Isetan Shinjuku will host a pop-up event called "STYLIST MADE" at The Stage on the first floor of the main building from June 19th to 25th, featuring yukata designs by 10 of Japan's top stylists. (After the event, the designs will be available at the Kimono section on the seventh floor of the main building.) Fashion Headline will be conducting interviews with 10 stylists in a relay format. This time, we'll be featuring stylist Fumihiko Okabe. The yukata featured a bold design featuring the character "kari" (cut), the symbol of his team, "Barikans" (a group of guys with shaved heads), on the back. The styling, with its outdoor-inspired aesthetic, expresses the "Okabe world" throughout. What Japanese dyeing and weaving techniques did you incorporate for this collection? And why did you choose those techniques? I really wanted a design that combined a hanten (traditional Japanese coat) with a yukata, so I chose a functional material that could be printed with inkjet printers. For the graphics, we asked Masashi Shimizu (GAIMGRAPHICS), who was in charge of design, to create a theme of emojis reminiscent of Keisuke Serizawa.

--What is the difference between your main job as a stylist and designing Western clothing (in this case, yukata)?

I have no knowledge of kimono dressing, so it's frustrating that I have to compete in a very minimal style expression (laughs).

--What challenges did you face when actually creating the yukata, and were there any new discoveries you made?

As I worked on the project, I learned that it was extremely difficult to adapt the design I wanted to Japanese clothing. One new discovery I made was that I reaffirmed that kimonos look best on Japanese people.

--What traditional Japanese techniques would you like to incorporate into your styling and designs in the future?

I don't really understand traditional techniques, but I wonder how we, a generation raised on Western clothing, can wear Japanese design in the future? How can we, as Japanese people, incorporate Japanese clothing into fashion? I think these are my biggest challenges.
--What do you think is the coolest man who suits a yukata?
The model for this catalog is Jun Inoue (painting artist).
--Which domestic or international designer would you like to have design a yukata for you?
If I think about it seriously, it would be Sori Yanagi. A slightly off-the-wall answer would be Taiyo Matsumoto. If I were to answer as a fashion designer, as I would hope, it would be Daisuke Kamide of the new brand "TEATRA."
--What is the most memorable memory of going out in a yukata? Also, what are some situations or spots you would recommend?
Once, instead of a yukata, I borrowed a kimono from a senior colleague and, as an amateur, dressed myself for an important engagement ceremony, and when I met my wife's family, my kimono was completely exposed. And I had a mohawk... I haven't worn a kimono since then... So I want to take this opportunity to learn how to dress properly.


【Profile】
Born in 1976. After going independent in 2000, he currently works as a stylist, mainly for magazines, and is also involved in the planning and development of outdoor brands. He also designs agricultural and horticultural workwear "HARVESTA!"