Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th floor, Men's Contemporary, offers the latest and most fashionable and trendy lifestyles with a global sensibility. The staff in charge of this floor, who are exposed to a variety of brands and products every day and have honed their own unique sensibilities and styles, surely choose what they wear themselves to be absolutely right. Isn't that a reasonable assumption?

Now that the winter season has officially begun, we asked five employees in charge of this floor what they bought this season. For those of you wondering what to buy, knowing what these discerning shoppers themselves want will undoubtedly be helpful!

No.1 Ryo Yamanashi

I. Graphpaper | Oversized Shirt

This is an oversized shirt from Graphpaper. The collection's theme for this season, "Dieter Rams," immediately caught my eye. He's an industrial designer I've always loved, especially his use of color, so I was determined to buy something by him when I came across this shirt. In addition to the unique colors of this season, the Graphpaper-esque silhouette gives it a distinctive feel. Furthermore, the free size, the beautiful drape from the 100% Tencel fabric, and the super-oversized fit make it an item that expresses the wearer's individuality. The 100% Tencel felt so good that I decided to buy it the moment I tried it on. (laughs)

II. and wander | Reversible Jacket

I've been really interested in and wander lately. That's because the designers are two former members of the design team at Issey Miyake Men, a brand I've loved for many years. This autumn the weather was hot in the mornings and cold at night, making it hard to know what to wear. So I was initially looking for a lightweight windproof outer layer when I found this jacket. What I liked most was the windproof and water-repellent properties of the outer fabric. What really convinced me to buy it was the purple check pattern on the reverse side of the reversible jacket. As a vintage lover, I had been looking for purple items recently, so there was no way I wasn't going to buy it.

No. 2 Sota Miyashita

I. White Mountaineering | Blouson

One of my favorite purchases this season is a blouson from the "BLK" line of White Mountaineering, which has been relaunched after a 10-year hiatus. When I wear an outer layer over a knit sweater, I tend to sweat and get stuffy on the train, so I was looking for a highly breathable outer layer. In addition, it overcomes the drawback of "poor elasticity" that was previously common in highly breathable outer layers, so I bought it thinking I could wear it frequently without any stress. Furthermore, I've been trying to choose sustainable products as much as possible lately, so the fact that it uses materials with a high percentage of plant-derived ingredients was also a deciding factor in my purchase.

II.N.HOOLYWOOD/N.Hollywood | Backpack

During this time of year, I often carry a fleece or knit sweater with me to work, so I wanted something with a decent capacity. However, anything that looked too big was difficult to use for daily purposes, and I couldn't find anything I liked. This bag has enough capacity to be used for a week-long trip, yet it doesn't look that big when you wear it, and it has a proper sleeve for a laptop, so I decided to buy it as a versatile item that can be used for everyday use as well as travel. The solid look, which is typical of "N.Hoolywood," is also great because it goes well with any outfit.

NO.3 Mayumi Ogura

I. AURALEE | Casual Jacket

I came across this jacket when I was looking for something I could wear both for work and in my private life.
I usually wear oversized clothes, so I don't like anything that feels restrictive when I move around. This jacket is made of soft wool, feels incredibly smooth against the skin, and is extremely comfortable to wear. It also has patch pockets on the chest and sides for ample storage, and the sleeves are lined, making it easy to move in and suitable for work. There are also pants made of the same material, so I definitely want to get the set.

II. POLYPLOID | Cardigan

I bought this cardigan because I wanted a light jacket to wear during the transition from autumn to winter, in addition to a winter coat I could wear in the dead of winter. Besides its soft, high-quality texture, the fact that the neckline isn't too tight means I can wear it with a turtleneck or t-shirt underneath during the coldest winter months, and that I can wear it for a long period, even into spring, was a deciding factor. Of course, this item is made for men, but it would definitely look cute on a woman in an oversized silhouette! Personally, I also bought it because I thought the vibrant red would be a great accent color for my autumn and winter outfits, which tend to be dominated by muted colors!

NO.4 Taisuke Asano

Taisuke Asano : He joined Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th floor, Men's Contemporary, this year as an Assistant Merchandiser, a position he had hoped for since before joining the company. He likes a wide range of styles, from masculine and rugged to trendy and clean. His favorite brand is A.P.C.

I. DIESEL Leather Jacket

I was looking for a top this season, and when I was considering shirt jackets as a key item, I came across this piece. Although it's made of cowhide leather, it's not as stiff as you might think and has a smooth feel to it. Also, by eliminating the lining, it smartly avoids the bulky appearance that is often a problem with leather jackets, and I'm happy that it can be worn for three seasons: as an outer layer over a T-shirt in spring and autumn, and as an inner layer in winter. This winter, I want to enjoy coordinating it with a cashmere knit for a mix of different materials.

II. APC (A.P.C.) | Leather Tote Bag

I was looking for a bag that I could use for both casual and formal occasions when I came across this leather tote bag from A.P.C. Although it's made of cowhide, it's been carefully tanned, so it's incredibly soft and supple—it's almost like lambskin—and that's its greatest feature. The design is also appealing; it's simple, with only a silver logo embossed on the top, emphasizing the material and keeping the rest of the design simple. The size is also perfect, large enough to comfortably fit A4 documents, and the handle length is just right for both shoulder and hand carrying, making it highly versatile and suitable for any outfit or occasion, which is why I decided to buy it.

NO.5 Kaname Watanabe

I. TEATORA | Down Blouson

I was looking for an outer garment I could wear in the middle of winter. When choosing an outer garment, I prioritized lightness and warmth. The Teatora down jacket is so light and stress-free that I forget I'm even wearing it. It also has many pockets, which was very appealing to me since I often go out without carrying a bag. The gimmick that appeals to men was also a deciding factor. The design is made to suit various body types, so I think it's a down jacket that can be worn stylishly by both men and women.

II. Graphpaper | Flannel Pants

I fell in love at first sight with the sophisticated, urban color scheme that you don't often see elsewhere. I was originally looking for pants I could wear in the fall and winter, so when I tried them on, I was captivated by the soft feel and the beautiful tapered silhouette, and I bought them. They go perfectly with my favorite sneakers, and they're a versatile item that's easy to coordinate with tops of any material.



View the Men's Contemporary special feature page


Photograph: Yuichi Tajima

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＊The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.
*This product can be inquired about via LINE. Please feel free to contact us for in-store reservations or any questions you may have.

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