In fashion, collections are created each season, giving rise to new trends. However, Sakaki seems to see things from a different perspective.

"Rather than creating a new model every season, once an item is complete, I continue to use it. I create something that I think is the perfect fit and then pursue its performance. With clothing, you put your arms through the sleeves, put your legs through the legs, button it up, and ultimately the specifications don't change. It feels like everyone is just messing around within a set category." This comes from his experience at the Auguste Presentation.

The Sakaki has had some staple items since its inception, such as the woven cut-and-sewn item thebang (a portmanteau of zipangu and juban) and varsity jackets. Each item undergoes minor changes each season, gradually evolving.

"For example, the Gundam created by Tomino (Yoshiyuki), whether it's Z or ∀, is Gundam, right? I think it's Gundam because Gundam is good. We want to create items that are timeless, unique to us, that we can be confident in and take responsibility for. Not for the sake of the world or people, but something that is useful and makes the buyer happy. You know those bumpy gloves for washing vegetable peels? Those are good. There's definitely a demand for them."

Even with the classic wide-leg pants, there is a solid reason for each item. "These days, there are a lot of tight pants with stretch. Everyone is going for those. But I don't mind. Some people want something that doesn't have stretch but is more roomy. A distinctive feature of ours is that we use tape on straight areas like the waist and pocket openings. This reduces the number of sewing processes, keeps costs down, and ensures consistent quality."

Continued from 4/5 "Designers Don't Have to Do Fashion."
Return to 2/5 "Hottoko Makes a Clown."