Technological advances are most readily apparent in the IT world, with smartphones and communications infrastructure. But the fashion world, of course, is evolving, too.
Described as a manufacturing nation, Japan is contributing to this evolution by leveraging cutting-edge research and technology. Japanese brands showcasing futuristic collections are always a hot topic at Paris Fashion Week, and Japan boasts many fabric suppliers, including Okayama denim and Oshu wool, that are purveyors to global luxury brands.
This season, Isetan Men's, an original brand at Isetan Men's, will be introducing a suit. This suit, designed for the modern gentleman, was created in collaboration with Teijin Frontier, a world-renowned Japanese textile manufacturer.
Slightly thick lapels and a high, shaped waistline. The puffy sleeves are finished in a manica camicia style, following the tradition of classic Neapolitan style. This beautiful suit lends a dignified presence. However, the fabric is different. While appearing to be woven from a supple, fine-count wool, it's actually a synthetic fiber. It's stretchy and extremely lightweight. Wear it all day without feeling any stress. It exudes a dignified, dressy look, while providing functional and comfortable comfort.
The person involved in the development was Isetan Men's buyer, Katsushi Shinozaki. Working with many factories, Shinozaki is reexamining suit-making from the fabric up. He has released a variety of suits to the world up until now, but this latest suit is a special piece that took a full two years to make.
Isetan Men's Buyer Katsushi Shinozaki
"I hear a variety of opinions from customers every day. Their requests are diverse, but the most common one is simply their concern about wrinkles. 'When I bend and straighten my elbows and knees, they wrinkle easily... I want to make daily care easy...' With these concerns in mind, I was searching for a fabric that 'looks elegant, yet is comfortable to wear and easy to care for.'"
"Solotex" has a spring-like, spiral molecular structure. This allows it to recover its shape even when subjected to movement. Even if you crumple the fabric, it will return to its original shape as soon as you let go. Its spring-like molecular structure also gives it excellent stretch. Not only is it resistant to sagging elbows and knees, but simply hanging it on a hanger overnight will restore its shape."
Even though they found the right material, it took two years of production to create something they were satisfied with. Finally, the fabric will be available on the shelves of Isetan Men's Department Store starting this spring/summer.
"The biggest challenge was creating a beautifully tailored garment. We thoroughly eliminated the "cheapness" often associated with synthetic suits, focusing instead on creating a dress-like texture and details. This material actually has another notable feature: its ability to be easily combined with natural fibers. This time, we mixed it with wool at the yarn production stage. Rather than weaving a single yarn made of wool and Solotex, the yarn itself contains a blend of wool and Solotex, creating a luxurious feel. The garment is also sewn in a domestic factory by skilled artisans."
"We also placed emphasis on making the suit lightweight. A typical spring/summer jacket weighs around 230-240g. However, this jacket weighs just 200g, a weight reduction of around 20%. Its breathability and moisture permeability have also been certified by data. You should be able to stay comfortable even when working outside in the scorching sun."
It is already available in stores, and sales are booming nationwide. Try it on and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to move in and how light it is. And, with daily wear, you'll notice that it wrinkles less. This next-generation, "wrinkle-free" suit is perfect for the gentleman who doesn't compromise on appearance or function.
"For the modern office worker, the most valuable thing is time. By reducing the time it takes to care for one's suit or take it to the dry cleaner, one can use that time more meaningfully, such as for hobbies or socializing at parties. It would be our great pleasure if our customers' lifestyles could be further enriched."
[Contact Information]
Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. Clothing Sales Planning Department
TEL: 03-6402-7025
www.solotex.net
