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.
With all the stores newly replaced, the Series enters its 12th season! The 89th edition of the series, the first one since Season 6, features Mr. Koike & Mr. Makishi of Kiraku in Daitabashi, Tokyo! What new vintages will they introduce this time?
Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii
Koike & Makishi / Owners of Kiraku
Vol.89_Cook's coat by Chefworks
This is your second time here. Has anything changed since then in terms of your approach to the concept of "new vintage"?
I think it may be that the range of our product selection has expanded. We used to carry a variety of items, mainly regular items, but customers are now more free to enjoy vintage clothing than in the past.
What are some of the new vintage items you would like to introduce to us?
This time it is also called a cook's coat, but in essence it is a stiff uniform worn by kitchen staff in restaurants.
Chef pants were popular a while ago, and many apparel brands released them.
It was a very popular item in the past. We like it because of its interesting wing-tailored design and because it is light enough to throw on lightly. The brand is Chef Works. It was born in the U.S. and is loved in more than 90 countries around the world as a uniform brand specializing in the restaurant business, but there is a Japanese subsidiary and an online store, and models that are probably the same are sold.
If it is the same model as the one shown on the website, the model name is "Hartford". It is said to be the most standard model.
Chefworks cook's coat reference product(Kiraku)
It features a hidden zipper front opening that eliminates the stress of taking it on and off, as well as a transition on both sides of the body. Cool-vent fabric with excellent ventilation and elasticity is used here, preventing internal stuffiness and allowing for easy movement around the shoulders. Also, the body fabric is 65% polyester and 35% cotton, so it is similar to Dickies'.
The zipper type seems very modern to me, as I used to wear a button type when I worked part-time at a restaurant.
The body color is gray, so you feel it more. In addition, the built-in straps at the second arm position on both sleeves can be used to keep the sleeves rolled up. This feature is designed for ease of work, but it is a nice feature during the summer months. Also, the unit introduced here has been customized with buttons on the ends of the sleeves. In the sense of customizing it to make it easy to use in one's own way, it is similar to military wear. It is often said that "the kitchen is a battlefield" (laughs).
That's an odd thing to say. Come to think of it, what are these loops on the back neck for?
At first I thought it was a scarf threader, but it looks like an apron holder. I heard that by putting it through this, it makes it easier to work stably and also prevents the uniform from falling off. And the pockets on both sleeves, the right arm is for a notepad or smartphone, and the left arm is for a pen and thermometer. Every detail is functional, but it is not a fashion sole, it is completely stiff (laughs).
How did you come to focus on cockcoats in the first place?
When I went shopping, I saw it on a regular line and bought it because I thought it looked kind of cool, but when I put it on, I found that it went surprisingly well with the military wear I mentioned earlier, and depending on how you look at it, it seems to have a bit of a mode vibe.
Yes, that is true.
I thought it would be very interesting to incorporate a design with "ease of working in the kitchen" in mind into fashion, so I decided to push for it this time.
How would the two of you wear this cockcoat item?
It can be worn with Dickies work pants, or with slacks or chino pants for a more elegant look. Worn cargo pants or denim shorts will also give you an atmospheric style. Well, it goes well with all kinds of bottoms, so "cook it up any way you like! (laughs).
Koike & Makishi / Owners of Kiraku
Two friends who have been friends for more than a decade opened Kiraku in Okinawa Town in Daitabashi, Tokyo, in November 2017. It has now moved to a new location in front of the north exit of Daitabashi station. It offers a variety of American casual and other lineups from regular to vintage, and is open from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekdays. You can also have a little dig after work or a little dig after drinking.
Official site:kiraku-store.com
Instagram:@kiraku_store
