NIGO® & Jun Takahashi: NOWHERE | Hypebeast

As you both started your respective brands, how would you describe NOWHERE’s aesthetic? Is it something that is a combination of both your styles?

At the core, NOWHERE’s aesthetic and design language is a combination of both A Bathing Ape and UNDERCOVER. Mind you, our tastes are a bit different from the concept of each respective brand but nevertheless it embodies our approach to fashion.

What sort of items can we expect to see in the NOWHERE space?

We wanted to bring a better version of NOWHERE with an improved collection. Essentially, the capsule is a natural evolution of our previous approaches.

Did you try to replicate the décor of the original NOWHERE location?

Yes, I think that was something both of us wanted to do, which was pay tribute to our original retail front. However, we did want to make sure everything was on an increased level of quality. Given the facts, we have more resources now so we wanted to create something memorable.

Do you feel that the influx of big corporate brands into Harajuku have taken away from the original creative essence of the Ura-Hara movement?

Back in the day, Harajuku was all about vintage shopping and vintage retailers. With the influx of brands and concepts such as NOWHERE, I think we helped changed the environment of Harajuku and ushered in a new movement. Perhaps one that has become a bit of the central theme to the creative and independent aspect of Harajuku.