I wish I could own a shop filled with lots of fashion magazines...

From a fashion perspective, there seems to be a distance between Shibata John Lennon and the other book, "TAKE IVY"...

The university I attended was in Ochanomizu, so I looked for a part-time job nearby and started working at a used bookstore in Jinbocho. It was simply because it was close to the university, but that's how I got into the world of used books. I enjoyed reading the old magazines that came in, and when I saw a 1960s issue of "Men's Club," I thought that Japanese people were really cool back then.
As I read on, I thought, "So this is what Ivy League style is all about..." and suddenly I remembered my dad's swing top.

Shibata : I see, so that's where it all connects.



I strangely connected the image of Nakatake 's father, who doesn't care what he wears, and his one and only outfit, with the rough-and-tumble image of American students.
At first, it wasn't so much about the "trad" aspect itself, but rather the sense of balance—like wearing a jacket with shorts, or raw-hemmed cotton pants—that attracted me to a rational sensibility that couldn't be achieved in Japan's climate and atmosphere.
At first glance, it might seem ordinary, but even when it's casual, it doesn't look sloppy, and even though it's like a uniform, it has a strange coolness that brings out the individual's personality. After that, I became genuinely hooked on Ivy League style, and the "good old America" that I used to look down on because I was more British suddenly became something I loved.

What kind of outfits did Shibata wear back then? Was it the exact same style as in 'TAKE IVY'?

While Nakatake's style always had variations, it felt like the "Ivy League" aesthetic was added as a central theme. As a poor student, I mostly wore secondhand clothes, but I also wore Brooks Brothers .
What kind of book is "TAKE IVY" to you, Ms. Shibata?




Shibata's "TAKE IVY" is a textbook, isn't it? But some people can pull it off just like that, and some can't, and for me... I'm kind of jealous of people who can pull it off from a young age (lol).

Nakatake: The copy I brought today is the first edition, but when I recommend it to young people, it seems like many of them don't really understand it.

Shibata: Today's younger generation cherishes "this" moment more than ever, intuitively, almost instinctively. I'm constantly amazed by how keen their senses are.

Customers at Nakatake sometimes say things like, "Since you have so many fashion magazines, you should sell clothes too," but it takes space, and it's not that easy...

Shibata : Ah, I see! I'd definitely like to see a Magnif like that! Let's do it at our place! (laughs)

The rest of this interview will be in Part 2!
"The reason I've been running a used bookstore specializing in magazines for 10 years."

■Amver Used Bookstore Owner: Yasunori Nakadake

Born in Miyazaki Prefecture in 1976, he moved to Tokyo upon entering university. Soon after, he embarked on a career in the used book business in Kanda Jimbocho, a world-renowned district for used bookstores. During his more than ten years working in used bookstores, he discovered the fascination and importance of revisiting past fashion magazines. In 2009, he opened the used bookstore "magnif" in the same Jimbocho area. Its selection, primarily focused on vintage magazines, quickly attracted attention, and it has been featured in numerous media outlets since its opening. It is particularly well-regarded for its selection of men's fashion items, and has become a favorite spot for clothing manufacturers, designers, fashion magazine editors, and many fashion-conscious and hobbyist individuals. Recently, its activities have expanded further, including collaborations with apparel shops and department stores for events.

Magnif

1-17 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

TEL/FAX: 03-5280-5911

OPEN: 11:00 - 19:00 (Closed irregularly)

http://www.magnif.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnif_zinebocho/

*A new window will open and you will be redirected to the external website 'Amvai'.

Text: ISETAN MEN'S net
Photo: Amvai ( https://amvai.com/ )

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