Let’s take a closer look at Deluxe and Bedwin 08-09 fall/winter collection. What can you tell us about each respective upcoming line?

MW: This winter, my collection has been created from vintage second-hand clothes that i destroyed and re-built my way. Durable, comfortable and stylish.

HK: For this collection, I’ve been inspired by different aspect of the New York countryside. I’ve always liked the way a stylish New Yorker dresses when they go to spend the weekend in their cabin upstate. That’s the concept behind my work for this coming collection, a stylish citizen visiting the countryside. I used a lot of knot and corduroy fabrics with warm and earthtone colors such as brown and dark yellow.

Clothing from Bedwin

Clothing from Deluxe

Can we expect some collaborations with other streetwear labels?

MW: I’ve been working with Dickies for the past two years and I did it again this year. I like the way they work, I like to wear their clothes and the prices are still reasonable.

I’m not into doing big collaborations just to create a buzz, i prefer to keep total control of my product.

HK: We just did a collaboration with Russell moccasin for our footwear line but that’s all.

Both Deluxe and Bedwin seem to gain in popularity amongst the Japanese street-fashion scene but also abroad through the Internet. Do you have any plan to export your brand’s spirit in the near future?

HK: We are definitely interested in exporting our labels abroad, but we want to do it carefully in order to keep track of our product. Asia’s major metropolis’ are definitely our target. Beijing, Hong Kong or Taipei represent emerging market for the Japanese fashion industry that’s why it will be great for both Deluxe and Bedwin to be represented in such cities.

What’s your feeling about the creation of a HOODS store (WTAPS / Neighborhood) in Hong Kong?

MW: As a business, well done! But I don’t know, it might be also dangerous to go big abroad and remain unique within the Japanese market. It’s a commercial decision that I respect. I admire a lot Shinsuke (from Neighborhood) and Tetsu (from WTAPS), they did a lot for the Tokyo’s scene, but I don’t know if I would have go the same way.

How would you define the current state of the Japanese street fashion?

MW: Nowadays, it’s quiet chaotic. Ten years ago, we witnessed a boom into the Japanese street fashion market, professionals from all around the world flew to Tokyo to get inspired by our new trends. Now, we are getting into the winter of Japanese fashion, amongst all the brands founded during the past decade, only the most creative ones will remain in business. It’s a natural process.

I know you guys find inspiration in everything around you, music, movies, art. What have you been into lately?

MW: Recently, I’ve been watching a lot of 80’s American cheesy high school movies. Music wise, my speakers are blasting mostly 90’s hip hop, rock’s classics and world music (Spanish, Indian, Moroccan sounds).

HK: Last week i went down to the theater to see The Dark Knight. Fantastic performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker.

Interview: Jey Perie
Translation: Mariko Gale
Photography: Hajime Kamiiisaka