In the 1990s, the term "vintage" was used to describe vintage clothing that did not meet the definition of "antique," but still had value, as opposed to "antique" clothing that was 100 years old. Nowadays, there is a movement to find new value in "new vintage," even in old clothes from the 1980s onward, which used to be called "regular" vintage clothes. 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 10th season started with all the stores newly replaced! For our 75th issue, Mr. Yuki Nakamura of "As (US)," a shop that offers rugged American style from Mishuku, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. What kind of new vintage items will he introduce?
Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii
Yuki Nakamura / US Press
Vol.75_USPS work jackets & UPS work jackets
-Let me ask you first. What does New Vintage mean to you?
One of the prerequisites is that the brand or item must exist in the present. This makes it possible to enjoy the same kind of fun as true vintage by investigating the differences in materials, design, and details from one era to the next and digging for them. There are also cases where we have been dealing in an item for more than 10 years, but the price has not changed much, only to find that it has gone up in price. For example, US Military BDU shirts and FFA jackets are examples.
-I have an image that used to be in every thrift store and thrown around.
That is right, isn't it? Another condition that comes to mind in relation to "used to be sold in every used clothing store" is that the item must have been "once in fashion. It is said that the cycle of fashion, not just secondhand clothing, is about a 10-year cycle. The fact that an item was once in fashion means that it has the ability as a product and that there is a sufficient number of potential items even if they do not appear on the market. In other words, it has the potential for revival. Personally, I think that the objects that fall into this category are the new vintage.
-Many of our readers know that "As (US)" is based on masculine and authentic American casual, such as work, military, skating, and motorcycles. Are the new vintage items you are introducing here also like that?
Yes, we do. Where workwear is connected to motorcycle culture, the United States Postal Service and United Parcel Service, Inc. jackets are available.
-Since some street brands have sampled the logo, there are many people who are somewhat familiar with the logo but do not know exactly what it is.
First of all, USPS is the abbreviation for the United States Postal Service, which is what we call the Japan Postal Service in Japan. In contrast, UPS is an American-born international freight forwarding company. In Japan, it would be like Yamato Transport. These are all uniforms actually worn by the staff of UPS. Actually, they are sold on the official website of the home country, but since you cannot purchase them unless you can prove that you are a staff member, we have tried to get them in stock before, but were unable to (tears). In that sense, it can be said that these items are valuable because they are secondhand clothes.
-That's right. Moreover, USPS and UPS actually have different designs, even though they look the same at a quick glance.
That's right. So here I would like to show you some unusual types. First is this USPS (bottom left in the group photo). The body is made by SPIEWAK, which is known as one of the major brands along with REDKAP. This is a public uniform like military and police uniforms, so the basic design is the same as the type we often see (bottom left in the group photo).
USPS work jacket $9,790 (As)
The reflector lines on the back and out pockets with a flap and reflector lines on the back are the only features not found on regular workwear from "Red Cap" that we talked about earlier. Although it is missing from this model, a detachable liner is also included. The silhouette is boxy with a short length, so it is easy to move even when sized up, making it useful for motorcyclists as well. Incidentally, this is a model from the 1980s, and the logo mark on the chest gives a classical impression different from the current model.
-Do the designs differ by season or by place?
I think you have a point, but strictly speaking, it would depend on the department you belong to and the nature of your work. The functionality required will vary depending on whether you are a delivery person or an in-house worker. The other is UPS (top left in the group photo). I have seen delivery trucks of this company in Japan from time to time, but the first one I saw myself was this pullover type with padding, which was somewhat new and made in the 2000's. The body is called "TWIN HILL (TWIN HILL). The body is by "TWINHILL. The tag has a space to write your name and affiliation, which is nice and uniform-like.
caption
UPS work jacket ¥11,880 (As)
Ribbed sleeves and hem to prevent wind from entering and raglan sleeves with reflector lines construct a slightly rounded silhouette. However, it is a pullover, so taking it on and off seems like a hassle, and it is also a mystery what kind of scene it was designed to be worn in (laugh). Well, it is also fun to imagine that. As is the case with both USPS and UPS, it is recommended for bikers because of its durability and warmth as it is workwear. I think it can be called a real street-style new vintage in the sense that it blends in with American daily life and streetscapes.
Yuki Nakamura / US Press
Born in 1981 in Aomori Prefecture. He is in charge of the press for "US," a select store that handles imported and used clothing with a street-style flavor, focusing on American casual wear, and has gained support from a wide range of customers for his excellent selection of items. At first glance, he appears to be quiet and strong, but in fact he is just a soft-spoken baseball fool.
Official site:http://shop.us2000.jp
Instagram:@us2000_tokyo
