Massimo Alba, designer of Massimo Alba, visited Japan. He presented his Spring/Summer collection at a members-only restaurant in Meguro, Tokyo, hosted by Coronet, the brand's Japanese distributor. Following the presentation, Massimo enjoyed a short trip to Kyoto, just in time for the cherry blossom season. Born in Treviso, Italy in 1960, Massimo Alba served as creative director for Maaro, Agnona, and Ballantine's Cashmere before launching his own brand in 2006. He presents collections for men, women, and children. His collections, crafted by skilled artisans in his Milan workshop using the finest materials, are not ostentatious but instead present them with a refined, slightly snobbish style, blending a relaxed yet luxurious feel. They have attracted attention from buyers around the world. Alba spoke to us personally about his Spring/Summer collection and the brand.
—This season's collection is refreshing, perfect for spring and summer.
The women's collection features spring-like colors like neon yellow, lime green, and orange. I like spring-like linen knitwear, both striped and solid, and the linen herringbone short jacket, which makes the most of the material's color, and I also made a men's version of this. For men, we also use high-quality materials, such as a piece-dyed jacket made from cotton-linen Panama fabric, where even the wrinkles add character. We also created pure cashmere in washed, pale colors. The jacquard-processed V-neck knitwear in particular is surprisingly comfortable to the touch. Overall, the collection is light, colorful, sexy, and refreshing.
—Your elegant, high-quality clothing is popular in Japan as well.
The brand's concept is "invisible luxury." Comfortable clothing allows you to express your individuality through wearing it; elegant, but never gaudy. --Cashmere is a signature material when it comes to Massimo Alba. What sets it apart from other brands? I think you'll understand the difference once you try it on. There are countless cashmere items out there, but to create the extremely light and precious feel of the material, you use a unique technique of twisting yarn that's half the thickness of normal yarn. I'm sure sophisticated Tokyo customers will immediately recognize that yours is different from what's available on the market. --With the brands you've worked with so far, you've not only worked as a designer but also worked on customer communication strategies through showrooms and shops. Based on your experience, what kind of shops do you envision for Japan? I'm looking for a shop with a unique atmosphere (like the Japanese house where this event was held). A place with a terrace and space for plants that can properly convey the brand's concept. Ideally, it would be possible to create a garden like Milan's Secret Garden. --This is your 10th visit to Japan. What do you think of Japanese fashion?
Tokyo women are as stylish as ever. They have established their own style, not just in fashion. Because it's such a mature market, they're really good at incorporating our collection into their own styling.
