" 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 introduce Hikaru Takayama, Men's Attendant on the 5th floor who is well-versed in bespoke and made-to-measure clothing. His style, which combines bespoke jackets with vintage denim, is a genuine reflection of his fashion journey, which has taken him through high fashion and vintage clothing. We delve into the background of how he chose a customer-facing role over his initial aspiration to become a fashion designer.

From Sapporo to Tokyo: Days of customer service and internships.

While studying design at a fashion school in Sapporo, I envisioned a future as a fashion designer. Even though I lived in the provinces, I was strongly drawn to high fashion, so going to Tokyo was inevitable. Applying for a part-time job at Isetan, which I happened to see, became the starting point of my current career.

I wanted to be on the clothing design side, so moving to Tokyo was a natural progression. If I were to get a job at a manufacturer or brand, I would have had to narrow it down to just one. But at the time, I couldn't decide, so I thought a department store would be a good place to be exposed to fashion from a broader perspective, and that's why I applied to Isetan.
I was successfully hired, and I began a double life, working at the store during the day and going to the designer's studio that I had been introduced to after work.
My life consisted of coming home in the morning, waking up at noon, and going back to work again. There were times when I was involved in projects with little to no pay, and honestly, it was tough. However, because of that, I got a real glimpse of the reality on the ground. The depth of sales work, the creativity of creating something from scratch. But I also always had the feeling that I was only half-heartedly pursuing both.

It was during this time that I had the opportunity to switch to a different employee role. Reflecting on myself, I realized that the sales job, which was gradually gaining more customers at the time, was the place where I could grow. After that, I began to see tangible results, and by deepening my experience in customer service, I was able to truly appreciate the enjoyment of the job.

The essence and depth of clothing I learned through my encounter with bespoke tailoring.

Having learned customer service at Armani, a high-end brand, and then getting to know Isetan's customers through their private brands, I've come to deeply understand the background and history of craftsmanship through the process of ordering custom-made garments. The way of thinking about clothing is completely different between ready-to-wear and custom-made clothing.

I still vividly remember the feeling I had when I had my first bespoke garment made. From scratch, I talked with the craftsman, bringing my desired image to life. That process was especially special to me because I aspired to be a designer. The high quality I felt when I put on the newly tailored garment—that feeling is what I'm experiencing today with this linen jacket.

La Scala's bespoke black linen jacket uses vintage Zegna fabric. The lining has been minimized, and the interlining has been made lighter. As I am slender, I focused on tailoring that would flatter my figure. The jacket also features luxurious details, such as a single-sided seam at the center back.

LES LESTON shirt, which I paired with the jacket, was also bespoke. The jeans are vintage Levi's 517s. The bootcut silhouette suited my body type perfectly. The balance when paired with the jacket is just to my liking.

I own a variety of jeans, including 501s, but right now I'm really into 517s. I feel that the balance between a bespoke jacket and denim suits my style. There are individual differences depending on the size and year of manufacture, but I probably own more than 10 pairs. The 517s I'm wearing today were made in January 1991, the year I was born, so they're a special pair that I feel a strange connection to.

Sometimes, the honesty of "not selling" builds trust.

Many of my current clients are executives, such as business owners and board members. What they need is not just "fashionable" attire, but "dressing in a way that makes them look presentable." Therefore, my styling and item suggestions have meaning beyond just appearance. Since how they look to others is the premise, I believe it's important to consider what is right for their position. That's why I sometimes don't recommend something. I often tell them honestly that I think it's better not to wear it today, or that this might not suit them, so I might seem like I'm not very business-minded (laughs). But perhaps that's what builds trust.

Being complimented by others, or being told you've changed, can boost your confidence. I hope that these small changes, brought about by clothing, can accumulate and lead a person's life in a slightly better direction. I myself have grown through fashion in that way.

To help our customers' lives improve

A bespoke jacket paired with vintage denim. Takayama's style, which naturally brings together seemingly contradictory elements, is an aesthetic born from his unique sense of fashion, tailoring knowledge, and the reality he has cultivated through his experience in the field. That's why he doesn't push products from the store on customers; rather, he takes a step back, engages with them honestly, and works together to find the best solution for them. This sense of distance builds trust and is the reason why customers think, "I want to consult with him again."

If you feel unsure about what suits you, why not entrust your choices to Takayama? I'm sure he'll help you find a way to change for the better.

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.

Personal consulting service "Isetan Men's Meet Ism"

A stylist at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building who holds professional qualifications in personal color analysis and body shape analysis®, will propose a "suitable styling" that enhances your charm based on the diagnostic results. ▶ Learn more here
Instagram: @isetanmens_attendant

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