"The pop-up at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building allows us to fully showcase the brand's worldview, giving us a chance to reach people who aren't familiar with FACTOTUM," says Koji Udo, the designer of FACTOTUM, which will be holding a pop-up at Creators Advance on the 2nd floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building from Wednesday, May 18th. We asked him about the core of the brand's clothing design, which started in 2004.


We create products using three different channels.

—Factotum is carried by many select shops and influential men's stores in regional areas, but what are your impressions of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building ?

Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building has been carrying our products since the Fall/Winter 2008 season. Among the many shops in Japan, Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building is the most powerful men's department store and is steadily growing.

—In what ways have you seen growth?

It appeals to a wide range of customers, from fashion-conscious men to beginners who are just starting to enjoy fashion, to people who need clothes to succeed in society, and even inbound tourists from Asia and other regions. It's a top-tier retail space for us, so we're highly motivated to make this pop-up a success.

—Could you tell us what is at the core of Factotum's current clothing design?

FACTOTUM sets a seasonal theme, visits places related to that theme, and researches related items to propose men's everyday wear based on military, workwear, and tailored styles. And now, they have launched two new lines: VALLIS by FACTOTUM and FACTOTUM JEANS.


To clearly and distinctly highlight the differences between each line...

--What are the characteristics of VALIS by Factotum?

VALIS by FACTOTM reinterprets classic men's items such as jackets, trench coats, single-pleat slacks, and button-down shirts with materials, silhouettes, and color schemes that reflect the current zeitgeist. The brand offers a lineup of traditional items that mature men can enjoy wearing.

VALIS by FACTOTUM jacket ¥45,360, shirt ¥19,440

--What do you think of Factotum jeans?

Factotum Jeans is a line that focuses on denim, which is the core of Factotum, and is dedicated to classic styles and denim, including collaborative production with Okayama, a region known for its denim production.

Factotum jeans shirt ¥24,840, denim pants ¥23,760

—Has the creation of three lines brought about any changes in your clothing design?

By consciously focusing on each aspect, we can clearly and distinctly express the differences between the two lines. We've also been able to organize teams for each line, enabling more in-depth product development, including research and development of materials. Thanks to the creation of VALIS by FACTOTUM for daily wear and FACTOTUM Jeans for denim, FACTOTUM can offer more seasonal variations, and it's wonderful how changing clothes can make you feel different from before. On the other hand, with VALIS and Jeans, we're working closely with factories and fabric suppliers to aim for even higher levels of perfection and pursue our commitment to quality.


By separating the lines, we are evolving men's clothing.

--Could you tell us about the pop-up store that will be open from Wednesday the 18th?

At the Creators Advance pop-up on the 2nd floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building the focus will be on this season's collection, as well as Valis by Factotum and Factotum Jeans. The store will offer T-shirts and light jackets that are perfect for the current season.

Factotum T-shirt: ¥25,920, Shirt: ¥30,240

--I hear there are also limited-edition items available only at the pop-up store.

Yes. We'll be selling the "Switching Series," a T-shirt version of a silhouette that was very popular at Factotum and was also featured at Valis, exclusively for this pop-up. The silhouette is inspired by kimonos and has a Japanese aesthetic, with dolman sleeves that envelop the body, and a sporty finish with a combination of pique and jersey fabrics. In addition, the first customers to purchase items totaling 15,000 yen or more will receive a novelty tote bag as a gift.

Factotum T-shirt: 9,720 yen

--Expectations for the pop-up are rising.

Since Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , attracts people with a keen sense of fashion, we want to showcase the creations of Factotum and its related lines.

In the second part of the interview, we will ask Ms. Udo, who is from Kumamoto Prefecture, about her hometown of Kumamoto and other topics.

Factotum Promotion
□May 18th (Wednesday) - May 24th (Tuesday)
□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 2nd Floor = International Creators

*All prices include tax.

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