Takayuki Fujii

nonnative has still yet to truly make its mark overseas but those with a penchant for refined outdoor and workwear will surely be familiar with Takayuki Fujii’s label. The undeniably cool aura of the Tokyo brand is something that has been ever-present since the label’s inception back in 1999 due to its commitment to grow organically rather than forcing its hand. With the general absence of graphics, aside from the occasional obscure slogans seen on a T-shirt, Fujii’s unparallelled attention to detail and functionality has gained a legion of fans without any heavy branding, and admiration from fellow designers in Japan. 2016 saw nonnative’s biggest exposure to the overseas markets by way of a joint release with KITH, a move facilitated by Motofumi “Poggy” Kogi of UNITED ARROWS & SONS. Additional collaborations of note include Lacoste, Converse, Pilgrim + Surf Supply, Wrangler and Gramicci.