Business styles have changed dramatically amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ryuji Kawasumi, shop manager of N.HOOLYWOOOD/N. Hollywood Isetan Shinjuku store, proposes the latest business styles for 2021, based on the real changes he observes at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6th floor. He thoroughly explains three styling options, combining a tie, a T-shirt, and a shirt, centered around a set-up from "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE," a lineup of dress items that fit the current zeitgeist.

We present a "next-generation business style" that can be worn by people of all ages.

—Could you tell us about the real "changes" you've observed in customers seeking new business styles?

For a year or two before the impact of the coronavirus, N.HOOLYWOOD COMPILE had been developing sets with designs that prioritized comfort. Since then, the demand for casual sets has gradually increased, and not only for so-called cool biz wear, but also the way people working at venture companies and startups perceive sets has gradually changed, and the balance of styling has shifted. Then, with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, we feel that the demand for "sets that can be worn at home" for remote work has increased.



—So the "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE" setup was well-suited to those changes, right?

Yes, I think our "comfort-focused design" has resonated with the evolving needs of our customers. Some of our customers, who previously had to wear formal suits with shoulder pads to work, have changed jobs and are now able to commute in casual jackets, t-shirts, sneakers, and backpacks, completely revamping their work wardrobes.


What is "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE"?

"N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE" started as a dress line in 2004, and under the concept of "reinterpreting the nature of formal and dress wear in a modern way," it develops easy-to-combine items, including suits. Its characteristic is that it is a line that pursues materials, details, and comfort, using casual materials in what would normally be formal designs, or creating casual shapes with formal materials. In addition to standard fabrics, the suits also feature fabrics that are proposed each season, and this season, suits made with lightweight taffeta have already become popular, allowing people of all ages to enjoy a variety of styles.



—Focusing on setups, what kind of business style does N.HOOLYWOOD promote?

"N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE" offers many versatile items, so we'll introduce outfits centered around suits, including shirt and tie combinations, cut-and-sew tops with leather shoes, and shirts with sneakers. Even from a woman's perspective, wearing a jacket effortlessly is stylish. By skillfully using everything from ties and leather shoes to sneakers, you can easily enjoy outfits that have just the right amount of formality.

A set-up that allows you to enjoy the balance between formal and casual by adding and subtracting elements.

The key pieces in N.HOOLYWOOOD's business style are the oversized, unstructured jacket and wide-tapered easy slacks from the "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE" collection. When combined, they create a "just-right modern set-up" that offers a good balance, allowing for looks ranging from formal to casual, a clean look that suits all ages, and a standard feel that will be wearable next season as well.



The jacket and trousers are made from a thin, lightweight cotton-polyester blend, a material we're introducing this season, making it ideal for businessmen who "have to wear a jacket even in the middle of summer." The trousers feature a two-pleat design with volume in the thighs and a tapered silhouette, which, once you try them on, will make you realize that "a slightly wider silhouette is acceptable for business!" With a clean, beltless design, fans of these trousers often go on to buy the jacket made from the same material as well.

I. [Tie-Up Style] The reason why it doesn't feel stiff despite being tie-up is the silhouette that the material creates.

The jacket has a clean silhouette with no pockets on the front, but it retains the original form of a tailored jacket, such as the collar shape, and the material is not too casual, so it's a style that can be worn to business meetings when paired with a tie. The jacket's distinguishing feature is its solid design with no chest pockets or patch pockets, but when you put it on and stand in front of a mirror, you'll realize how much the concept of a tailored jacket has changed! Another characteristic of N. Hollywood jackets is the playful design, such as the deliberately sheer lining.



The "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE" shirt retains the feel of the popular classic big silhouette shirt, but is finished in a subtly compact semi-big type. Although it is oversized, the high collar stand around the neck gives it a dressy look.



There are six different styles of white shirts alone. There are also open-collar shirts, so you can choose the shirt you wear underneath depending on the occasion.



This time I've paired it with a charcoal gray tie, but it comes in five colors, so you can choose one to match the color of your jacket.

This neat and tidy tie-up style, paired with a slim belt and leather shoes, creates a business look that's not overly formal.

Styling

II. [Office Casual Style] An office casual style perfect for cool business attire, featuring a cut-and-sew top as an inner layer.

The inner layer worn under the suit is a five-quarter sleeve cut-and-sew top from "N.HOOLYWOOD UNDER SUMMIT WEAR (USW)". This cut-and-sew top is particularly popular within "N.HOOLYWOOD USW", which has the theme of "underwear that can be worn as the bare minimum outerwear". The neck is ribbed, and the center back seam detail is one of the brand's symbols. The wide variety of options, such as different sleeve lengths and the presence of pockets, is also a reason for its popularity.


The high-quality material gives this cut-and-sew garment a sophisticated feel, making it suitable for business settings. It uses a luxurious fabric blended with Spin Gold, considered the finest and longest fiber. The substantial fabric also makes it perfect for pairing with a jacket.


I chose gray from the available colors—black, white, navy, and gray—because I wanted to convey that gray, which looks the most casual, can also look quite dressy.

The Fellows® BANKERS BOX® boxes, originally produced by N. Hollywood, are so popular that they have collectors, so please enjoy using them in your own way, such as to store A4-sized documents.

Styling

III. [A set-up style that can be worn as everyday wear] A relaxed set-up style that can be worn as an extension of everyday wear by combining a designer shirt and sneakers.

For the inner layer, I chose a big silhouette shirt from "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE." When you take off the jacket, a beautiful color-layered design is revealed, with different fabrics added to the sleeves, sides, and hem. The material is a typewriter fabric that has a soft touch, so it's perfectly fine to wear the shirt on its own. The design can be worn both tucked in and out, allowing you to change up your outfit.



You can also unbutton the bottom of the shirt and wear it in a way that allows a bit of the inner layer to show, creating a layered look. For footwear with a designer shirt, I chose the N. Hollywood x Converse Addict, which has a low-tech yet modern feel. It allows you to wear the set-up more casually and actively than with leather shoes.

Styling

PORTER collaboration backpack that blends well with a suit style.

For commuting, paired with a sleek, streamlined suit, PORTER collaboration backpack, a popular staple item in the "N.HOOLYWOOOD COMPILE" collection, has a dressy yet simple design that won't clash with your outfit, making it easy to carry.




Made from durable Cordura nylon, it comes in three sizes: small, large, and extra-large. The main compartment has two layers, with smaller pockets inside and a large space on the back for storing a laptop. The design also helps maintain its shape, which is another popular feature.

Kawasumi-san's recommended item selection that you should have and use together!

TOTE BAG & OTHERS

N. Hollywood offers a wide range of items, including leather goods and eyewear. Its stylish product lineup makes it easy to incorporate into any outfit and suitable for both casual and formal occasions, which is why it's popular with many customers.

LEATHER GOODS

The leather accessories include long wallets, bi-fold wallets, and business card holders, all designed to be easy to carry in business settings. You can also enjoy the changing texture of the smooth leather over time. The belt is made longer than usual and features an engraved logo at the end. It has a simple silver-colored buckle and a belt width that is easy to use.

BANDANA

A small bandana that can also be used as a handkerchief. It features an original pattern combining paisley and check designs, creating a classic yet dressy look. Made from 100% cotton, it's easy to care for and perfect for everyday use. It's an essential item, especially now that we're washing our hands more often.

SOCKS

These basic-length ribbed socks come in four colors. The key feature is the placement of stripes of varying widths at the ankle. They peek out and out with the natural movement of your body, adding just the right amount of accent.

MASK STICKERS

Masks have become a daily necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. These mask stickers allow you to wear a mask stylishly and comfortably. They can be applied to non-woven fabric masks as well. The scent is a gentle fragrance reminiscent of a forest bath. Each pack contains 6 stickers.




This time, we introduced outfits mainly focused on business styles, but we also have many new spring/summer items in stock, so we look forward to enjoying styling together with our customers in the coming seasons.

View N. Hollywood products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

PROFILE
Ryuji Kawasumi is the shop manager of N Hollywood Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .
Instagram: @r_k1214


Men's Contemporary Instagram: @isetanmens_contemporary