--You pay close attention to not only the creative side but also the business side. How do you strike that balance?

If a brand isn't viable commercially, it's like having a car but no roads. As a designer, I have to think about business. Even if I'm lucky and it lasts for four or five seasons, that's meaningless.

That's why I keep business in mind from the start and prepare a variety of variations. I want to have a slightly artistic and creative collection, items that will appeal to the press, as well as items that are accessible to the general public.

--How do you ensure that the Robert Geller identity is expressed in everything, not just the collection pieces?

Is it in the colors or the details of a basic T-shirt? It's not like expressing the Robert Geller identity in a slightly elaborate jacket. As you continue with the brand, you become more conscious of how to express the brand's identity in every item.

For example, we have a sweatshirt made from very soft fleece with a gradient dye, and in the United States and Canada, everyone knows this item as Robert Geller. It's a staple item, with the colorways changing each season, and it seems to sell out quickly in every shop. This is what leads to "simple yet beautiful clothes that everyone wants."

--What are your thoughts on future business development in Japan?

Japanese men are more fashionable than anywhere else in the world. When I first came to Japan, I was honestly very surprised at how interested Japanese men are in clothes. I saw a group of four or five boys, and one was a total punk, one a total teddy boy, and one a traditional style—all different styles, but each dressed perfectly! I felt like I saw the Japanese temperament of "pursuing deeply."

Because of this, Robert Geller became well-known in Japan early on, and now Japan is the second largest market for the brand after the United States. I've built good relationships with various shops in Japan since the brand was founded, so I think those connections will only get stronger from now on.

--Are you thinking about developing a women's line?

I'm vaguely thinking about it eventually (laughs), but I don't want it to be a women's version of Robert Geller. There are collections where a men's designer slightly changes the silhouette and translates it into women's, but I would like to create something completely different.

--I think you're already working on your 2014 collection. What do you think it will be?

I can't say too much about it, but I will say it's inspired by Eastern Europe and Russia. Stay tuned (laughs). Starting a new season is very refreshing. It allows you to see things from a completely different perspective. The essence and aesthetic of Robert Geller are common throughout the seasons, but the expression changes depending on the theme of each season. It's like learning to express different things while speaking the same language.

--Your collection seems to reflect your roots, but why are you working in New York?

The theme of the collection has a European background, but my life is based in New York, and my wife is Brazilian. When I go out to eat with 10 friends there, 8 of us have different nationalities. I think it's very important to be exposed to people of different nationalities and cultures in this way. I think New York has an atmosphere that blends things from all over the world.