Daisuke Araki talks about the "exquisite" urban downsizing at Saturdays in New York City.
Urban and casual style.Saturdays New York City （Saturdays NYC）Three types of down jackets in black are now available from the "KODAI" brand. These products have been praised as "just right" not only in New York, where the main store is located, but also by the highly sensitive people who visit the store in Daikanyama, Tokyo. We asked Daisuke Araki, a stylist who has long supported the brand, about the appeal of this popular down jacket.
Born in 1976. After studying under stylist Takashi Kumagai, he became independent in 2001. He has styled for men's fashion magazines, advertisements, actors, and brand catalogs. He also has a deep knowledge of active lifestyles, and spends most of his free time surfing.
A brand that brings together the authenticity of culture and fashion.
How did you become interested in Saturdays New York City?
I became interested in it about a year before it opened a store in Japan. I first learned of its existence when I visited New York. I remember being attracted by the tasteful, understated logo. At first, I saw it as a fashionable surf brand, but when I learned that Morgan and Colin, who direct the brand, live in New York City and enjoy surfing on their days off, I soon realized that it was not a surf brand.
Do you still hold the same values that you did then?
In fact, the recognition of the brand as a fashion brand has increased even more. It has been about 6 years since the first store opened in Japan, but the urban impression is still the same, and the range of items has expanded significantly. There are more items in sizes that fit Japanese people, and there are definitely more items that even we can wear fashionably since then.
So you are acknowledging both the item and the brand background.
That's right. I wore board shorts from "Saturdays New York City" almost every day this summer.（ lol） I wore them when I went surfing and when I went to work, and people around me told me, "You always wear those shorts.
Do you visit stores often?
I often go to the store in Daikanyama for coffee. I think it's partly because of the location, but it's also a place where people who are at the forefront of the fashion and surf industries can relax and socialize, so I think of it as a bit of a power spot. We also do art shows and have a strong background in surf culture, so the brand's position as a brand is exquisite.
It is not too over-specialized, which is like a fashion brand.
What do you think of the three types of down jackets released this time?
rough woodThey are all very nice and salty. This year there is an unprecedented boom in down jackets, and high-spec downs from outdoor brands are quite popular. Some brands even have purchase restrictions. But I think this means that, on the other hand, it is easy to look like other people. With fashion brands, that point of concern can be eliminated.
Do you mean that it's hard to be different from other people?
rough woodNo, no, that is just an added bonus. When you take a train or get in a car, don't you tend to sweat a lot if you wear a high-spec down jacket? This down jacket has just the right amount of down and is not bulky when taken off, making it a very good balance for wearing around town. Moreover, it has a watertight zip, and each part is seamless, so you can wear it even on rainy days, which is said to be the natural enemy of down. The specs also seem to have been able to satisfy an itch.
So the specifications are just right for town use.
rough woodWe tend to be drawn to over-spec products, but I think this is the way to go this year. Down jackets have ribbing on the backside of the cuffs and hems, so they look sleek, yet retain warmth and fit well. Down vests also have ribbing on the underside of the sides, so they look sleek when worn. At first glance, it may look design-oriented, but every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
Indeed, an all-black design would be nice.
rough woodThat goes without saying. Down jackets tend to have an old-fashioned American casual impression, but this one has a fresh look with the print and zips unified in dark tones. The fabric is matte, and I think this kind of urban texture is an appeal that outdoor brands do not have.
Excellent specifications and design for the city.
We asked them to actually wear the three down styles. The three models are coordinated in an active yet urban way, making the most of the brand's unique characteristics.
First of all, what were you conscious of when coordinating with down jackets?
rough woodWe chose a slightly oversized version instead of a just right size. We have shaved off the old-fashioned impression often seen in down jackets. Since the top is large, the bottom is sharp. We shortened the length of the bottoms to reduce the oversized look.
Then, please tell us about the coordination using down vests.
rough woodThe all-black color reduces the American casual look, which is good and fresh. Although it tends to be stoic with black in terms of items, we dare to choose low-tech sneakers here to give a sense of nooks and crannies and create a cozy atmosphere. It might also look great with a turtleneck.
Finally, please tell us about coordinating with down shirts.
rough woodIt has a moderate volume, so I wear it as if it were an inner down layer. I use the lightest possible material for the top layer so as not to make it look too heavy. Layering looks fashionable, but it tends to make the clothes look bulky, so a parka with good coloring is inserted as an inner layer to give a three-dimensional effect to the coordination.
Saturdays NYC Daikanyama
Address: 1-5-2 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-5459-5033
Hours: Cafe 9:00-19:00, Store 11:00-20:00 www.saturdaysnyc.co.jp
