Serialized 【MONTHLY CCC SESSION] VOL.11 Daisuke Araki "A brand with irreplaceable experience

City Country City" is an anonymous brand that does not disclose its design team, but has been steadily increasing its presence. In this Series, we interview creators who have been close friends of City Country City since its establishment, in order to find out what the brand is really like. We will be looking into the contents of this mysterious brand from all angles.

For our 11th installment, we are joined by stylist Daisuke Araki, who has been styling looks for the brand since its inception. Mr. Araki has been styling the looks of the brand since its establishment, and we ask him what he feels when he holds a "CCC" garment in his hand. We ask him to share his thoughts on his creations.

The experience is tremendous. It is irreplaceable.

Please tell us about the relationship between Mr. Araki and CCC.

Araki:I am the same age as one of the design team, from the same hometown. So I have known him for a long time. He was an ace in his hometown and had a completely different style of play than me when he went to Tokyo. I thought, "I can't compete with him. The other members also went to the same vocational school. So there were rumors that there was a great guy.

Throughout this series, many of the actors have talked about "CCC" in the context of Uraharajuku, but Mr. Araki doesn't seem to be Uraharajuku-oriented, does he?

Araki:Do you understand? It's because of the influence of my hometown members. I was very strong in the backstage area at the time, so I thought I had to explore a different path. So I graduated from a vocational school and became an assistant to Mr. Kumagai (Takashi).

Araki:Maybe it was because we were from the same hometown, but I was also approached by them for a brand they used to work on. So I feel like I have been working with them for a long time. I was also asked to work for "CCC" as part of that process.

In a sense, you are part of a team. It is easier to express what the brand intends, such as detailed nuances.

Araki:Yes, that's right. I can kind of sense the atmosphere. I can understand the mood without having to put it into words. I can understand the mood without having to put it into words. That is a big thing.

What is your impression of the clothes made by the CCC design team, including the old brand?

Araki:I can sense the backstreet atmosphere. The people have been in Harajuku for a long time, so the accumulation of their experiences is reflected in their clothes. However, the clothes are not always the same. I feel that you incorporate the nuances of that era into your clothes every time.

CCC" has a strong musical culture. It fits with the current mood, and music is strong because it is universal. It has the potential to resonate with a wide range of generations, and I think it is something overwhelmingly timeless that will not fade away even as time goes on.

And the experience is tremendous. That is something that cannot be replaced by anything else. Watching the clothes they have been making since the beginning, I feel that they are getting better and better, and the brand is growing in proportion to that. The brand is growing in proportion to that, and the customers are following. However, I feel that there is more room for growth and potential. So I have nothing but high expectations for them.

Graphics are the brand's strength.

You have been involved in styling since the early days of the brand.

Araki: At first, we only had T-shirts and sweatshirts, and the composition was really simple. So we didn't think too hard and concentrated on the location and casting of the models to make the most of the atmosphere.

From 2021 Summer Collection (2nd Release).

When I look at the finished look, I see that you have cast models in locations with a sense of music and culture.

Araki:That's the way it should be. When I talked with everyone, we all agreed that this was the way to go. It is naturally difficult to do this with only a few items, but the brand's strength lies in its graphics, so we tried to make them stand out.

From the 2023ss Collection.

As you mentioned earlier, the relationship between Mr. Araki and CCC naturally leads in this direction.

Araki:We don't have editorial meetings at all (laughs). (laughs). It's more about the daily conversations we have with them. We talk about the old days, "How are things going? or "What's the original source of this graphic? We talk about the old days, "How are things going?

You mentioned that you had been styling for a previous brand.

Araki:That may be so. I don't add much. Basically, I keep it simple and am conscious of how to make the most of the clothes I am given. I place emphasis on how to make what is there look good without destroying the material. I think the design team trusts me in this.

Why is it that you don't add?

Araki:Because the star of the show is CCC. It is more important that the buyers and customers who see the finished look want it, rather than how I style it. This has always been my method, and not just for "CCC. However, there are also moods and trends at the time, so as someone in the middle of the fashion world, I think it is important to express in the styling, "This is the kind of nuance that would be good right now. I try to express this in my styling.

Rather than a big wave of trends, you mean the detailed mood of the moment.

Araki:It's something I can keep going and feel while seeing and touching various things. I patrol Harajuku every day for that reason (laughs).

I want the brand to be handled by major select stores overseas.

I think you are one of the few people who have been involved with "CCC" since its establishment.

Araki:The graphics are getting better and better. It is great fun to see that. Collaborations are also increasing, and that is a sign of recognition by the other brand. I mentioned earlier about experience, but I think the breadth of the design team's network is also a strength of the brand.

What are your expectations for the future?

Araki:It would be more interesting if the range of items were broader. However, although we have the ability to design a variety of items, I think we are daring to keep it small. Even if we take a full swing at a moment's notice, there is a possibility that it won't lead to any numbers. I think it is better to take it a little at a time and work your way up.

As the number of items increases and the quality of the clothes gets higher and higher, I think that a different perspective will emerge. Even if you raise the price, it is better to offer high quality products, because they are more accepted nowadays. As I have grown older, I have seen many different types of clothes, and my eyes have become more discerning. So, it is easier for me to wear high-quality clothes. I often see young people wearing expensive clothes, and I feel that if the quality is good, the clothes will work.

I would like to see this brand eventually be carried by major select stores overseas.

Daisuke Araki
Born in 1976. Born in Gunma Prefecture. Studied under stylist Takashi Kumagai and became independent in 2001. He has worked in a wide range of fields, including fashion media such as magazines, brand lookbooks, actors, and artists. Has been involved in styling for "City Country City" since the brand's inception.
Instagram:arakid3

Photo_Kazunobu Yamada
Text_Yuichiro Tsuji