【The Shirt Style By Brooks Brothers] Brooks Brothers, Shirts and Me Vol.8 KIKUMARU KANDYTOWN Rapper

SPT USA YARN DYE PBD MIL ¥19,000+TAX (Brooks Brothers Japan)

KIKUMARU is a member of the hip-hop crew KANDYTOWN, which recently announced the release of its second album "ADVISORY," and is also active as a solo rapper. Born in Setagaya, Tokyo, where he was exposed to a variety of information, KIKUMARU says he was immersed in hip-hop culture from elementary school under the influence of a friend who would later become active as a member of KANDYTOWN.

When I first became interested in clothing, it was in the so-called B-boy, oversized style. We didn't have uniforms at school, so I got into fashion very early. When I was in the first year of junior high school, I was short, but I chose XL and XXL clothes and started wearing brands that rappers would wear. My short-sleeved T-shirts were like eighths of an inch sleeves. I think adults thought I was a cute, chic kid (laughs).

A simple casual style with blue checks and color-matched denim pants. The overall tone is unified, giving an impression of sophistication.

My own image of Brooks Brothers is New York. I had always known that the brand originated in New York. When I lived in New York for a while, I walked around and saw Brooks Brothers stores in an area where there were many prestigious boutiques. Also, my father used to wear "Brooks Brothers" clothes a lot, so I have been familiar with the brand since I was a child. Now I wonder if I wore some of their clothes as a child myself.

At a record store that he frequents, he listens to records that interest him. Cufflinks are securely fastened.

KIKUMARU's current style is based on the aforementioned hip-hop culture and his father, with whom he is still close. Kikumaru originally loved to wear American traditional brands such as Brooks Brothers. The Brooks Brothers Aoyama store, which has been remodeled to 40th anniversary specifications, currently displays a Brooks Brothers archive bag that was donated by KIKUMARU's father, which is surprising.

I think my friends and culture have a big influence on my fashion, but in the end, the clothes and colors I choose after I fall in love with them are partly influenced by my father. I have received clothes, watches, and accessories that my father used. In that sense, Brooks Brothers, which my father liked, has probably become a root of my own.

Record digging is one of KIKUMARU's life works. On this day, he found and bought several of his favorite records. He wore a button-down shirt that was just the right size for a clean look.

Today's outfit is simple, a plaid button-down shirt and denim, just your normal, everyday clothes (laughs). (Laughs) Recently, I have come to think that simple things are the best looking. I still like what I used to like and what I used to wear, but as I have grown older, I am able to choose what suits me best. Now, I prefer simple things. So, button-down shirts like these are definitely the right kind of clothes.

Photo_Shin Hamada
Text_Maruro Yamashita
Edit_Yosuke Ishii
Special Thanks_.Disk Union Shimokitazawa Club Music Shop