[Series] Our motto is "finding the right answer together" rather than "creating it." Kaori Masuko, Men's Attendant | Isetan Men's Staff Profile
" Isetan Men's Staff Profiles " is a series that spotlights and introduces the unique stylists who work at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .
This time, we feature Kaori Masuko, Men's Attendant who has earned trust through her ability to "find the right answer together" in the men's tailored clothing field. Through attentive listening, she articulates customers' latent needs and guides them to a pleasant shopping experience.
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building Men's Attendant
Instagram: @isetanmens_attendant
I'm more suited to "combining and discovering" than "creating."
During my student days, I studied design at a fashion school, but the more I learned, the more I found it more interesting to combine existing clothes to bring out their appeal than to "create from scratch." I was drawn to the environment unique to department stores, where I could propose designs that cross brands and genres, and that's why I applied to Isetan.
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I have a strong interest in men's fashion, which I am drawn to precisely because I cannot wear it myself, and after joining the company, I requested to work on the men's clothing floor. I was assigned to Armani Collezioni. Although I joined a department store that handles a wide variety of brands, the fact that I was able to first learn the importance of deeply studying a single worldview is a great asset.
After that, I expanded my experience to the shirt and tie department and then to men's tailored clothing, and now I mainly offer styling advice to customers in the dressy realm, such as suits and jackets. The challenge is that customers themselves are often unsure of what kind of clothes are right for them. In such cases, I start with conversation and observation. I pick up on their clothing, occupation, lifestyle, favorite items, and even changes in their facial expressions. I also ask them, "How do you want to be perceived by others?" and help them articulate their perspective from a third-party point of view.
The more a consultation lacks a fixed answer, the more I find that moment during the conversation when I can see "that person's unique goal." That moment when their doubts suddenly dissipate is the most rewarding. Looking back, I think the reason I preferred "combining things to creating things" during my student days was because I was more suited to finding the right answer together with the customer than deciding the right answer on my own.
An encounter with LUIGI BORRELLI who embodies the idea that "beauty lies in the details."
I have a strong memory of LUIGI BORRELLI , which I encountered when I first took charge of the shirt and tie section. At Armani Collezioni, we proposed outfits within the worldview of a single brand, but with accessories (shirts and ties), I had more opportunities to learn about the background of the craftsmanship, and every day was a series of discoveries. Among them, LUIGI BORRELLI shirts stood out not only for their comfort, but also for the attention to detail in the collar's appearance, stitching, and even the stitching itself.
The designs are understated, rather modest. But that's precisely why they create a clean and polished look for anyone who wears them. It's a brand that truly embodies the saying, "Beauty lies in the details." This brand made me realize that the charm of dress clothing lies in the accumulation of attention to detail.
With the motto "The shopping area is a theater" in mind, I guided the customers.
"The shopping area is a theater." That's what a senior colleague once told me. Since customers have taken the trouble to come all the way here, we must ensure they have an enjoyable experience. That's why we want to create enjoyable moments not only when they purchase clothes, but also during consultations, casual conversations, and communication. And we would be delighted if we could support customers who are unsure about how to style their clothes and help them "find the right answer together."
Rather than insisting on a pre-determined "correct" answer, our approach involves thorough listening and observation to arrive at "the customer's correct answer" through dialogue. If you yourself are still unsure of your desired style, we encourage you to experience this collaborative process with Masuko's assistance.
Book your appointment with Men's Attendant here!
At Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building we offer a full range of services to assist you with your shopping needs, including consulting and escort services. Feel free to consult with us about smart casual attire for any occasion, or dressy outfits for special events.
Related articles on "Isetan Men's Staff Profiles"
►A street-born, classic-raised guide to "fashion reform." Men's Attendant Yuki Kuchimoto
Photograph: Shinpei Suzuki
Text: Shinji Hashimoto
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