PROFILE
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1976. After working for Comme des Garcons for 15 years and gaining experience in marketing, sales, and merchandising, he became independent. Established several brands and started design activities. Established a web design firm, and as a web director, UI/UX designer, and engineer, provides brand strategy and DX support for fashion brands from the two domains of creativity and marketing.
'Because I don't have any gadget bags that I want.'
Please tell us about your background.
Stream:I have been with Comme des Garcons for 15 years and have been involved in a wide range of work for various brands. Looking back, I have experienced many different things. I started out as a sales staff member, and then I was transferred to the head office, where I learned marketing from my boss at the time, did sales, and also worked as an MD (merchandiser) in a newly established section dealing with the S.A.S. (Comme des Garçons S.A.S. of France) brand.
After moving from the S.A.S. brand section to the sales department, I was in charge of a wide range of brands, including Trico (Comme des Garçons), Tao (Comme des Garçons), Beetles (Comme des Garçons), and finally (Comme des Garçons) Homme Opulente and Comme des Garçons Comme des Garçons. I became independent after working for a wide range of companies.
You are also a web designer and engineer.
Stream:My marketing duties included assembling and designing an online store, and I was learning comprehensively because I knew I had to first acquire knowledge in order to improve my ability to place orders with outside parties. Programming is directly related to manufacturing, and I thought that the craftsmanship nature of programming is somehow connected to fashion.
Stream:I was always interested in programming, but I gradually got more and more into it as I learned more about programming. Since there is no end in sight, I am still involved in the UI/UX (user interface/user experience) design and direction of websites while updating my knowledge and skills through delayed evaluation study methods in the process of outputting them as work.
─ So your love and your work are in a cycle. Did you start your own business to launch your brand?
Stream:Yes, as I connected MD and marketing to sales, I became interested in "trying my own brand. Rei Kawakubo, the designer of Comme des Garçons, is a person who not only designs brands and clothes, but also thoroughly focuses on sales methods and store design. Her Comme des Garçons is such a company that designs companies, isn't it? Perhaps we are influenced by its spirits.
First, he launched the fashion brand "Anthology" and presented a collection. From Anthology, he launched ANTHOLOGIE REPLICA, a line of bags, Independent Flowers & Co., which handles ID tags and ID bracelets, and Youth & Age Explorer, which specializes in bandanas. I work with a variety of brands that focus on specific items according to my interests.
In parallel, I became involved in rebranding and launching new outside brands.
Please tell us about the background behind the launch of "Whitage," which will be launched this season.
Stream:The company's main business is the retail and sale of bags, but it also handles planning and production.SAC'S BARI was approached by to participate in a project to launch a new bag brand. I myself make bags for "Anthology Replica," but entering an already saturated market was not an easy task.
I prefer simple bags like the ones I make, but I have yet to find a gadget bag that I would like to use to carry my laptop and documents for work! I have yet to find a gadget bag to carry my laptop and documents needed for work. Then, I had a feeling that I could differentiate myself from others and create something interesting by focusing on the purpose and situation of use in line with the modern lifestyle, while pursuing what I wanted.
