It's already April 2025. It's been a while.
The temperature was somewhat more comfortable, the cherry blossoms were in bloom, and just like last year, there were a few people enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Horie Park near the store.
There are no more people wearing down jackets in the city, and people's steps seem to slow down, with many walking lightly and enjoying the spring air and scent.
As I feel the arrival of spring, I am writing my first blog post of the year, but there is a reason why I haven't updated it.
First of all, the reason why I've been busy is just an excuse, so I don't feel like writing about such trivial things, and I really wanted to start my first article of the year with the brand I'm introducing today.
There are many things I want to write about, so let's get straight to the point.
TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloist. will be joining our Elephant lineup.
I couldn't be more pleased.
Because I love the brand and the designer and I get to share it with you all.
I'll explain briefly for those who don't know.
Takahiro Miyashita
Born in Tokyo, he founded "NUMBER (N)INE" in the 1990s.
NUMBER (N)INE has captivated fashion heads around the world, not only in Japan but also the Ura-Harajuku generation, a youth culture of the 2000s, and on runways in Paris.
The brand announced its "dissolution" at the end of 09AW.
The following year, in 2010, he launched TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloIst. (hereinafter referred to as Soloist) and has remained active at the forefront of design to this day, undoubtedly becoming one of Japan's leading designers.
We hope that everyone who is visiting Elephant right now will pick up a Soloist and experience Miyashita's creations for themselves.
I own a lot of clothes from NUMBER (N)INE from that time, and I feel that a consistent feature of the clothes that Miyashita makes is that they are pieces that make you feel like you can hear the music.
(Miyashita himself is a big fan of bands, so be sure to check out his Instagram stories. He often posts music that suits his mood at the time.)
To be honest, I think there are many people who know about or own NUMBER (N)INE, but have never worn the current Soloist.
I would love for people like that to try it on.
For this reason, Elephant is currently only selling it at its Osaka store. It is also not listed on the online store, so it has a special status that can only be seen in-store.
This is true for all brands, but when it comes to Soloist, I would especially like you to experience it for yourself.
The theme of SS25 is "Plainsong"
LOOK features a lineup of clothes with red and black as the main themes.
Behind this lies Miyashita's strong determination that "we won't let it be too easy to wear."
In fact, wide jeans and tops are popular these days. They have an oversized silhouette.
Or they may imitate influencers they find on social media.
Now that the notion that fashion is free has become commonplace, I want people who are aware of this to look at and wear clothes more stoically.
As someone who writes this analog blog, I think people should really think about what it means to buy and wear something.
Even in today's world where many people just wear Western clothes without really thinking about it, the clothes that Miyashita makes always appeal to the wearer.
Clothes with such phrases will now be on sale at the Osaka store.
(We apologize for the limited stock, as they sell out every time we receive them.)
chesterfield coat.(gold buttons)
First of all, there was a coat that stood out in the LOOK.
The shape is a British Chesterfield. As you can see, it is covered with countless gold buttons all over. The gold buttons are engraved with the Soloist original emblem, giving it the image of being used on uniforms.
Miyashita often incorporates American and British culture into his clothing, but when he wants to make a strong statement, he often lets British influence show up.
This coat was worn on a torso at the exhibition and was in the most prominent position, catching both Orimi and me's attention, but in reality it has such an aura that it makes heads turn no matter who is wearing it.
Because if someone is willing to put this coat on, they are probably not wearing clothes half-heartedly. I'm sure it will end up in the closet of someone who values their own will and culture.
1b brit jacket.(gold buttons)
Like the previous coat, this 1B tailored jacket is decorated with countless gold buttons, and as the name suggests, it has a British-like pattern. However, it has no shoulder pads, so it looks easy to wear and is comfortable to wear.
The fabric is 100% wool, so it can be easily thrown on even at this time of year, and the contrast between black and gold makes it a stand-out piece.
I guess I'm always drawn to black tailored jackets.
It's hard to explain in words, but I often feel a certain nobility in it, and just putting it on makes me feel like I stand up straighter, like I've become a little more grown up. I think a black tailored jacket is that kind of clothing.
(I'm writing this while wearing a black tailored jacket from NUMBER (N)INE from Miyashita-san's time, which makes me even more excited.)
zip up brit jacket.(gold buttons)
This is a blouson type jacket made from the same fabric as the tailored jacket, with a front zip.
I still remember the excitement I felt when I tried this blouson on at the exhibition, and was surprised at how well it fitted to my body, with dropped shoulders compared to a tailored jacket.
However, what's interesting about Soloist is that it's not simply easy to wear, but the gold buttons add impact and give the garment a stoic look, making it undoubtedly a special piece that combines ease of wear with a rebellious spirit.
The double zipper means you can style it however you like and wear it in a more casual way than the two mentioned above, so I think anyone can easily put it on.
In addition, Soloist's zipper parts and accessories are made from original parts commissioned from END CUSTOM JEWELLERS, a Japanese handmade jewelry brand, showing attention to even the smallest details.
This kind of attention to detail speaks to the high quality of the clothes produced by the Soloist brand.
beret.(15 inc) "txapeldun"
The last thing we'd like to introduce is the beret that was worn in every look.
Available in two colors: black and red Boinas Elosegui This is a collaboration item with Boinas Erosegi, a long-established hat manufacturer that has been in business since 1858.
Among them, we selected the largest size, 15 inches, from Elephant.
The reason was simple: a bigger beret is cuter, right? But I also thought that the customers at Elephant would be able to incorporate this size into their style.
It seems that this is a brand that Miyashita has always loved, making this a long-awaited collaboration, and it is very Miyashita-like to have the button parts that are symbolic of the season sewn on generously.
This button series also pays tribute to the late Judy Blame, the legendary British fashion designer.
(The safety pin earrings that I've been wearing every day for about five years are also Judy Blame's, so when I heard this story, I got so excited I yelled out loud.)
In addition to the button series, the store also carries denim jackets decorated with studs, but this time we have narrowed it down to items with buttons.
Maybe I shouldn't write this kind of thing, but I think there are very few shops currently selling Soloist that are able to fully express what I think is the Soloist brand.
I haven't been able to see all the stores in person, and I understand that each store has different customer needs and concepts, but I really love the rebellious clothes that Miyashita creates, and the pieces that exude a rock feel, as if you were listening to the music directly.
I am finishing up writing my blog, hoping that I can convey Soloist's creations to as many people as possible in a cool and effective way through Elephant.
Of course, I would like you to come and hear it in person.
Whether you're a Miyashita fan or not, whether you're a rock fan or a hip hop fan.
We welcome everyone.
Miki Fukuhara
