Case02_Toshiharu Kaneko (CAL O LINE) If you know Patagonia, you don't need to know any other brands.
Toshiharu Kaneko (Designer, CAL O LINE)
Born in 1973 in Chiba , Japan. He has been playing soccer since he was a child, and went on to high school at a prestigious school in Chiba Prefecture. While in college, he became fascinated with surfing and has been going to the ocean as a surfer ever since. After graduating from college, he worked for an apparel company and was involved in several brands before starting "CAL O LINE" in 2015.
When did you start collecting "Patagonia" items?
Kaneko:I bought my first Patagonia in 1993 or 1994. I was a college student at the time, and the outdoor boom was just around the corner, so I learned about Patagonia as an outdoor brand. The more I learned about the brand, the more I was attracted to it. I felt sympathy for, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I respected, the philosophy of Patagonia.
What are some of the specifics?
Kaneko:. I guess it is the fact that you value nature so much. The founder, Yvon Chouinard, himself is an expert in surfing, climbing, and many other activities. I strongly feel that he values the harshness and tenderness of nature and the beauty of the earth. This attitude of "Patagonia" really resonates with me.
I have been surfing since I was 18 years old, and while there are many cool items available from other brands, the fact that they carry surfing gear that is a part of my lifestyle is very important. I remember someone once saying, "If you know Patagonia, you don't need to know anything else when it comes to outdoor brands. I can't say such a big thing, but on the other hand, I really feel the same way (laughs).
When did you pick up "Snap T" for the first time?
Kaneko:I think the first one I bought was in '95 or '96. They were vividly colored, probably from the late 80s or early 90s, and were often found in thrift stores. That was the era when colors were the most intense (laughs).
And then they just kept getting together.
Kaneko:I simply love it (laughs). . It is lightweight, warm, and dries quickly after washing. . Above all, they are durable, and even if they are handled roughly, they do not get dented or deteriorate easily.
Kaneko:More than anything, I love the coloring on this one. The fabric, piping, and even the back of the neck are in colors that would not normally be combined, and every time I see this, it makes me think, "Color compatibility and combination can be anything. . As a person who makes things, I learn something every time I see them.
. On the other hand, I also researched why this item was developed. The item was initially created as an alternative to wool sweaters, but it is not finished, and is still evolving. The polyester used for the fabric is harmful to the environment, so they switched to recycling, adopted fair trade sewing, etc. , and the evolution never stops. I think that is the reason why I keep buying them.
Which of the items you brought today is the oldest?
Kaneko:This one , the one without the flap pockets on the chest. I checked, and the ones made in the early years, before '88, don't have pockets. It's probably from '87 or so.
As you wear it more and more, the fabric gets a nice furry look. Once, I went to the store attached to the Ventura headquarters. I don't remember which Snap T I was wearing, but one of the staff saw the item I was wearing and said, "That looks great! (Laughs). The fact that an item can be worn for a long time in this way is proof of its good manufacturing quality and enduring design.
Do you also purchase current items?
Kaneko:I will do so. As I mentioned earlier, the company has made great progress, such as switching to recycled polyester fabrics in consideration of the environmental impact. Polyester fibers are lost during washing, and if they flow into the water, they can affect the quality of the water, so they have also created washing bags, etc. Every detail is done properly, which shows how serious they are. I try to take such precautions as much as possible with my own brand, but Patagonia's thoroughness is truly amazing.
. and I also enjoy looking at the catalog each time. For me, it's a great collection of outdoors photography, and it's also an instruction manual on how environmental issues should be handled. There are no articles in fashion magazines today, so I spend a lot of time looking through the Patagonia catalog learning about what's going on.
What are your expectations for Patagonia in the future?
Kaneko:. there is nothing I can think of in my head that I would expect. They always do things beyond my imagination, and I hope they continue to surprise me. That's all I ask.
