Kobayashi Kentaro is a regular fan of Margaret Howell clothing and often drops by the store. When he visits the Margaret Howell Jinnan store, he immediately starts trying on sweaters and jackets, switching on his shopping mode. What kind of gift would Kobayashi like to give to someone special? We'll take a look at Kobayashi's unique way of thinking and gift selection, which gives us a glimpse into his personality.



--How was your experience choosing a gift at Margaret Howell?

Kobayashi: It's fun to think about the person you're giving it to. When choosing a present, I think the best time to buy it is when I find something that I think "this person will love." That's why I sometimes buy something six months before the actual birthday (laughs). I aim for something that will make the recipient think, "This person really knows me," but I also keep in mind that they might already have it.



--What is your image of Margaret Howell and what do you like about it?

I'm not a fan of clothes with large logos, but Margaret Howell's clothes don't have that kind of extreme presence. However, I like them because I can sense the value in the invisible parts, like the texture and shape of the fabric. I try not to include trendy slogans or current events in my work because I want my pieces to be relevant even 10 years from now. The appeal of Margaret Howell's clothes is similar in that way, don't you think?



■ "Regimental Stripe Tie and Teapot" for a Gentlemanly Senior Magician



I chose this as a gift for an older magician and a close friend of mine, whom I'd not seen in a long time. He has the demeanor and bearing of a British gentleman, so I thought he'd love a traditional British regimental stripe tie. His consideration for others is evident in his attire, so I thought this pattern, appropriate for a formal occasion, would be perfect. To me, he's like the epitome of a gentleman. Also, since tea is synonymous with Britain, I chose a Brown Betty teapot.

■ "Coat and White G-SHOCK" for a senior who lives in a mountain hut in Hokkaido and is similar in height to me.




I chose this for a senior who I look up to as an older brother and who produces plays and films. I was once invited to his mountain hut in Hokkaido in the middle of winter, and remembering the cold and snowy scenery I experienced then, I decided on this coat because I thought it would keep me warm even when it snows. The white G-SHOCK would go well with the color of the snow, and since I'm about the same height as him, the coat size would be perfect. He continues to work in Hokkaido, and I too would like to continue working in a place where I can express my feelings.

■ A Checkered Scarf and Sheepskin Gloves for a Talkative Senior Musician



I bought a scarf and glove set for a senior musician who often takes me out drinking. He's also a writer, and I'm very interested in and respectful of the words he chooses to use. He's very selective with his words, even when speaking to me, a junior musician, and he knows the words that are "easy for anyone to understand, but stronger than others." Also, since he gets angry at me, I want to cherish someone who is strict like that. I'm a very talkative person, so I chose him so that I wouldn't get a cold throat, and I play the guitar, so I wouldn't get my fingertips cold.


[Profile] Kobayashi Kentaro
Born April 17, 1973, in Kanagawa Prefecture, graduated from Tama Art University. He is a screenwriter, director, and performer of comedy sketches, theater, and video works. His main activities include the comedy troupe "Kajara," the one-man show "Potsunen," the theater project "K.K.P.", and the comedy group "RAHMENS."

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【Announcement from Margaret Howell】
■Christmas Gift Campaign
From November 16th to December 25th, Margaret Howell stores nationwide are running a campaign in which 120 people will be entered into a lottery to win a wonderful gift from those who shop there.
For more information, click here → Visit the official Margaret Howell campaign site

■View the Christmas catalogue

【Inquiries】
Margareth Howell
TEL: 03-5467-7864
www.margarethowell.jp