Time flies and there are only two months left in the year.
The world was in a frenzy over Halloween the other day, and Christmas is just around the corner. Time flies.
Last week at Elephant, we had many customers visit the ORIMI 25SS exhibition, which was a lively three days, and it was wonderful to see everyone looking intently at their favorite items.
(I personally ordered some items and am looking forward to receiving them.)
As for me, I've been pretty busy lately, but I also went to the cinema to watch Joker 2 and visited an antique shop.
I am spending more time in contact with art and things that inspire me other than clothing.
This month there is an interesting exhibition at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art that I would like to visit.
It's been raining a lot recently and it's been hard to get excited, and it feels like the weather is changing from autumn to winter.
I'm starting to feel the urge to put on heavy outerwear and knitwear to face the cold winter weather.
The brand I would like to introduce today is AIREI, a brand that you probably won't see in many other shops.
AIREI
Founded in Los Angeles in 2021, AIREI brings a breath of fresh air to modern menswear by pursuing the creation of clothing that breaks away from conventional ideas.
Creative Director Drew Curry founded AIREI after studying the political and technical history of cotton, encapsulating his concept in exposed stitching.
AIREI means "to separate" in Greek, and pieces such as loose open knitwear, asymmetrical quilted vests, and panelled denim all feature visible stitching, a detail that draws attention to the garment's constituent parts.
AIREI breaks free from traditional tailoring to create unconventional fashion for the modern man.
AIREI is a brand that is not widely available in Japan, so it is unlikely that you will have many opportunities to see or touch its products.
(In Osaka, Elephant is definitely the only one.)
In fact, when you hold the clothes in your hands, you are always amazed at the quality; it is a brand that is so packed with "destruction" and "energy."
ALPACA SWEATER KNIT
As I wrote earlier, I really love the balance of "destruction" that AIREI exudes, and it's rare to find another piece of clothing that expresses that as well as this sweater.
The long-haired fabric is a blend of alpaca and merino wool, and has been given a destroy finish, giving it a slightly sexy look with the skin showing.
However, it is by no means simply easy to approach; rather, in true AIREI style, it is made up of playing with and destroying the texture of the fabric.
The calm gray color also gives a mature impression.
While it does have some grunge elements, the drape of the fabric keeps it balanced and it looks great on its own.
Clothes made by AIREI feature the letter "A" stitched in yellow, with the thread left unfinished as a hanging accent.
There's no doubt that these details are what appeal to people who love clothes.
This piece is made from black dyed denim and has a single zip to create a blouson.
It is made with plenty of organic cotton, AIREI's specialty, and has been washed, so despite its rough appearance, it is soft to wear.
The length is not the short length that is in fashion, but is roomy.
To me, denim blousons give off a more artisan-like impression than the work-like feel of a so-called trucker jacket (although that does not go without saying) . 
The contrasting white thread is left unprocessed and remains on top of the denim fabric, giving it an unnatural look.
(The cut-off design also has a punk feel to it, which I really like.)
WOOL HOODED SHAWL
Lastly, the shawl scarf.
This shawl is made of 100% wool, with a glossy and draped feel, and comes with a hood, giving it a more underground look.
Even though it is 100% wool, the texture of the fabric stands out due to its special weave.
The lining is made of cupra, and the difference in sheen when you move is clear even though the color is the same black.
The unfinished stitching and the letter 'A' also give a cute impression.
There are many people who have not yet tried on AIREI's clothes, so I hope they will come and experience its energy.
(AIREI looks great on Mr. Ito, the manager of the Tokyo store.)
These aren't easy clothes, but that's exactly why they help you improve your potential.
Miki Fukuhara
