--What was the impression when you held your pop-up shop at the end of August last year?
Shibata: I thought that fashion is truly at Isetan. I had the image of a department store with fans on each floor, from top to bottom, and that customers would visit multiple times and build relationships before making a purchase. But I was amazed to see Isetan's customers freely choosing from a wide selection of products, and I wanted to do it here. The launch of our full-scale sales floor this time is a challenge for us, and an opportunity to learn a lot. It's a highly competitive market, so we need to study price, materials, and many other things.
Ituji: 40% of the customers at our pop-up shop in August last year were under 34, which is significantly younger than the average age at our usual store, and it seems there were many new customers. This new launch has brought back many of those customers.
--Is it fair to call Le Ciel Bleu a Tokyo brand?
Shibata: As I always say, our goal is to create a "world-class woman." While we're a brand based in Tokyo, we hope that one day our products will be worn by women all over the world. Ituji: I want Le Ciel Bleu to go all out. What's needed in this day and age is "individuality." We have to keep going if we want the world to say, "This is so Le Ciel Bleu." I don't compromise, and I think that's what will make the brand a "global standard for women." --The basic line "Le Ciel Bleu Essentials," which will debut this spring, seems to be packed with Shibata's attention to detail. Shibata: (When planning) I discard countless items that I want to wear consistently. I'm especially particular about things like innerwear, which seem ordinary. This attention to detail comes from my experience as a buyer, but I continue to discard things that bother me when I wear them, like stretched collars or static electricity. "Le Ciel Bleu Essentials" is the ultimate basic line we're aiming for. It's a line that skillfully subtracts from overly trendy items, such as T-shirts and pants that have the ideal size and fit I've always been looking for. The eyeliner-like line is an absolute must-have for any outfit, and will debut on T-shirts, denim pants, and jackets during Golden Week, so stay tuned.

--I hear your strong commitment extends to the design of your stores as well.

Shibata: That's right. When we rebranded two years ago, we changed everything from the logo font to the wallpaper color and shopper. We're very particular about fonts (laughs). A brand is not just about the products, but the various aspects that surround them, so we want to be particular about those.

--What is the relationship between Restair and Le Ciel Bleu?

Shibata: The select shop Restair and Le Ciel Bleu are two different personalities. I think of them as completely separate entities. It's not like you graduate from Le Ciel Bleu and then Restair. Le Ciel Bleu is an everyday item. It's the kind of clothes you wear when you meet friends, or for everyday wear. It's simple, but somehow stylish. Restair is out of the ordinary. For parties, for example (laughs). Where are you going to wear this? I'm often asked this question, but I answer, "Well, it's probably somewhere." (laughs)

--Could you tell us a little about the trends you're keeping your eye on for next autumn/winter?

Shibata: We want to propose a fashionable interpretation of the preppy style that adult women enjoy, in our own unique way. In this overseas collection as well, classic elements such as a preppy look mixed with the 1960s and British-style items are attracting attention as big trends.

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