In the 1990s, the term "vintage" was used to describe vintage clothing that did not meet the definition of "antique," but was still valuable. Nowadays, there is a movement to find new value in "new vintage," even in old clothes from the 1980s onward, which were called "regular" at the time. In this project, four vintage clothing stores with different styles propose new ways to enjoy vintage clothing. Each of them will talk about the charm of vintage clothing with their own sense of style.
The ninth season is restarted with all new stores. The 67th edition is Takashi Shigemitsu of Early Twenty (Early20). He is third in the batting order, and is expected to have a long shot. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of new vintage will pop up!
Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii
Takashi Shigemitsu / Owner, Early20
Vol.67_adidas Short-Sleeved Half-Zip Jacket
-What does Mr. Shigemitsu think of the New Vintage?
Hmmm...this is a difficult question for me, as I am not good at verbalizing what is going on in my head.
-I think there should be a new vintage for each store, so I would like to know what you think is a good regular vintage that will remain as a new vintage 10 to 20 years from now. Please tell us what you think is a good regular that will remain as a new vintage in 10 to 20 years.
I would say that this applies to all of the items we carry in our store. Nowadays, vintage clothing from the '00s is attracting a lot of attention because of the '90s boom. I myself really like items from that era, so I thought about the reasons why they are so good. I thought about the reasons for this. Then it occurred to me that maybe it was because it was a time when I felt that I was living an interesting life at the peak of my ability. The songs are packed with the atmosphere of that time, so they touch my heartstrings.
How old were you then, Shigemitsu-san?
How old is he? I was still in elementary school, and I must have been around grade 5 or 6. At that time, I used to sneak into an off-limits wild pond early in the morning and catch black bass. The school found out and called me into the principal's office to tell me off (laughs). (Laughs.) It was right around that time that I started buying clothes of my own choice, so I guess I made a deep impression on them.
-In short, it is because it is connected to your own original experience of fashion, isn't it?
That's just "in my case," though. My hometown is in the countryside of Yamanashi Prefecture, and I have always been a soccer fan, so I was slower to learn about fashion than people living in Tokyo or other urban areas.
-I understand that the selection of "Early Twenty" also reflects this sense.
That's right. It is a store that collects things that I myself have visited and found to be good, so I feel like I am exposing my own closet as it is, and it just so happens that I fell in love with the recent Y2K boom.
-Y2K style has many interesting features, such as futuristic materials, multiple pockets and zips, rubber parts, loops, and so on. So, what are the requirements for a new vintage item among them?
The texture and expression of the material is also important. many stores charge a price because they have Y2K-like symbols, but if the quality is not assured, the product will not survive, So I think you should check those parts. I also pay attention to the silhouette when purchasing. Baggy silhouettes were the default at the time, but if you are thinking about wearing them now, it is no good just to have a big silhouette. By being conscious of the way the shoulders fall, the sleeve length, and the width of the body, we believe we can convey a sense of "realism" that is not a pose.
-I see. So, what items are you going to introduce to us this time?
Adidas short-sleeved half-zip jacket, ¥12,980(Early Twenty)
I have a half-zip nylon jacket that is just right for the times and that I personally love. Some people avoid this kind of switching item, saying it makes them look like a kid, but I am eternally fond of it. The basic genre is sports, but it is often categorized as "tech" these days because it has a bit of a cyber feel to it. We have been doing this for a long time.
-Is the brand "adidas"?
It was in the 00s. The body is made of "Crystorm," a water-repellent, high-density polyester shell that is a type of "climber" technology that has taken the world by storm and is still being used today. It is said to be sweat-absorbent, windproof, and breathable to provide a comfortable climate inside the garment. It is soft and comfortable to the touch without being crunchy.
-The details have all the elements I want.
Right. Stand collar half-zip with monotone-colored body with underarm and side panels. Casual zip pockets and a drawcord at the hem that can be tied down to create a different silhouette. There is also a rubber patch on the back. There are many gimmicks, and it is fun no matter where you cut it off. Although the size notation is L, the body width is equivalent to XL. Cute when worn in a box silhouette.
-As I mentioned earlier, it's a sports item, but you can wear it in town.
At the time, there was a strong image that this kind of clothing was worn by local outsider seniors and adults (laughs). (Laughs) And the nuances of this street style were very cool to our eyes. The standard way to wear them is with baggy bottoms. For our customers, tight bottoms and slacks are also popular to emphasize the contrasting silhouettes and tastes, while knee-length shorts are also possible this time of year.
Takashi Shigemitsu / Owner, Early20
He began his career at CV, which operates several vintage clothing stores, including CUBA, OTSU, FIFTY-FIFTY, and COU. Later, at the age of 25, he started his own vintage clothing store "BUSINESS AS USUAL" in Harajuku with the desire to "work at a place where I can play my favorite music and see what I like. He later opened "zondag" in Shimokitazawa. In 2019, he opened a new store, Early20, in the same location. The store plans to relocate by the end of 2023.
Instagram:@eeearly20
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