Genki Sekihara, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the magazine "2nd" (Ei Publishing Co., Ltd.)

Watching CHICSTOCKS ' rapid rise from the sidelines is Genki Sekihara of the editorial department of the magazine "2nd".

Sekihara : "When Uematsu showed me these socks at the exhibition and asked, 'What do you think?', I thought they would be a hit with our readers."

This fashion magazine specializes in casual wear based on traditional styles. The theme of how to wear traditional items in a fresh way requires a sophisticated sense of balance—breaking down the rules of classic style. And that's where Chicstocks socks come in.

View CHICSTOCKS products on the Isetan Online Store.

Sekihara : "There are rules to styles like trad and ivy, right? The challenge is how to break those rules, and for the past three or four years, there's been a trend of pairing outfits with white socks as a way to break the mold. But we haven't really seen any socks that can set the next trend. Then there's the trend of returning to classic styles, so traditional patterned socks felt fresh in a different way. I've tried several pairs myself and can attest to how comfortable they are, but I think the way you can just peek out the pattern is also in line with the current mood in terms of style."

In men's fashion, cropped trousers that expose the ankles have become commonplace, making sock patterns an important point. Traditional patterns add a touch of flair not only to suits, but also to jacket-and-trouser combinations like "gress-slacks," and to trendy wide-leg trousers and denim.

Furthermore, the editorial team not only featured the shoes in the magazine but also proposed a special design. They selected regimental stripes as an authentic traditional pattern, and 100 pairs of each will be produced exclusively for ISETAN MEN'S and '2nd' magazine.

socks
Left: 1,944 yen Purchase here * exclusively at Isetan Shinjuku Store
Right: 1,944 yen Purchase here *Limited to "CLUB 2nd" members

Uematsu : "We decided that the navy base would be for ISETAN MEN'S and the green base for the 2nd editorial department, but actually, some people within the company are saying that the green one might have been better for Isetan."
Sekihara : "Actually, it seems that navy is more popular among the editorial staff."
Uematsu: "So, shall we exchange them? (laughs)"

Starting this month, they will be available at each store's online store and at ISETAN MEN'S physical stores. The special edition is distinguished by the fact that the M and L size markings, which are usually knitted into the socks, are replaced with "2".

Photo: Yoshinori Eto
Text: Yasuyuki Ikeda

*All prices include tax.

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F = Men's underwear, nightwear, loungewear, socks, handkerchiefs
03-3352-1111 (main representative)
For inquiries via email, please click here.