This winter, I'm in the mood for a more approachable casual style than a stiff, classic one! At Men's Authentic on the 7th floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , you'll find a wide selection of items featuring iconic animal motifs, one of the charms of traditional brands.

Adding just one animal-motif item can instantly add a playful touch to your outfit and boost your likeability. It's also a perfect Christmas gift for both men and women. The playful spirit really shines when worn by adults. Here, we've carefully selected some of the must-have animal-motif items for this autumn and winter. Let's hunt for these adorable and conversation-starting animals!

1. POLO RALPH LAUREN

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POLO RALPH LAUREN is a brand that represents American traditional style. While the brand's iconic pony is a classic, the "Polo Bear" possesses a different kind of cute charm. Introduced in 1991, the teddy bear-like Polo Bear remains a beloved character even after 30 years. Every year, a new outfit for the Polo Bear is released, showcasing its versatility and earning it the title of "the world's most fashionable bear."

A representative item is the sweater. Items with embroidery on the body make a strong impact. The sweatshirts are accented with a Polo Bear riding on the signature Big Pony, which features the two main icons, and playing polo. In addition, it is recommended to incorporate playful touches in noticeable places such as scarves, caps, and gloves.

2. Brooks Brothers

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Brooks Brothers has embarked on a new chapter with Michael Bastian, a man with a deep understanding of men's fashion, as its Creative Director. This fall/winter collection marks his first time fully showcasing his skills, offering cutting-edge traditional styles that are in line with current trends.

One of its most iconic features is the new mascot, "Henry," introduced this season. Named after the founder (Henry Sands Brooks), Henry has a cute, funny look reminiscent of American cartoons. His somewhat laid-back expression gives him a modern, relaxed vibe. His debut piece is a French terry sweatshirt. The stylish appliqué of Henry, dressed in a blue Oxford button-down shirt, BB#3 striped tie, corduroy jacket, and corduroy patchwork pants, is irresistible.

3. MACKINTOSH PHILOSOPHY

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The Buckingham Bear, introduced last year by MACKINTOSH PHILOSOPHY , is a character representing the Household Guards who protect Buckingham Palace in London, depicted as a bear. Despite its cute appearance, it also has a tough side, with the motto "AMAT VICTORIA CURAM" (I Am Victoria Guard).

Each piece is made with carefully selected materials, offering a supple feel, just the right amount of volume, and exceptional comfort. These items can be worn for many seasons, making them perfect gifts. The subtle Buckingham Bear design adds a touch of playful sophistication.

4. WOOLRICH

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WOOLRICH , a long-established brand founded in Pennsylvania, USA in 1830, also has its own character motifs. The sheep motif, which is also used on the brand's tags, is featured this season with a revived archive design, and the sheep facing directly forward is also noteworthy (the sheep in the brand logo faces left).

The sweater, in particular, features the logo prominently in the center, and combined with its fluffy, medium-gauge knit, it's incredibly cute. Furthermore, the back of the sweater is knitted with a depiction of the character's back, making it sure to be a conversation starter. For those who prefer a more subtle touch, there's an item with a retro-style left-facing logo. The eye-catching teddy bear, upon closer inspection, has a sheep pattern on its body, and its arms and legs are movable, allowing you to enjoy changing its pose.

5. J.PRESS

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J.PRESS , a brand that embodies classic American traditional styles such as Ivy League and preppy, features "Handsome Dan," a bulldog with a studded collar, as its icon. Items featuring the "Back Bull," in particular, are highly popular within the brand. The fact that he's deliberately looking away is undeniably cute.

They've also released versions with the character facing forward, and its sullen expression is incredibly endearing. Some have a small, subtle design, while others have a large print, allowing you to choose based on how much presence they have. Masks featuring the "Backbull" character have also been released, making this collection perfect for holiday season gifts.



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Text: Ryuta Morishita