2016.03.30 update

visvim ARCHIVES | visvim, celebrating its 15th anniversary, holds an archive exhibition with an attached cafe space.

04.06 Wed -04.11 Mon
Main Building, 7th Floor = Event Hall

To commemorate its 15th anniversary, visvim will hold the "visvim ARCHIVES" event at the event space on the 7th floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building. In addition to an exhibition of archives looking back on the brand's history, a café called "little cloud coffee" will also be set up where visitors can enjoy authentic drip coffee. The event will run from Wednesday, April 6th to Monday, April 11th.


What is the essence of original creation, according to visvim designer Hiroki Nakamura?

"Regarding vintage as a design source, and this applies to antique ethnic clothing and workwear as well, I'm inspired by the warmth woven into the texture of fibers and old fabrics that have been spun by human hands for centuries. I'm also drawn to their aesthetic beauty, but my creative process begins with expanding on my own stories about why a single piece of vintage clothing or a single scrap of fabric still exists after all these years."


"Instead of worrying about trends and fads, or pursuing manufacturing based on logic biased towards a business mindset, I'm always searching for something in my daily life that resonates with my heart."
Sometimes those inspirations are worn-out cloth, simple fibers, driftwood or seashells washed ashore on the beach... The starting points are always randomly selected, unremarkable things, but why did they move me? It becomes important to compare each of these inspirations with my own inner landscape. This approach—not being confined to the conventional forms of clothing design, for example—has become familiar to me.

"Recently, I came across a traditional Japanese hemp fabric called 'Mayoyo.' When I combined it with natural mud dyeing from Amami Oshima and genuine indigo, I was struck by the wonderful depth of its unique color and the warm texture of the fabric. The charm of something old truly comes alive when it harmonizes seamlessly with modern life. I wanted to share this small sense of wonder that blossomed within me with those who wear it. That's the feeling I had when I designed this garment."
(Hiroki Nakamura's comments) Read the full interview here

"visvim ARCHIVES" showcases inspirational resources, vintage items, and masterpieces created by designer Hiroki Nakamura during his travels around the world. It focuses on the brand's past, present, and future, highlighting key aspects of its craftsmanship.


"Inspiration board"—When creating products, I often draw inspiration from old objects and materials I encounter while traveling around the world. These encounters are not about value or trends; what's important is making many discoveries and then feeling something from them.
As part of visvim's SS16 season concept, "Dissertation on revealing the inspiration," we will be exhibiting inspiration boards that resonated with designer Hiroki Nakamura.


"Goodyear welt construction"—the Goodyear welt method, which uses no adhesive and finishes the sole by hand stitching, allows the built-in cork to mold to the foot over time, making long walks comfortable. Without any chemical processing, it aims to create breathable boots made from a single piece of leather, taking advantage of the natural "breathable" properties of leather.
We're also sharing visvim's concept with the women's brand WMV. Instead of focusing on superficial design, we're developing a women's line that emphasizes craftsmanship from the inside out, allowing you to enjoy the changes that come with age and wear the garments over time.


"Indigo—invented at the end of the 19th century, indigo is mainly used in workwear and is used worldwide in France, America, Asia, and other regions. Chemically dyed indigo has a unique fading pattern that comes from its manufacturing process, making it very appealing."

Working with artisans in Okayama, a denim-producing region, we created a unique color with uneven dyeing by using the traditional hank dyeing method, just like authentic indigo dyeing, instead of the usual rotary drum method.

"Fiber"—a fiber is a fine, flexible, thread-like substance. While most threads used as raw materials for all textiles today are artificially created through scientific processes, before the advent of such technology, almost all materials were derived from various plant fibers. "Unevenness" is also important in visvim's manufacturing process. We always strive to give depth and individuality to the appearance of our products.
This time, we are releasing a product in collaboration with the brand <Mayoyo>, which has revived "hemp cloth," a material with a unique appearance that was slow to be industrialized and is hardly available to the general public in Japan.

From left to right: shirt ¥ 118,800 , pants ¥ 118,800 , coat ¥ 138,240 , shirt ¥ 51,840


"little cloud coffee"—visvim's flagship shop, which opened in 2014 inside "GYRE" in Omotesando. "little cloud coffee," located in a corner of the shop, is particular not only about the beans and roasting, but also about the brewing equipment and espresso machine, offering coffee that reflects visvim's philosophy. In stark contrast to the deep color of the coffee brewed from the dripper, the sweet and clean taste with suppressed bitterness creates a refreshing gap between appearance and taste. At this event, you can enjoy the menu of "little cloud coffee" at the venue.


The venue will also feature "Little Cloud Coffee," a cafe that embodies Visvim's unique worldview and attention to detail.
Visvim's original roast coffee, a blend of two types of Guatemalan beans roasted to different degrees and one type of El Salvadoran beans, is brewed using a dripper made by a Kutani ware pottery studio with a 150-year history.

From left to right: Jacket 151.20 0yen , parka 159.84 0yen , coat 138.24 0yen
From left to right: Boots 153,360 0yen , Shoes 66,960 0yen , Shoes 66,960 0yen

*All prices include tax.


Hiroki Nakamura
Born in 1971. Representative of Cubism. Creative Director of visvim. Launched the brand visvim in 2001. Its collections, centered on footwear, have received high praise from overseas. Subsequently, it expanded into a total brand handling everything from clothing to accessories and fragrances. It aims to create products that excel in both design and functionality by delving into elements from design, materials, patterns, and production processes.

"visvim ARCHIVES"
■Dates: April 6th (Wed) - April 11th (Mon) (Ends at 6:00 PM on the final day)
■Main Building, 7th Floor = Event Hall

Regarding the sale of "visvim ARCHIVES" on Wednesday, April 6th.
■Main Building, 7th Floor = Event Hall

For sales on Wednesday, April 6th, customers wishing to purchase the product should come to the following location.
Please note that there is no lottery for visitors who wish to view only the archive exhibition; please come directly to the venue. For more details, please ask a staff member on the day of your visit.

□ Customers who are iCard, MICARD, or Mitsukoshi M CARD members (excluding temporary cards)
Main building, 1st floor = Entrance 1 on the Isetan parking side Please come.

A lottery will be held at 9:30 AM to determine the order of entry.
Participation in the lottery will close at 9:30 AM.

*Customers participating in the entry lottery must bring their iCARD, MICARD, or Mitsukoshi M CARD, as well as a form of identification for verification. Please note that only identification that was valid at the time of application of the iCARD, MICARD, or Mitsukoshi M CARD will be accepted (e.g., driver's license, passport, health insurance card, resident registration card with photo, alien registration card, etc.).
*Please note that those without a valid form of identification will not be able to participate in the lottery.
*The lottery may end after the store has opened.

□ Customers other than the above cardholders
Main building, basement 1st floor = underground parking entrance Please come.

Starting at 9:30 AM, a lottery will be held to determine the order of entry following customers holding the above-mentioned cards.
Participation in the lottery will close at 9:30 AM.

*Customers who do not have a MICARD can apply in advance at the card counter of each store. Cards can be issued on the same day of application. However, please note that your application may not be approved depending on the screening process.
*The lottery may end after the store has opened.

[Requests Regarding Shopping]
・Only the customer who was selected in the lottery may make a purchase. Please note that lending or borrowing of the above card is prohibited. If it is discovered that either customer has been lent or borrowed, both customers will be refused service.
Due to anticipated crowds, entry will be limited to the lottery winners only. Please note that entry may be restricted in case of overcrowding. Thank you for your understanding.
Please note that we may limit the number of items you can purchase. Also, depending on the crowd situation on the day, we may limit your shopping time. Thank you for your understanding.
Please note that even if you line up, you may not be able to purchase the item.
Please note that we do not accept reservations, telephone orders, or cash-on-delivery for any of our products.


inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2nd Floor = International Creators
03-3352-1111 (main representative)