Descente Co., Ltd. will launch "+K arena by KOSUKE KITAJIMA," produced by swimmer Kosuke Kitajima, in the fall/winter 2013 collection of "arena."
The first product will be a tough training suit, released in June, followed by sportswear suitable for everyday wear in August. In addition to exhibitions, the brand will also propose seasonal projects.
"+K arena by KOSUKE KITAJIMA" aims to promote new trends based on the concept of "making swimmers look cool. By making them look cool, we hope to convey the appeal of swimming to many people."
The tough training suit will feature new cuts, such as a shallow rise, that make well-trained bodies look even more beautiful and "stylish." Meanwhile, the sportswear highlight is a slim-fit jersey made from jacquard material that Kitajima himself developed with meticulous attention to sizing and detail, making it suitable for casual wear. The jacket is cut to flatter the swimmer's inverted triangle shape, and features an original pull tab and the same black brand logo as the black jersey. The pants are also designed to allow keys to be attached to the front, making it a design that incorporates Kitajima's thoughts and ideas and can be worn around town.
Kitajima has collaborated with B-Jirushi YOSHIDA x PORTER, a label born from the relationship between Yoshida & Co. and BEAMS, for his own brand, AMPHIBIOUS, to offer Boston bags, tote bags, T-shirts, shampoo, and more, but this is the first time he has produced a swimwear brand, the brand that brought him his roots.
Descente's Arena brand is collaborating with Lucien Pellat-Finet in its domestic swimwear business, but while domestic swimwear is expected to shrink further, its overseas business in Korea, China, and Southeast Asia is showing steady growth. In particular, the company will promote the expansion of its overseas business, focusing on quantitative expansion in China, and by launching Plus K Arena by Kousuke Kitajima in its domestic business, it aims to increase its share in the competitive swimming field and raise brand awareness in the apparel field, thereby aiming for expansion.
