MARS, a jewelry brand popular for its "Composite Series" featuring delicate weaving inspired by traditional Japanese bamboo crafts, will be holding a pop-up "2016 1st Collection" at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1F = Men's Accessories from Wednesday, April 27th to Monday, May 2nd. We spoke with designer Yoji Yoneyama, who has been creating pieces based on the concept of "functionality and design" since the brand's debut in 1990, about the brand's 25-year history.

I was planning to study abroad in Paris, but I made accessories for the first time.

—You celebrated the 25th anniversary of your brand last year. What made you decide to create jewelry?

Yoji Yoneyama: I was originally a hairdresser, and when I was 24, I decided to study at a school in Paris, so I was working part-time to save up for the tuition fees. Many of my friends owned clothing stores, and while hanging out with designers, I somehow had the opportunity to make accessories, and that's when I first picked up metalworking tools. That's when I first realized the joy of making accessories, and a few months later I was exhibiting at a joint exhibition.

—That's quite an amazing story, but is that how you started Mars?

Back then, there weren't many large, statement pieces of jewelry for men, and I couldn't find a factory willing to produce them, so I did everything myself, from creating the prototypes to the actual production.

Things I was happy about at the "Archive Exhibition" at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building

—Besides the "Composite Series," which is the face of the brand, could you tell us about other popular series in Mars' 25-year history?
Yoneyama: It's not currently available in stores, but the "Creature & Insect Series," which I released in 1991 and featured insects encased in resin, sold very well. The ant ring, which used real cinnamon ants encased in resin to create a visual effect that made them appear larger, also became quite a topic of conversation. I also showcased it at the "Archive Collection" exhibition held last summer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building as part of the brand's 25th anniversary event.

—What kind of response did you receive to the archive collection exhibition?
We displayed some of Yoneyama 's very early products, and it made me happy to see that customers who bought them back then are still wearing them. It was a little embarrassing, though (laughs).

From left to right: "Trad Bangle" ¥84,240, "Rondo Bangle" ¥151,200

We want to cherish Mars' originality.

— Mr. Yoneyama, could you tell us what you think men enjoy about jewelry/accessories?

Yoneyama: I want clothes and accessories to coexist, to mark milestones in a person's life, and to become a part of their character. And I would be happy if, as a result, they become something that a person has "used for a long time."

—Where in Mars do you see those feelings of yours, Mr. Yoneyama?

Yoneyama: That remains true to "functionality and design." While features like hooks are important, since it's something you wear, I believe comfort is also a part of its functionality.

--So, do you have a message for Isetan Men's customers?

Yoneyama: Today, I'd like to introduce new items from our Composite series. While the bangles and other pieces may look heavy, the mesh construction makes them surprisingly lightweight when worn. We've paid close attention to comfort, so please try them on and enjoy this new discovery.

Left: "Composite Stratling 'Large'" ¥56,160 Right: "Composite Stratling 'Small'" ¥41,040

From left to right: "Composite Shard Necklace" ¥23,760, "Brick Necklace" ¥30,240, "Composite Debris Necklace" ¥23,760

*All prices include tax.

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor = Men's Accessories
03-3352-1111 (main representative)