White Mountaineering and Salvum have collaborated to create the ideal form of collaboration.

There are many different types of collaborations in the world, but it is rare to find a project that is so refreshing and open-minded.

White Mountaineering and Sulvam have now completed their first collaboration.

The fluent cutting with a hand-pulled pattern, which is a specialty of "Salvum," and the precise technology of "BLK (BLACK LAYER KNOWLEDGE)," a line within "White Mountaineering," are beautifully fused together.

The set-up produced this time is made of extremely soft GORE-TEXINFINIUM 3L fabrics, consisting of a 50 denier recycled polyester outer fabric and a lightweight polyester knit lining, in addition to high wind resistance and excellent breathability.

¥74,800 WM×sulvam GORE-TEX INFINIUM JERSEY LAPEL JACKET

It features a longer length, narrower sleeves, and larger lapels than past "BLK" lapel jackets.

We conducted an e-mail interview with Yosuke Aizawa of "White Mountaineering" and Teppei Fujita of "Salbum" after their memorable first session.

Please start with Mr. Aizawa's response.

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Q: How did you come to this collaboration? What are the key points about the design, and how did you try to filter each other's brands, etc.?

BLK has created a style of jacket that I have been wearing more and more, and when it came to tailoring this time, I wanted him to pull the pattern first, which is how the collaboration started.
Since both Fujita and myself ride motorcycles, we can propose a set-up based on functions that can be used at that time, and the specifications are both functional and show the wonders of pattern-making.

Q: Impressions about each other's creations

Although Mr. Fujita and I have completely different tastes in manufacturing, we share the same attitude and the ambition to challenge the status quo, and we are very much friends. Although he is younger than me, he is a respected designer and my rival.

Q: About the future of the brand

After the Corona Disaster, I built a studio in the mountains of Nagano and have been working on my creative activities there. I hope to create White Mountaineering's world view while traveling back and forth between Tokyo and the mountains.

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The pants for the set-up were jogger pants with a loose, relaxed silhouette.

¥40,700 WM×sulvam GORE-TEX INFINIUM JERSEY TECH JOGGER PANTS

Elasticized back belt and inner spindles for easy size adjustment.

See Mr. Fujita's response next.

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Q: How did you come to this collaboration? What are the key points about the design, and how did you try to filter each other's brands, etc.?

This time, Mr. Aizawa contacted me and asked if I would be interested in working together on one look. Although people may have the impression that WM and sulvam make clothes with different designs, I believe that we share the same mindset and the same feelings toward making things.
The materials used at WM are interpreted as "sulvam" and incorporated into WM clothing.
Moreover, Mr. Aizawa and I have different ways of making clothes. I actually touch the fabric and draw patterns by hand, while Mr. Aizawa has a clear vision at the time of design drawing and fabric production.
When Mr. Aizawa asked me if I would like to try it, there was no hesitation. I think we had already reached a mutual agreement. We discussed our opinions in a meeting that was more like a chat, and soon after, we drew up a pattern and began production.
Although SULVAM basically uses a lot of natural fibers such as wool and cotton, the fabrics presented this time are fabrics that I had not touched before. In terms of design, I incorporated darts into the fabric and created a set-up that does not restrict the body's movement.
This is sulvam's answer to what I feel is a WM. For the first time, I have pulled patterns and designs for a brand other than "sulvam".
It did not take long, and my hands moved naturally and smoothly. When Mr. Aizawa said, "I'll leave it to you," I think he knew what I would do. It is true that I felt new emotions while making these clothes, and it was a lot of fun.

Q: Impressions about each other's creations

Mr. Aizawa has been in this world longer than I have, and he is my senior whom I respect and admire. Every time I have the opportunity to see his show in Paris, it brings out many emotions in me. Our creations and ways of doing things are different, but we are both looking at the same place.
We first met when it was decided that I would do my first runway at pitti uomo at a large venue called Studio Leopolda. Mr. Aizawa had successfully runwayed there twice, and since I was running "sulvam" by myself at that time, he consulted with me a lot, listened to what I was worried about openly, and followed up with me. From that time on, I knew that he was someone who would share his opinions without hiding them.
It doesn't matter what direction the brand is going or how it is expressed, he has a broad perspective and gives sound advice on the subject. He is that kind of person. I don't want to say anything too incendiary, but he is one of the few seniors who shows me his back. Well, I will also devote myself to not being defeated (laughs).

Q: About the future of the brand

At the end of January, I created a corporation in France and set up my studio in Paris. I ended up liking Paris and it is where I will do business, but I simply wanted to work in a place I love.
I don't have a clear vision for the future, or rather, I haven't always had one. I thought I would just do what I wanted to do. I think the reason I feel this way is because Mr. Aizawa and other people who are more senior to me have achieved results in various things, which makes me feel that I should give it a try myself.
With respect, I too will move forward.

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How was it? They have a crazy good relationship, don't they? I think this is what collaboration is all about.

And while these so-called "e-mail interviews" are sometimes quite difficult to conduct, their answers are truly rich, and I think they are the best guideposts for understanding this collaboration.

It will go on sale on Saturday, March 5. It will be available only at the following stores.