FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

Lacoste, which choreographer YUMEKI wears, dances and knows.
A choreographer meets LACOSTE

Lacoste, which choreographer YUMEKI wears, dances and knows.

Until recently, choreographers (choreographers) had a strong image of being "behind the scenes. Recently, choreographers have been attracting attention to the extent that they can be said to be on par with artists. He will be wearing LACOSTE sneakers for his first appearance in the Japanese fashion media. YUMEKI talks about the lineup, which includes everything from basic court shoes to hybrid active models, from his perspective as a professional dancer.

  • Photo & Video_Keisuke Kitamura
  • Styling_Taichi Sumura
  • Hair&Make up_Taro Yoshida (W)
  • Edit & Film Direction_Masaya Umiyama
  • Text_Reiko Matsushita
  • Edit_Ryo Muramatsu

Interview with YUMEKI I am sure you will find a pair that fits you.

I heard that YUMEKI's first pair of "Lacoste" shoes were sneakers.

YUMEKI: I have been familiar with this brand since I was a child, but to be honest, I had the impression that there was not much connection with dance. Recently, however, I have been seeing more and more dancers wearing the brand on social networking sites, and I felt that the brand was very familiar with the industry I am in.

The first pair is the "L003 Evo".

YUMEKI: The cushioning was exquisite. They are soft but not too soft, and I like that they don't put too much strain on my feet. This profession is very particular about sneakers. If they are too hard, the impact is transmitted directly to your feet, causing them to hurt. On the other hand, if they are too soft, your ankles can get caught in them, and they can become squishy when you stop moving. This one has just the right balance, so much so that I thought it might be a dance shoe. It was a new discovery to be able to dance so easily.

L003 Evo
The thick sole of this model is eye-catching. While the one-tone color scheme is combined with ripstop nylon, synthetic leather, suede, and other materials, it creates a look with depth. The alligator logo on the heel adds a subtle accent. ¥17,050 (Lacoste Customer Center)

That's a perspective that only a dancer can have. How about your design?

YUMEKI: The shoes I have are almost always white or black. So I feel comfortable in all-black shoes. Also, I don't use different shoes for casual wear and for dancing; I use shoes for both occasions, so I appreciate that the design is easy to match with other shoes.

I also personally really liked this outerwear. It was not too casual, yet easy to move around in. It was also refreshing to wear a western shirt underneath. Lacoste has a strong image as a sports brand, but you also produce wear with a strong fashion aspect.

I would like to ask you what you value in fashion and what you are particular about.

YUMEKI: I am not bound by rules such as "what is right" but rather simply value "whether or not it fits me" as the most important factor. People who I think have good taste all have a good understanding of their own physique and body lines, and they choose clothes that fit them. I like clothes that show my curves, so I choose clothes that are tight and made of fabrics that can accommodate slightly unusual moves. Especially when choreographing, I think that the movements I imagine in my brain will not be conveyed unless I wear clothes that show the lines of my body. Like shoes, I don't wear oversized silhouettes in my daily clothes.

How did you like the second pair of "LINESET"?

YUMEKI: This one is designed to suit all generations, regardless of gender, and it's perfect for daily use because it doesn't choose any fashion. I like that they are simple, so I can wear them when I go out without worrying. The crocodile logo on the side adds an accent, and I like that the color is different around the cuff. The ankle portion has cushioning, so I don't get tired after walking for long periods of time.

Also, the coordination was fresh. I usually don't wear half pants at all, but after wearing them for the first time in a while, I realized that they are easy to dance in (laughs). I thought they would look childish and I was afraid of wearing them, but I realized that I could wear them like a set-up and wear a knit or shirt inside for a proper look.

LINESET
The design has a vintage feel, mixing classic court-style tension with a bash form. This "ABC-MART" limited edition model features a color switch around the footwear opening and stitching that surrounds the alligator logo on the side. ¥14,850 (Lacoste Customer Center)

I think you often dance with artists to your own choreographed songs on social networking sites, and it seems like you have a hard time choosing the right clothes.

YUMEKI: I choose the outfit for such occasions based on my intuition, such as "this outfit is good for this song" or "it is easy to dance in. I don't try to match the artist's outfit in particular. I think everyone who dances is particular about fashion, and choosing what to wear when dancing is one of the things I enjoy.

What kind of fashions are you interested in this spring?

YUMEKI: Until now, I have preferred simple monotones. Oddly enough, I thought it was absolutely safe (laughs). But recently I think it would be nice to try wearing colors that I have never tried before, such as pink. I think I can meet a new me and discover new things. I would also like to try new designs and textures.

How did you like the third pair, "L003 2K24"?

YUMEKI: This was my favorite in today's lineup! I am drawn to these slightly futuristic designs. In terms of comfort, I liked that the heel had a good amount of cushioning. If the heel is thin, the impact is directly transmitted to my feet when I dance, which hurts my feet and makes them slippery.

Dancers feel differently depending on the clothes they wear and the shoes they wear, and it affects their performance. If I like my favorite sneakers, I really get excited.

L003 2K24
An active sneaker that combines fashion and sports. A complex combination of mesh, panels, and suede gives it a mode look. The round laces give a mellow impression. ¥20,900 (Lacoste Customer Center)

You said you just wanted to try pink. How did you like the layering of colors?

YUMEKI: I have often been told that dark colors look good on me, and the light blue pastel color set-up itself was an adventure. But the exquisite color, which looks like light gray or white, made it easy to incorporate. It was also refreshing to layer a vivid color inside. Also, this set-up felt comfortable, as if I was under a duvet when I put it on.

How was the last "LINESHOT"?

YUMEKI: Contrary to what I expected from its appearance, it was very well cushioned! I think they are more suited for sports that require a stable center of gravity than for movements that require soft toes. Many dancers like the texture that holds their feet firmly in place.

The design is also nice. It's simple, but if you look closely, you can see the gray, cream, and white color scheme, and the slightly chubby shape is cute. The color of the sole has a vintage look to it.

LINESHOT
Based on the archives of the 1990s that embody the DNA of Lacoste, this premium model is equipped with modern technology such as heel grip and ventilation air system. The padded mesh cuff is also a key point. ¥18,150 (Lacoste Customer Center)

The green color coordinated well with the color of the room.

YUMEKI: I don't usually wear colored set-ups, but green is a color that blends in surprisingly well. I was surprised when I tried it on. I think it is a color that even monotone people can easily try. I danced a lot in this style, and the stretchiness of both the top and bottom made it very easy to move around in. I also like that it is not too loose-fitting and shows the lines of my body.

How was your first fashion shoot in Japan?

YUMEKI: It was a lot of fun because I rarely have a chance to wear so many clothes of one brand in one day. I could see that the brand is made with both sports and fashion in mind, which is great for dancers like me who don't separate their work clothes from their personal clothes. It's also good for my wallet (laughs). If you go to a Lacoste store, I am sure you will be able to find a pair that fits you and is easy to move in.

INFORMATION

Lacoste Customer Center

Phone: 0120-37-0202
Official Site
All items without a link in the product credit will arrive in April or later.

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