2021.03.10 update

We asked the men's department staff what they bought this spring 2021! —Men's Contemporary Edition


Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th floor, Men's Contemporary, offers the latest and most fashionable and trendy lifestyles with a global sensibility. What items did the five discerning male employees, who handle buying and curating for this floor and other locations, choose this spring?

We hope that the selection of items chosen by our members, each with their own refined and unique sensibilities, will serve as inspiration for your spring wardrobe. Enjoy hearing the stories of these five fashionistas, each with their own distinct style, as they explain why they chose these items and how they style them.


  1. Matsuoka's "ordinary" style offers plenty of depth to explore.
    1. I. POLYPLOID | Vest
    2. II. Graphpaper | Band Collar Shirt
  2. A style that evokes history and culture, Sekikawa
    1. I. KIJIMA TAKAYUKI | Bucket Hat
    2. II. URU | Cardigan
  3. A style where God resides in the details, by buyer Watanabe
    1. I. HERILL/Herill | Casual Shirts
    2. II. ATON | Parka
  4. Street culture and masculine style, Toriyama
    1. I. NEEDLES | Mules
    2. II. THE RERACS | Slacks
  5. Sonobe
    1. I. CFCL | Cardigan
    2. II. stein | Hooded Coat


Matsuoka's "ordinary" style offers plenty of depth to explore.

Instagram: @ayumumatsuoka


I. POLYPLOID | Vest


Polyploid Vest (TAUPE) ¥49,500 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

This item was one that made me naturally wonder "how should I wear this?" the moment I saw it. While it has a natural look thanks to its cotton base, I was really drawn to the somewhat mismatched feel created by the neckline cut, the difference in the front and back hems, the side buttons, and the pockets on the back.

You can layer it with t-shirts, shirts, or hoodies underneath. Opening and closing the side buttons allows you to enjoy changing the silhouette. It can be worn as the main piece on its own, or layered under a coat or jacket. Just thinking about it makes it a fun and versatile item to style.


II. Graphpaper | Band Collar Shirt


Graphpaper Casual Shirt (C.GRAY) ¥27,500 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

At first glance, it's a very simple band-collar shirt. The oversized tailoring, using broadcloth fabric woven from extra-long staple cotton with a fine count, embodies the essence of "ordinary" quality. Personally, I prefer band collars to regular collars because they look less formal and are easier to layer.

In early spring, I'd like to layer it with a larger-sized Basque shirt or crewneck sweatshirt, and when the weather gets cool enough to wear it on its own, I'd like to wear it with gray summer wool slacks (with the hems slightly bunched up in front of my shoes), a white cut-and-sew top underneath, and the top two buttons undone for a relaxed look.


A style that evokes history and culture, Sekikawa

Instagram: @akihikosekigawa



I. KIJIMA TAKAYUKI | Bucket Hat


Kijima Takayuki Bucket Hat (BEIGE) ¥13,200 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

Last season, I was thrilled to discover that it was Ventile fabric! "Now I don't have to carry an umbrella on days with a shower forecast!" This was big news for me, as I'm obsessed with how to travel as comfortably as possible. It was the middle of summer then, so I bought the white one, which was incredibly useful. For this spring/summer season, the lining is mesh, making it even more comfortable. Since I already own the white one, I bought two more colors this time: black and beige.

On rainy days, I'd like to pair it with a raincoat made of Ventile, Burberry cloth, or Gore-Tex, and on sunny days, I'd like to go for a casual, street-style look with a parka and cargo pants.


II. URU | Cardigan


Wool Cardigan (D.GREEN) ¥26,400 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

What a beautiful color.

I love this deep green color. And even though it's 82cm long, the wide body creates a perfect balance that prevents it from being too feminine. It looks like it could also be used as an outer layer in place of a jacket when the weather gets warmer. It seems easy to match with various pant silhouettes as well. The rayon blend gives it a soft and smooth feel, which is a plus. It doesn't feel uncomfortable even when it touches bare skin on the arms or neckline of a T-shirt.

I also like that this color goes well with any color shoes. If I'm not careful, I might end up wearing it every day, but first I want to wear it over a Margiela driver's vest to create a nice knit ensemble.


A style where God resides in the details, by buyer Watanabe

Instagram: @atsuya22

I. HERILL/Herill | Casual Shirts


Herill Casual Shirt (SAX) ¥36,300 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

This work shirt is made from high-quality Suvin cotton from India. It has a smooth feel and is very comfortable to wear. The relaxed fit allows you to enjoy the brand's signature silhouette. This brand, which started in the 2019 Autumn/Winter season, quickly gained popularity, and it's easy to see why. It's designed to be worn straight from the wash, rather than ironed. Regular collar and band collar versions are also available in the same material.


II. ATON | Parka


ATON Pullover Hoodie (CHARCOAL GRAY) ¥37,400 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

I love the relaxed silhouette and the unique colors achieved through garment dyeing with natural dyes. The triangular ribbed cuffs, a thoughtful detail that prevents pressure from concentrating in one spot, will surely appeal to fashion lovers. As it's also a signature item of the brand, I highly recommend you check it out.


Street culture and masculine style, Toriyama



I. NEEDLES | Mules

Needles Mules (Brown) ¥33,000 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

I love NEEDLES a brand that often features elegant items despite its bold use of color. This time, I chose their classic mules. They're neither leather shoes nor sneakers, but something in between, and their charm lies in the fact that they have a unique character yet somehow manage to pull together any outfit.

I like to pair it with my go-to style of sweatpants and chinos, and lately I've been a little tired of wide-leg pants, so I think it would also go well with slim-fit slacks, jeans, or flared pants.


II. THE RERACS | Slacks



The Relax Slacks ¥37,950 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

I love the style of cinching a large waist with a belt, but for someone with an extremely thin waist like me, easy-fit slacks are a very welcome item.

As I mentioned with the mules above, I prefer a slightly slimmer silhouette to an extremely wide one, so I chose tapered this time. Despite its elegant appearance, it's easy to wear and very versatile, making it a go-to choice that I find myself reaching for often.

I like to pair it simply with a gray sweatshirt and a white blazer, but it goes well with anything, so it's definitely a staple in my wardrobe.





Sonobe


I. CFCL | Cardigan


CFC Cardigan ¥42,900 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

This exceptional piece, crafted using computer knitting technology with a whole garment construction, boasts an unparalleled, elegant look. Beyond the design and silhouette, I'm drawn to the philosophy behind its production: designer Yusuke Takahashi's statement that "CFCL is not a style brand, but a product brand."

Its functionality is also impeccable; the seamless whole garment construction makes it wrinkle-resistant, and it's even machine washable. As you can see from Takahashi's desire to create something that can be worn on a variety of occasions, this is an item—or rather, a "product"—that can be enjoyed regardless of the scene or style.




II. stein | Hooded Coat


Stein Hooded Coat ¥132,000 View Product
□Isetan Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th Floor, Men's Contemporary / Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store

Despite its military origins, it has an elegant appearance.

That alone would be reason enough to buy it, but I was really impressed by the barrage of features, such as the detachable hood and the ability to mix and match the shell and inner layers. The ability to change the look depending on the weather and the other items you're pairing it with is its main appeal.

Personally, I like a more dynamic style: fasten the top two buttons to add volume around the neck, tie the waist belt without fastening it, and leave all the buttons below the chest open to show off the inner coat. I recommend pairing it with charcoal gray pants for a chic look, making the most of the varying shades of black expressed by the coat.





View the Men's Contemporary special feature page


Photograph: Yuichi Tajima
(Matsuoka profile: Natsuko Okada, Sekikawa profile: Tatsuya Ozawa)

*All prices include tax.
*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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