasco's point of view, it means, "And it's not a mosquito, so fuck off! . It's like they are trying to have both sides of the story.

Koike: Although categorically a corporate product, it is a bit unusual to even have a fine original tag like this.

-What do you recommend to match these items in a "Kiraku" way?

Maki: Since this item has such a big impact, I think it would be good to wear it with something really casual, like shorts and sandals, without dressing it up.

Koike: In that case, it would be better to use a larger size. And, it should be "just right for the occasion. In any case, don't be tense, and just take it easy (laughs).

By the way, do you two like Tabasco?

Koike: Yes, that's right. In terms of seasoning, if I have it , I use it.

MAKISHIMA: I like it a lot. I put it on all kinds of food. For example, I put it on chicken nanban. The spiciness of "Tabasco" goes perfectly with the sweet and sour taste of the tartar sauce and sauce. Please give it a try! (Laughs).

-I see. Just like "Tabasco" is sprinkled on Chicken Nanban, these T-shirts should be "spiced up just right".

Makiji & Koike / Owners, Kiraku
Two friends who have been friends for over a decade opened Kiraku in Okinawa Town in Daitabashi, Tokyo, in November 2017. It offers a variety of American casual and other lineups from regular to vintage, and is open from 5:00 pm to 24:00 pm. The second store, "Raku Raku," is also open in Shimokitazawa.
Official site:kiraku-store.com
Instagram:@kiraku_store