The theme of my last blog post was how quickly a year had passed since moving to SEEK&FIND...
Including my time at STEPS, it's already been ten years.
While cleaning out my closet, I realized I've accumulated more and more favorite items that I've been using for about ten years.
I bought these items at my own store, and I'm surprised at how well they've lasted for ten years.
The SASSAFRAS denim shirt was the first item I ever bought at STEPS.
The stiff denim fabric and unique details caught my eye, and I thought, "This is an unusual shirt."
When I tried it on, the unique details weren't as bothersome as I'd expected and provided a good accent.
It's the item that sparked my interest in workwear.
The dark indigo denim fabric fades around the collar and cuffs, areas prone to dirt, as it's washed,
and you can enjoy its aging process, such as subtle fades.
This is a piece that made me feel positive about the idea of enjoying aging as something to savor, rather than seeing "worn out" or "deteriorated" as negative.
When I was working in Shimokitazawa, there was still a second floor.
The second floor back then had a similar atmosphere to the current SEEK&FIND, with brands like BONCOURA, FRANK LEDER, Paraboot, and SCYE.
I remember hesitating to go up to the second floor because the items were so expensive.
But the items were still incredibly cool.
Among that lineup, an AURALEE anorak, which we carried at the time, really caught my eye.
Why is that?
My senior colleague asked me, "Do you know about Finx Cotton?"
He told me, "It's a material made from only the highest quality cotton selected from Egyptian cotton, one of the world's three finest cottons."
I was drawn to its specialness, rather than whether it suited me or not, and bought it.
This item taught me that an anorak, designed for wind and rain protection and with an outdoor feel,
can exude a sophisticated rather than rustic atmosphere, thanks to its material.
The versatile SCYE balmacaan coat can be worn in spring, autumn, and winter.
I really wanted it, so I went to buy it on my day off.
Although simple, its A-line silhouette creates a sophisticated look whether worn closed or open.
The unique texture of its high-density polyester-nylon taffeta, which makes a pleasant rustling sound, is captivating.
It dries quickly when worn in the rain and has maintained its shape, making it a long-cherished item.
Although it looks neat at first glance, the puckering at the seams creates a casual mood, and I'm drawn to that contrast.
What are your favorite items that you've loved for ten years?
I hope that when I look back in another ten years, I'll have even more favorite items.
Omatsu
