That rock star vibe
Japanese rock singer Hyde ups the style ante in his fashion brand, Switchblade.
THE worlds of music and fashion have always worked well together and there are a number of singers who have their own fashion and beauty brands.
So it’s only natural that one of the most stylish singers in Japan would have his own fashion brand.
Japanese rock star Hyde (who was in Kuala Lumpur recently for his solo rock concert) is the lead vocalist of legendary rock group L’Arc-en-Ciel and also Vamps.
He is known for his theatrical costumes on stage and his eclectic style offstage. Described in a press release as having a personal style which “has an air of otherworldly mystery that also conveys a strong iconic transgressive rock atmosphere”, he’s been featured in several magazines and commercials.
At the interview, the blonde-haired singer was in full rock star mode, sporting a brimmed hat and round frame sunglasses. All in black, of course, he had on a long T-shirt, black jeans with frayed edges and a leather jacket. A selection of rings completed his look.
“My style,” he says, “is rock but not really rock. In-between.” He can’t explain what it really is, but it’s a more of an instinctive kind of feel when it comes to fashion.
His fashion brand – which is done with Hiromu Takahara, a well-known Japanese designer who founded luxury brand Roen and a namesake footwear brand – is called Switchblade.
Takahara has previously collaborated with Hyde on special items like T-shirts in the past. He’s also collaborated with Yohji Yamamoto and another well-known Japanese rock singer, Gackt.
Launched in December 2017, it’s a streetwear brand with designs that are edgy yet relaxed.
Hyde says it came about after Takahara left Roen. They started talking, then thought why not start a fashion brand?
“The clothes are similar to what I wear,” he says. He’s very much involved in the creative process, with discussions and ideas on the look and feel of the brand.
The look is that of things that can be thrown together without a thought, but still with that cool rockstar vibe that Hyde is known for. There’s also a kind of vintage feel, akin to that of favourite piecthat’s es from your wardrobe been well-worn over time.
During the brand’s launch in Tokyo last year, it featured models with different body types. The idea was to show that anyone can wear the clothes and it’s more on how you adapt the clothes to your personal look.
Pieces from the collection include leopard prints, python and plenty of shine, as you can’t have a rock star’s brand without some shimmer! Switchblade is available exclusively online at switchblade.jp.