DOUBLET JAPAN

When did you realise you wanted to be a designer? And how did you get started in the business? Masayuki Ino: “I understood I wanted to become a designer when I was in high school. Before establishing my own brand, I worked at Miharayasuhiro for seven years, where I was in charge of creating shoes and accessories. Some friends and factories supported me when I nally decided to follow my dream and found my own label. It’s thanks to them if Doublet exists.” What about your SS 2018? In particular, tell us more

about your “package shirt”. “The theme of that collection is dead stock, and I was inspired by products from 10 to 20 years ago. I thought their packaging looked cool, so I decided to develop the SS collection around dead stock packages that can be worn. The shirt you mentioned is made with a special laminated nish, and before putting it on you have to tear it out from the packaging yourself.” What is the spirit of Doublet? “I try to infuse a feeling of strangeness into daily wear.” Do you prefer to sell your pieces through physical

shops or e-commerce websites? “I actually prefer shops because for me it’s very important that customers can touch and feel my creations.” You’ve been living in Tokyo for a while. What’s your favourite place

in the city? “The Asakusa district. It’s not only a well-known neighbourhood that tourists love, but also an area where numerous shoe manufacturers are based. I really like the smell and mood you can find here.” •