Birkenstock's "Milano" to wear with that person Vol.2

BIRKENSTOCK MILANO With You

MILANO" was born in 1978 as an evolution of the brand's representative model "ARIZONA". The newly attached back strap provides a high sense of hold and a stable fitting. As in the previous issue, we asked the three pairs, who are connected by the keywords "senior and junior," "best friend," and "comrade," to talk about their experiences together.

Photo_Toyoaki Masuda
Text_Yasuyuki Ushijima (NO-TECH)
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

CASE1_Senior and junior

Beyond work, senior and junior members are connected by the "bond" of surfing.

rough woodOriginally, when Kakki (Kakimoto-san's nickname) was working as a press representative for a select store, I used to go there often for leasing, and we became good friends from there.

(bonsai) bookYes, that's right. After we became friends, you taught me many things when I started surfing myself.

rough woodDid I? (Laughs) But I think it was pretty rudimentary advice...

(bonsai) bookBut if it weren't for that, I might not have continued this far. We haven't been able to go (to the beach) together recently, but have you been going to the beach?

rough woodI'm the one who doesn't go out with him. I haven't been able to go to the club recently.

(bonsai) bookLast year and the year before, you used to take me with your car, Mr. Araki, and two days ago we went to eat gyoza (Chinese dumplings).

rough wood. eat dumplings, then cake. Girls, huh? ..." (laughs)

(bonsai) bookWe only talk about silly things during dinner, but in the car on the way to the surf, we report on what's going on. We also go on the Bali and Shikoku surf trips every year, and since we share a hotel room on those tours, we have in-depth conversations.

rough woodWe meet on those surf trips, and we see each other regularly, so it's kind of embarrassing to talk about it again (laughs).

(bonsai) bookIt's not easy to find seniors that you can connect with not only in your personal life, but also in your professional life, so I would like to keep it a family affair. Also, I would like them to come to Leith more often (laughs).

rough woodHi . I'll do my best (laughs).

The best of sandals that are easy to wear and highly functional.

Daisuke Araki(Stylist)
With a realistic sense of fashion that is firmly rooted in the ground, she projects this sense into her styling and has gained the support of a wide range of people. He is well-liked for his easygoing personality, and his passion for fashion is as strong as anyone else's. Although he has been busy lately, surfing is a part of his lifestyle. Although he has been busy for some time now, surfing has become a part of his lifestyle. He is also active in other hobbies, such as running a grass-roots baseball team.

Which "Birkenstock" model do you own?

I have worn many different models in the past, but recently I have been using "Zurich".

What is your image of Birkenstock?

The backbone of the sandals is that the arch of the sole leads to healthy feet, and they are, in any case, easy to wear.

How do you feel about wearing "Milano?"

I had the "Arizona" and although the shape is similar, this back strap makes it more stable and secure. It's in pretty good shape.

What is the point of today's outfit?

Since the "Milano" was a light brown, I tried to make the feet stand out by using a navy-based dark tone for the whole look. The sole is also white, which gives a fresh impression and makes the dark tone stand out.

They are also attractive for making flat feet into an ideal shape.

Yohei Kakimoto(Bloom & Branch Director, Freelance Planner)
After working at a boutique for 9 years and gaining experience in sales and PR, he became independent in the summer of 2012. He is the director of BLOOM & BRANCH, a well-known store on Kotto Dori that focuses not only on clothing, but also on everyday products such as tableware and sundries. Surfing, which he began as a hobby, has become a part of his life.

Which "Birkenstock" model do you own?

I like the brand so much that I currently have 6 or 7 pairs, like if I wear them out, I buy them again. The models I own are "Boston," "London," "Zurich," "Arizona," and "Madrid.

What do you like about Birkenstock?

Of course I like the design, but I have flat feet, so it's nice to have a healthy foot form, and I feel like this insole is what my body wants too. So, I can't help but want to wear them.

How do you feel about wearing "Milano?"

This is the first time I've worn the "Milano." The hold is totally different. The model I wore today has a dull blue strap, so it looks good with gray and earth colors. The sole is also white, which gives it a more summery feel. It looks just right for the coming season as well.

What is the point of today's outfit?

Last season, the straps were navy, so I would have worn them in one tone of navy. But this season, I wanted to incorporate color into the outfit, so I inserted a red knit into the top, although the pants are navy.

CASE2_Best friend

From personal to professional life, he is a good friend of the same age who can be relied upon in both public and private life.

chestnut fieldYou've been coming to the store since I used to work at "Lost Hills" in Tsudanuma (Chiba), right?

forested mountainAlthough I was working in Tokyo, I used to go to Kuri-kun's place about once or twice a week. At that time, I was still a customer, but I think it was after "Lost Hills" opened in Harajuku that we started going out to eat together. We had many mutual acquaintances.

chestnut fieldWe talked well together, and since we were the same age, we got to know each other quickly.

forested mountainWe started working together when I was asked to remake shoes using old clothes for a brand I was working on at the time, and I am glad that after some time, we are now involved in other ways in our work.

chestnut fieldMoriyama-kun's orders are often quite demanding (laughs). But Moriyama-kun has a deep knowledge of vintage clothing and understands the current situation in the U.S., so even when the hurdles are high, he is exquisitely realistic. He has a great balance in this area. Another advantage is that we have a close working relationship. We can help each other out.

forested mountainMr. Chestnut has experience and knowledge as a buyer and is very dependable, so I feel very comfortable working with him.

chestnut fieldThanks (laughs). Outside of work, we travel together twice a year, right? . with my family and my dog (laughs).

forested mountainYes, it's strange when you think about it like that. I can't believe that we went from being staff and customers of a restaurant to friends, and now we are involved in business as well. It was Mr. Chestnut who gave me the opportunity to become independent, and I am truly indebted to him.

chestnut field. I was one of the reasons for becoming a freelancer myself, so we are both in the same boat.

forested mountainIf Mr. Chestnut collapses, we will not be able to work, so please take care of yourself (laughs).

chestnut fieldOur business with Moriyama's place is the biggest now, and I hope they will continue to do their best not to lose sales (laughs). But 77 Circa is a pioneer in the remake business, and has established itself as a remake brand, so I wonder if it will be safe in the future?

forested mountain. I will continue to work hard to make sure that happens. Thanks to your help, we are now able to release about 60 to 70 models per season, but that is only possible because of you, Kuri-kun. If I had the chance, I would like to go shopping with him to do research, but I can't find the time....

chestnut field. yes, I'd love to go shopping with you when I get some time.

forested mountainI'll do my best to make time (laughs).

Although born in Germany, the brand has a strong American casual image.

Michihiko Kurihara(Vintage Buyer)
Vintage buyer well-known for HOUYHNHNM's popular project "Vintage Summit". After working for many years as a buyer at the famous "Lost Hills" store, he started his freelance career in 2011, spending about half of the year in the U.S. His stoic buying style and wealth of knowledge have earned him the trust of his peers and apparel industry professionals alike.

How many pairs of Birkenstocks do you own?

I have about 20 pairs. . most of them are classic models such as "Boston," "Arizona," and "Zurich." I have a collection of those three models in different materials and colors. The first pair I bought was "Ramseys," I believe.

What kind of image do you have of "Birkenstock"?

In the 90's, sandals were usually associated with "Birkenstock". Although the brand was born in Germany, I feel that it has a strong image of American casual wear.

How do you feel about wearing the "Milano"?

I like the "Arizona" and have many pairs, so I like the way they feel and look. The back strap has increased the sense of hold and stability. I think it's a very useful model.

What is the point of today's outfit?

In fact, almost all of my items are brand new. If I wear old clothes all over, I end up with what I consider an "old American style," so when I wear "Birkenstock," I tend to wear them with new items.

Birken is a classic when it comes to comfortable summer sandals.

Naoki Moriyama(77 Circa Designer)
. Born in 1977. After working at a vintage clothing store, he became involved in women's brands at an apparel manufacturer. 26 years old, he became independent and launched his own men's brand. After about 10 years of activity, he made a comeback to women's fashion and launched the brand "77CIRCA" in the 2015 SS. . He and Mr. Kurihara are so close that they travel together as a family.

What models of "Birkenstock" do you have?

. I have worn all the standard models. There used to be a store called "Number 44" and I especially liked to wear their special order models. Finally, I settled on the "Arizona" and have two or three pairs in different colors.

What do you think of Birkenstock?

In Germany, they were positioned as health sandals recommended by doctors, but through collaborations with various brands, I think they have become easier to incorporate into fashion. They can be worn in winter as well, but for me, they are the standard summer sandals.

How comfortable are the "Milano" shoes?

I wore them for the first time, but since the "Arizona" design has a back strap, I was able to incorporate them without any discomfort. I feel that they are more comfortable and stable.

What is the point of today's outfit?

The "Milano" on the feet also has navy straps, so the overall tone is unified, but the key point is that each item is made of a different material.

CASE3_Comrades

Comrades of the youth generation who can stimulate each other's creativity.

pine needleWe first met at the "Son of the Cheese" exhibition, right?

vital pointYes, that's right. We were both working, but we were still students.

pine needleOriginally, I was taking the pictures for the catalog of "Sunova Cheese," and the designer, Kaito (Yamamoto), introduced me to Sally (Sekine's nickname).

vital point After that, we had many friends in common, so we often met at exhibitions and events. We also have a Toypoo (Dollar) together, so we are also "dog friends. We have a group message for dog-loving friends, and we send each other cute pictures (laughs).

pine needleWhen I get a message while I'm at work, the atmosphere is "soft" and relaxed (laughs).

vital pointOne of the most memorable moments was when we went together to cover New York Fashion Week. I was working on several projects and also had to cover a collection, so I relied on you a lot, Misato-chan. Really, thank you very much for your help at that time.

pine needleThese days I edit, interpret, cast, and do everything, so I'm good to go (laughs). Sally is a hard worker and I really respect her.

vital pointThank you (laughs). I really like the photos you took too, Misato. Brand catalogs and such are great, but I was wondering what would happen if you did a stiff fashion shoot.

pine needle Sounds interesting!

vital point. Then I can make a plan by gathering people I know around me of the same age.

pine needleIf we could shoot in a playful way, without it becoming work work work, we could make something more interesting. . Maybe that kind of work is becoming more common these days.

vital point. Lately, I often play with editors of other media of the same generation. Although each magazine takes a different direction, we often understand each other because we are in the same industry. It is a good stimulating experience to discuss things and exchange information.

pine needleI envy you because when we are the same editor, I get that feeling, but when we are fellow photographers, I don't get that feeling.

vital pointThen let's get together sometime and have a strategy meeting.

pine needleand then just drink at a tavern...like that? (Laughs)

vital pointYes, yes (laughs). But I feel that with Misato, we will be able to create something good, so I look forward to working with you in the future.

pine needleIt's nice to meet you, too (laughs).

. The unevenness of the arch part fits the sole of the foot comfortably.

Misato Matsufuji(Photographer)
. born in 1991, began working as a photographer in 2012. His work is mainly for the magazine "STUDIO VOICE," brand catalogs, and artist photos, and he also participates in numerous group exhibitions and art fairs. With deep ties to the international art scene, he represents the new generation of Tokyo photographers active in Japan and abroad.

Have you ever worn Birkenstocks?

I didn't have sandals, but I have Birkenstock insoles , and I put them in my sneakers.

What do you think of Birkenstock?

I have a strong image of strappy sandals, but the "Boston" with its toe covered like a sabo is also impressive. Anyway, I think the most important point is the ease of wearing.

What are your impressions of the "Milano" shoes?

They were lighter than I expected , which surprised me. I knew they would be easy to wear, since I even bought insoles, but the insoles are three-dimensional and fit my feet comfortably. I have flat feet, so it feels especially good.

What is the point of today's outfit?

Shorts + sandals is an outfit that can only be worn in spring and summer. It looks like a long shirt, but it's actually a men's size so it's longer because I'm exchanging clothes with a friend. This balance is the key. . I also added ramen socks with "naruto" and other symbols.

You can also enjoy girlish nuances with fishnet socks.

Sayuri Sekine(Assistant Editor, Nylon Japan)
After gaining experience in the editorial department of a culture magazine as a student, he is currently working as an assistant editor for NYLON JAPAN magazine. He is attracting attention as a leader of the youth generation's culture. Her hobby is film photography. She prefers photos with natural expressions to posy ones.

Have you ever worn Birkenstocks?

I thought these sandals looked easy to wear, but this is actually the first time I've worn them. I am also interested in the tongue type design.

What kind of image did you have of Birkenstock?

I have an image of a sandal that is orthodox in design and that everyone can relate to. . The rest of them look comfortable to wear.

How do you feel about wearing "Milano" this time?

As I imagined, they are light and comfortable to wear. The insoles fit the soles of my feet and feel good. Of course, the design is simple, so it seems to go with everything.

What is the point of today's outfit?

The shirt is one I borrowed from a friend. It is a little oversized and has a hard design in tiger camo, but I like to wear it with a boyish look, so I often incorporate it into my outfits. However, that alone is boring, so I use fishnet socks, which are on trend, to add a feminine nuance. The sandals also have an open toe, which makes the fishnet socks stand out.

BIRKENSTOCK "MILANO" brushed brown , navy ¥11,000+TAX

The "Milano" sandal with back strap, created in 1978, is an evolution of Birkenstock's signature double-strap "Arizona" model, featuring a total of three straps on the instep and ankle. The back strap provides a high sense of hold and fitting, and boasts a sense of stability that allows you to trust your feet not only in the city, but also in the outdoor field. In addition, the back strap can also be used to accentuate your outfits, making it a fashion item as well. These two colors are limited to directly managed stores and EC. The upper material is Birkenstock's original material, Birkoflor Nubuck®, and the outsole is a clean white-colored EVA sole.

Benexy / Birkenstock Customer Support
Phone: 0120-206-450
www.birkenstockjpn.co.jp