Interview: Still by Hand
Had the great pleasure of supporting Japanese brand STILL BY HAND who provides clean, sporty but still quirky looks and had a quick chance to sit down with the brand designer. The brand, as its name implies, takes a delicate, meticulous approach to menswear – concentrating on tailored fits and wearable colors over eccentric patterning or silhouettes. STILL BY HAND offers a notable selection of well-cut trousers, pairing these with smart button-ups and an array of lightweight jackets. The brand also includes blazers, knits and quilted vests without being overbearingly formal. Enjoy this look at the forthcoming stuff from STILL BY HAND.
Could you walk us through your work with Still by Hand?
My name is Yanagi , the current designer of Still by Hand. Originally I worked in Women’s clothing design after living in London for a few years and was recruited by Studio Oribe to work on a new collection called Still by Hand, a cut and sew line based out of Tokyo.
Where do you find your inspiration?
There is nothing in particular but I am always looking at small things. For example I was looking at rusty nail on the floor and suddenly became excited by the similar color and tone to the soil. This contrast between the two is an example of where I find inspiration. In small details.
Who is your audience for your clothes and items?
I don’t have a particular customer in mind, but we have had success with those between 20 and 40 year old. Someone looking for something sharp, clean and wearable.
How important is making things in Japan to your collection? Are there any crafts people who are of particular interest to you?
Japanese design is at mature point in time, going in many directions and provides us with a strong position to execute.
Why do you still make all your products in Japan? Do you have any favorite makers or collaborators?
My creative pace fits perfectly with Japanese makers. The cloths for a relaxed style should be well made and beautiful - this is possible to do in Japan.
Is there any plans for women’s?
Currently we are focused on making quality Men’s clothing. Our parent company has other women’s brands they focus on.
What other brands are you interested in or finding inspiration in?
Comme De Garcons.
Your lookbooks are always fun, minimal and bit quirky? How do you go about making your lookbooks?
The important thing is not to make beautiful looking clothing but instead if the clothes fit the model and context. Sometimes we change the model and location to make sure it fits perfectly with the clothing. We work together as a team to make sure we can find the best from the clothing. We like to make sure that clothing looks confident but subdued.
Where do you guys want to go in the next 5 years? 10 Years?
We will aim to make the same style and sense of value. To make things that we believe are well made and cool.
Thanks - humble answers from a near perfect line of wearable clean menswear.
堀さま
はじめまして。STILLBYHANDのデザインをしています柳です。
宜しくお願いします。
Q１；ブランドの立ち上げまでの生い立ちを教えて頂けますか？
ロンドンから帰国後、無名のレディースブランドで生産の仕事をしていましたが、スタジオオリベという会社に声をかけて頂きカットソー7型からスタートしました。
Q２；新しいデザインを起こす時、何からインスピレーションされますか？何か特別な場所や事がありますか？
特定の物はありません。逆にありとあらゆる情報に刺激を受けている気がします。例えば土の上に落ちてる釘を見て、近い色同士のテクスチャーが異なる組み合わせ。という様なインスピレーションの浮かべ方が多いかもです。
Q３；貴社の服及び小物類の主なターゲット（オーディエンス）の年齢層及び国は？
特に意識はしていません。
が、現実的には20代、30代が多いと思います。
Q４；現在の日本のファッションをどう思われますか？
熟成と共に多様化している。と感じます。
Q５；日本での生産にこだわる理由は何ですか？特に気になる職人さん及びメーカーはありますか？
自分のものづくりのスタンスには日本が合っているので。リラックスした服はキチンと作った方が素敵だと考えている為。
Q６；ウーマンズの商品計画はありますか？
ありません。
自社にレディースブランドがあるから。
Q７；影響を受けたブランド,アーティスト及びメーカーはありますか？
コムデギャルソン
Q８；Still by handのルックブックは非常に洗練されていてとても美しいです。ルックブックを撮影する際の
こだわりやテーマはありますか？
STILLBYHANDらしい男性像をしっかり共有して撮影をする。
服を良く見せる事よりも、うちの服らしく見えるかを意識するので、格好良過ぎるという理由で写真のセレクトを外す事が多々あります。
芯の強い、シャイな人。簡単に言うとそんな感じです。
Q９；今後、５年後、１０年後Stil by handはどのような方向に向かっていると思いますか？
変わらないと思います。
自分の考える格好良いの価値観に素直にものづくりをしてるはずです。