Three fashion industry experts and a men's shoe buyer hold a discussion! We ask Ryo Miyoshi, Ryo Takashima, and Kanae Hirasawa about "Meets your JM Weston"
Spring news has arrived from JM WESTON . The "WESTON VINTAGE" project, which started in 2020, held its first pop-up event in Japan last April at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . It was so popular that there were long lines on the first day, and it has now been decided that it will be held again in 2022 from May 4th (Wed) to 17th (Tue) at The Stage on the 1st floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building !
To commemorate the second time this event is being held, Sota Miyashita, the men's shoe buyer for Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , will be taking a deep dive into the appeal of JM WESTON by engaging in conversations with unique fashion industry experts! This is a rare opportunity to hear "three different perspectives on Weston" from a leading fashion director, a rising young influencer, and a highly capable female editor-in-chief.
The "Weston Vintage" shoes featured in this pop-up are primarily purchased in France and then meticulously repaired by skilled craftsmen at the JM WESTON factory in Limoges, the birthplace of the company. They are upcycled and reborn as the "WESTON VINTAGE" brand, and then re-released.
My Weston Vol.1
Ryo Miyoshi, 1LDK Advisor
Joined 1LDK in 2009. After serving as a director, currently works as a 1LDK advisor.
In 2018, she launched SO SHOP & HOSTEL NAKAMEGURO and serves as its director.
Instagram: @ryomiyoshi
I recently bought the "#690 Yacht" in black. JM WESTON has just the right amount of charm.
Sota Miyashita (hereinafter, Miyashita): I heard that Mr. Miyoshi, who is strongly associated with sneaker style, purchased the "Yachting derby #690 (Yacht Black)," so I came to see it! What kind of change of heart led to this?Ryo Miyoshi (hereinafter, Miyoshi): Actually, I've had JM WESTON "#690 Yacht" in mind for a long time, and I've always thought I'd buy it someday. It feels like the timing was just right.
Miyashita: The black yacht is a hidden gem from JM WESTON . What do you like about it?
Miyoshi: I've always liked deck shoes, but the only "dressy deck shoes" I could find were JM WESTON 's Yacht. I love the design, and I really like how they elevate my everyday clothes.
Miyashita: The "JM WESTON" engraving next to the metal eyelet is really cool, isn't it?
Miyoshi: This winter I paired it with fleece pants, but from now on, it would also look great paired with drawstring pants and casual wear like T-shirts or sweatshirts.
Miyashita: Lately, we've been seeing a lot of people at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building who are a little tired of sneakers and want to wear leather shoes again after a long time. Are you one of those people, Mr. Miyoshi?
Miyoshi: Up until now, I've mostly worn sneakers and haven't been very interested in leather shoes, but now that I'm 35, I've finally started to think that it would be nice to buy some "age-appropriate" things like shoes, watches, and cars.
Miyashita: So, what is your opinion of JM WESTON Mr. Miyoshi?
Miyoshi: In a good way, it's "high-class within reach." I like sneakers, but when I switch to leather shoes, my mood changes again, and I feel like going out somewhere (laughs).
If you're looking for shoes right now, go for Westons. The "Weston Vintage" is just right.
Miyashita: What did you think of Weston Vintage after actually seeing it?
Miyoshi: They're even more beautiful than I expected. They retain the elegant and noble feel that's characteristic of Weston, a brand born in France. If the size fits, I'd love to buy a second pair.
Miyashita: Which model would you recommend for a second pair?
Miyoshi: Maybe a different color version of the Yacht, or the "#180 Signature Loafers." I'd also like to try the suede version.
Miyashita: Mr. Miyoshi, what are your thoughts on the "effects of leather shoes"?
Miyoshi: Men tend to stick to their preferred style of pants, but it's fun how just switching from sneakers to leather shoes can completely change the look and feel. Plus, when I pair them with JM WESTON , it feels like they're saying, "Don't try too hard, your usual style is fine."
Miyashita: Just changing your shoes can open up a whole new world, right?
Miyoshi: I think JM WESTON loafers look really great on women, but I also think men who wear Westons would be popular with women. They have just the right amount of attractiveness. It's like they give you a reassuring "it's okay" feeling.
Miyashita: It perfectly matched Miyoshi's style today, and I definitely have a feeling that Weston is a "sure thing."
My Weston Vol.2
Ryo Takashima, Fashion Director
Ryo Takashima
Born in 1992 in Shizuoka Prefecture. He transitioned from being an architect to working as an apparel salesperson. In 2018, he became independent and began using social media such as Instagram and YouTube to promote fashion. In addition to running his own brand, RYO TAKASHIMA, he is in charge of everything from direction to buying at the select shop "+81 (Plus Eighty One)" in Meguro Ward, Tokyo.
Instagram: @ryo__takashima
JM WESTON has the image of being an extension of sneakers, a leather shoe that's easy to switch between styles.
Miyashita: I'd like to hear your impression of JM WESTON , from your perspective as a fashion icon of the new generation, Takashima-san. First of all, do you usually wear leather shoes?
Ryo Takashima (hereinafter, Takashima): I've always worn sneakers, but recently I've become interested in leather shoes. I shifted to casual wear during the pandemic, but I'm starting to want to wear jackets again, so I'd like to incorporate some leather shoes that can be paired with them.
Miyashita: Indeed, in terms of fashion trends, there's a return to classic and neo-traditional styles, and we're seeing a lot of customers at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building who want to "dress in a street style with leather shoes." Those people often choose JM WESTON .
Takashima: In my own history with leather shoes, I've worn JALAN SRIWIJAYA and more recently Le Yucca's . Actually, I've never worn JM WESTON before, but I've been keeping an eye on it because it's a long-established brand, and I've wanted to own the "Golf" model.
Miyashita: What do you look for in shoes, Takashima-san?
Takashima: The most important thing is how easy they are to walk in. When I think about the shoes I've worn for a long time, they're mostly the ones that are easy to walk in and comfortable to wear. I also place importance on the beauty of the form and how well they go with fashion.
Miyashita: Today, I've brought along some golf shoes that Takashima-san has been interested in. What do you think of them when you try them on?
Takashima: "Golf" has an image of being "versatile in styling." You can easily pair it with anything from suits to casual wear, and it adds a touch of elegance to your look. At this time of year, it would look great paired with a jacket and jeans.
Miyashita: "The fact that they're easy to switch to from sneakers is one of the reasons Weston is so popular. The 'Golf' model uses an all-terra sole, which is a thick rubber sole with a textured surface, so many people wear them on rainy days."
Takashima: In that case, it would be great for cycling on rainy days. I'm starting to want a golf club even more now!
Choosing your "first Weston" from the new "Weston Vintage" category is also a good idea.
Miyashita: I've brought the "#180 Signature Loafers" and "#640 Golf" from "Weston Vintage." What do you think of the concept of this project?
Takashima: It's groundbreaking that the manufacturer itself is collecting shoes that have already been released to the market and upcycling them. It's a wonderful project that passes things on to the next generation, and I'm very interested in it. When I actually see the "Weston Vintage" shoes, they are repaired very nicely, and some are almost indistinguishable from new. I'm 30 this year, and I think people of my generation will relate to it.
Miyashita: We often hear from customers that Weston shoes are too tight when they first get fitted, but one of the advantages of the Weston Vintage is that they mold to your feet nicely over time.
Takashima: That's great to hear. JM WESTON has the image of being leather shoes that are an extension of sneakers and easy to switch to, so it's nice to hear that they break in well. Choosing a "Weston Vintage" as your "first Weston" is also a good idea.
My Weston Vol.3
Kanae Hirasawa, Editor-in-Chief of MEN'S EX
Kanae Hirasawa, Editor-in-Chief of MEN'S EX (Men's Executive)
Joined Sekai Bunka Publishing in 2000. After working in the Begin editorial department, he was assigned to the MEN'S EX editorial department in 2008. He became deputy editor-in-chief in 2013 and has held his current position since 2020. Since 2022, he has also served as editor-in-chief of Watch Begin. His hobbies are golf and Italian.
Instagram: @ kanae727pitti
In this era of increasingly casual on-duty styles, these shoes are perfect for "long-lasting enjoyment and personal development."
Miyashita: Whenever I meet Editor-in-Chief Hirasawa, he's often wearing the "#180 Signature Loafers," which left a strong impression on me.
Kanae Hirasawa (hereinafter, Hirasawa): I'm wearing them again today, and I love the combination of beige and brown nubuck and patent leather. I had them custom-made in 2015, and they're still my most frequently worn shoes. These were my "first Weston," and I now own four pairs of loafers in total, but my affection for this combination grows with each passing moment.
Miyashita: That combination is definitely a "Hirasawa color scheme." What do you find appealing about the "#180 Signature Loafers"?
Hirasawa: What I like about them is that they're incredibly versatile and can be paired with both suits and jeans. Especially now, when the line between dressy and casual is blurred, loafers with this kind of vibe are really useful. When I wear this combination to meet people, my shoes often become a conversation starter.
Miyashita: The "#180 Signature Loafers" are definitely a classic model, but what is the appeal of a "classic shoe"?
Hirasawa: When you look at long-selling shoes, you see a depth that transcends fashion trends while still flexibly embracing them. JM WESTON , in particular, has designs that are easy to match with both casual and formal occasions, which aligns well with the current editorial direction of magazines.
Miyashita: The purchasing behavior of customers who come to the men's shoe floor at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building is also changing, and "leather shoes that can be worn for 10 or 20 years" are becoming increasingly popular.
Hirasawa: I think the trend of "buying one good pair of shoes" will only get stronger in the future. If you buy shoes you're happy with, scratches become part of their character, and when you look at your own wardrobe, the things that remain are the ones you can cherish for a long time. The way we shop will definitely change in the future.
Hirasawa's favorite "#180 Signature Loafers"
(Clockwise from left)
Yohei Fukuda collaboration: Patina finish black; Black and gray nubuck and calfskin combination; Essential Blue plain calfskin; Beige and brown nubuck x patent leather combination.
"Weston Vintage" has a near-new look and adds elegance and sophistication to your outfit.
Miyashita: What are your impressions of "Weston Vintage"?
Hirasawa: This is the first time I've had a good look at them, and I was impressed by the wide range of products; they're even more beautiful than I imagined. It's great that they have a near-new look while still being available at an affordable price. This is a must-see not only for Weston fans, but also for anyone looking for their "first pair of Westons."
Miyashita: That's right. These vintage shoes have been worn in just the right amount and have been repaired, so the leather is soft and doesn't rub too hard.
Hirasawa: That would be perfect for someone who admires Weston.
Miyashita: It's also perfect for shoes that you can "break in" yourself while taking care of your leather shoes.
Hirasawa: While it's said that people are moving away from suits, there are also more and more people who want to wear suits again. For those who are hesitant to suddenly dress up, shoes like those from Weston, which have a "casual feel while still exuding elegance," can be worn without feeling like they're trying too hard.
Miyashita: If you were to buy "another pair" of shoes from JM WESTON , what would it be?
Hirasawa: If I were asked to buy "one more pair," I would buy loafers in my favorite color combination. I'm also interested in the light blue goat suede ones!
Miyashita: So it's loafers after all!
[Event article here] ▶ "Weston Vintage" is back! JM WESTON pop-up store opens.
- Event period: May 4th (Wed, public holiday) - May 17th (Tue)
- Venue: Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor, The Stage
*Please note that the information posted may be changed or canceled without notice due to various circumstances. Please be sure to check our website before visiting.
*Please note that we may restrict customer entry to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Text: Makoto Kajii
*Masks are removed only during filming.
*The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.
Text: ISETAN MEN'S net
Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store
Find the latest information on ISETAN MEN'S men's shoes here.
Men's shoes Instagram: @isetanmens_shoes
ISETAN MITSUKOSHI LUXRY, Mitsukoshi Isetan's luxury online store, will begin accepting orders for cordovan models and canvas sneakers from May 4th (Wednesday, public holiday). In addition, the "Nomad Leather Goods Collection" will be available for purchase from May 11th (Wednesday), so please look forward to that as well.
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JM WESTON 's present, past, and future: a legacy passed down through generations.
• [The Ultimate Brand Guide!] Vol. 3 | J.M. Weston
• Click here for articles about men's shoes.
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