The "visvim Archives" exhibition is being held on the 7th floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building until April 11th. Celebrating the brand's 15th anniversary, the exhibition showcases valuable items owned by visvim's creative director, Hiroki Nakamura, that have served as inspiration, as well as products he has created to date. The exhibition conveys the brand's worldview through six keywords: "Inspiration," "Indigo," "Fiber," "Moccasin," "“DOROZOME”," and "Handsewn Goodyear welt." WWD Japan followed the making of this special event. Please watch the documentary film, "History of Archives."

Six keywords to unravel the creations of Hiroki Nakamura of Visvim

"Inspiration" showcases items that Director Nakamura encountered during his travels around the world, including America, Asia, and Japan, which also served as inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2016 season. "It's not about what attracted me, but how it moved my heart that's important. As part of the design process, I delve into the details of things, such as color and shape," he says, referring to the precious collection on display.

"Indigo" displays Visvim's standard denim pants that Director Nakamura wore for a year. These denim pants are made using two types of cotton with different fiber lengths, resulting in an uneven slub texture. The exhibition also introduces the unique dyeing method of "kasuzome" from Okayama, which produces distinctive color variations, from the yarn stage onwards, as well as a variety of valuable antique fabrics from Africa and Japan.

"Fiber" features products made from natural plant fibers such as elm and ramie, which are also used in Ainu traditional clothing. On display are coats depicting Native American headpieces using the Okinawan dyeing method, Bingata, and jackets based on Taiwanese traditional clothing.

"Moccasin" is a category that the brand has been deeply involved with since its inception, and is also connected to the signature model "FBT". The board brings together everything from the "FBT" prototype, which is made from a valuable piece from the 1800s, to the latest high-cut model from the Fall/Winter 2016-17 collection.

"DOROZOME" is a dyeing method that Visvim has been using for the past five seasons. It's a traditional dyeing method from Amami Oshima where a liquid extracted from the Rhaphiolepis indica plant chemically bonds with the iron content in the mud, creating a deep black with a unique luster. MA-1 jackets in the dyeing process and mud-dyed Gore-Tex® jackets are on display.

"Handsewn Goodyear welt" is a shoemaking method where the sole and upper are finished by hand stitching rather than using adhesive. There is a space where you can see the "FOLEY FOLK" sneakers, which incorporate the Goodyear welt method, displayed part by part, as well as the tools actually used by craftsmen. In addition, there will be demonstrations of Goodyear welt construction on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th.

Little Cloud Coffee, the coffee shop attached to the Visvim store in Omotesando, will also be available at this event venue. Their original roast coffee is a blend of several Central American beans, characterized by its rich body and subtle fruity aroma. Enjoy coffee brewed in an original Kutani ware dripper while relaxing on the benches provided at the venue.

The "SHOP AREA" features items closely related to this exhibition, including a capsule collection using the brand Mayo-myo, which revives hemp fabric, as well as products incorporating mud dyeing and indigo dyeing. The "FBT" brand, which is sold on a spot basis, is also available in a range of colors.


Movie & Film Edit: KAORU NISHIGAKI
Title Design & Photo: KEISUKE SHODA
Music: HIROMU AIZAWA

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