Whether it's fashion, music, or sports, there is a style that only each person can show in any genre. "Style is Everything." That's right, someone said that style is everything. "Style Resume" is a series of interviews with adults who literally have style. Updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the third installment traces the life story of Takeo Kikuchi, the founder and designer of Japan's leading men's brand, Takeo Kikuchi.
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12. I realized what I had always wanted to do at TAKEO KIKUCHI.
After struggling with the gap between his creative shows and the reality of having to sell his clothes, he left MEN'S BIGI Co., Ltd. in 1984 to move to World Co., Ltd. and start TAKEO KIKUCHI. This allowed him to find his true self and devote himself to creation.
In my first collection, I also referenced the style of Miles Davis from the 1950s and 1960s. I was shocked when I saw Miles' "kimono sleeve" suit a long time ago, so I've wanted to do it for a long time. Miles was the trigger for me to expand the concept of suits. The 1986 Spring/Summer show at "Mugen" in Akasaka was created with Ray Petri and other members of Buffalo, and even when I look back at the video now, I think, "I made something interesting." However, while I was doing it, I was overcome by emotions of excitement and wondering, "Is this really okay?", and I sometimes felt depressed.
In 1986, I opened the "TK Building" in Nishi-Azabu. This was a place that incorporated all the things I had traveled and thought, "I want to do this." In addition to my own clothes, I stocked imported items such as PATRICK COX and BILL AMBERG, and also had a barber and a snooker bar with billiards. I had this idea in mind since my BIGI days, but it was difficult due to my financial situation and busy schedule. In fact, "MEN'S BIGI EUROPE" was part of that.
Profile
Takeo Kikuchi (Founder and Designer of Takeo Kikuchi)
Born in 1939, Takeo Kikuchi is the founder and first designer of Japan's leading men's brand. He has a wide range of hobbies, including music, movies, and cars, and in 2024, he released a jazz compilation album he personally supervised to commemorate his 85th birthday.
HP: https://store.world.co.jp/s/brand/takeo-kikuchi/
Instagram: @takeokikuchi_official
