Vintage from the Future
It's not about a famous actor; it's about VISVIM, where the garments are even more beautiful in person. The more you delve into VISVIM, the more you discover its paradoxical charm. Amidst fashion's chaos, let's listen to the voice of a brand that steadfastly upholds its originality.
Future-Bulletproof
Why is it so expensive? That's the first reaction of many when they encounter VISVIM for the first time. After all, the clothes often look like they're meant for farmers or ranch hands. Yet, despite the high price tag and seemingly simple aesthetic, VISVIM has a cult following. What's the secret?
Shohei Shigematsu photographed by Chris Maggio ©heddels.com
VISVIM is renowned for capturing the essence of vintage aesthetics. Hiroki Nakamura, the brand's visionary director, coined the term "Future Vintage" to encapsulate this philosophy. It's a simple yet profound concept: creating garments that will remain timeless, even in the future.
OLD VISVIM NEVER DIES ©visvim.tv
At the tender age of 14, Hiroki was captivated by vintage pieces. One day, while casually observing two pairs of boots with similar designs, he noticed a profound difference: one exuded an intense energy, while the other lacked it. Intrigued by this disparity, he embarked on a lifelong journey of collecting and studying vintage garments, seeking to distill their essence into his own designs.
With a hands-on approach, Hiroki immersed himself in traditional textile techniques from around the world. Using natural materials and time-honored craftsmanship, he sought to create pieces that not only captured the spirit of vintage but also stood the test of time. His philosophy? Invest in one enduring jacket rather than five fleeting ones.
VISVIM's production process, faithfully preserving traditional methods such as mud dyeing and the use of natural pigments @visvim.tv
Hiroki wanted more than just vintage-inspired designs. He wanted to create pieces that were both stylish and comfortable. VISVIM's Social Sculpture denim is the perfect example of this. Each pair is meticulously crafted, combining the best of both worlds: the worn-in look of vintage denim and the durability of modern fabrics. The crafting process involves deconstructing and reconstructing each pair, akin to sculpting a work of art. The name "Social Sculpture" reflects this intricate process, suggesting that each pair is a piece that contributes to the broader cultural fabric.
Social Sculpture Denim ©visvim.tv
Born from Fragments of Memory
VISVIM's distinctive aesthetic is deeply rooted in Hiroki's personal history. At the tender age of twelve, he embarked on a daring journey to Alaska, a decision inspired by his father. This formative experience has left an indelible mark on his designs.
Traditional Attire of the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska ©a15.beauty
Camping, whale watching, snowboarding, and endless travel. He spent most of his free time immersed in the cultures of indigenous people. These experiences, far richer than anything he could learn from books or screens, became the bedrock of VISVIM's unique aesthetic. In an interview with GRAILED , he revealed that Native American culture continues to inspire his work, confessing that the roots of VISVIM lie in the vibrant memories of his youth.
Hiroki, still finding inspiration from his travels ©visvim.tv
A VISVIM store in a camping trailer. @grailed.com
The Requirements to Originality
Before embarking on his solo venture, Hiroki honed his craft at Burton, a leading snowboard brand. His experience there, fusing vintage aesthetics with high-performance materials, undoubtedly influenced his future endeavors. In 2001, he boldly launched VISVIM, a name inspired by his affinity for the letter "V."
@visvim.tv, @grailed.com
The Foundations of Footwear
For the first four years, VISVIM focused solely on footwear, resulting in the creation of their iconic FBT boot – a hybrid of moccasins and sneakers. Inspired by Native American footwear, the FBT is distinguished by its fringed ankle layer for added warmth. Equipped with an EVA Phylon midsole for comfort and a TPU heel stabilizer for support, this footwear masterpiece seamlessly blends traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.
©hypebeast.com, ©eyecmag.com
A Modern Take on Timeless Traditions
By reinterpreting traditional garments from around the world, Hiroki brings his "future vintage" philosophy to life. From Japanese kimonos to Native American blankets, French crochet, and Finnish Sami footwear, he breathes new life into historical pieces, transforming them into modern, stylish garments. He argues that these traditional garments, deeply rooted in the lives of their respective cultures, represent true fashion. It's a powerful statement that challenges the industry to reconsider its priorities and focus on authenticity.
SS17 jacket inspired by the Japanese kimono. ©nextshark.com
FW18 jacket drawing from Native American blanket patterns. ©ko.foursquare.com, ©hypebeast.com
FW13 jacket featuring French crochet details. ©fruitofthesehands.com, ©aucfree.com
VISVIM's commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability sets it apart from fast fashion brands. By reinterpreting vintage aesthetics, VISVIM has cultivated a distinct brand identity that is both timeless and contemporary.
VISVIM Runway 2016 ©visvim.tv
The Musical Codes Embedded in VISVIM
VISVIM has struck a chord with some of the world's most iconic musicians. From legendary guitarist Eric Clapton, who says he only wears VISVIM and Loro Piana, to John Mayer who has an entire wardrobe dedicated to it, the brand has cultivated a cult following among music's elite. Even K-pop sensation RM of BTS has been known to scour secondhand markets for VISVIM pieces. And it's not just rock and pop stars; hip-hop heavyweights like Thundercat, Kanye West, Drake, and A$AP Rocky have all confessed their love for the brand.
Eric Clapton's Fondness for VISVIM Denim and Boots ©tenuedenimes.com, @panderson2
John Mayer, Renowned as a VISVIM Collector ©gq.com
A Photo with Director Hiroki ©gq.com
The Enduring Appeal of VISVIM Among Musicians
While countless celebrities have embraced VISVIM, it's particularly popular among musicians. Why? The answer lies in the very essence of music. Musicians, and music lovers alike, have a deep understanding of their genre's history and context. They're masters at reinterpreting the classics, infusing vintage aesthetics with modern sensibilities to create something truly unique. This is especially true for blues musicians like Eric Clapton and John Mayer. The same can be said for jazz and hip-hop artists who strive to preserve the soul of their music, its very essence and backbone.
Thundercat Fully Dressed in VISVIM and Kanye in FBT Boots ©complex.com, ©rap-up.com
Kanye West and Drake sporting the VISVIM bandana puffer jackets. ©popsugar.co.uk
RM, John Mayer ©koreaboo.com
VISVIM's resonance with musicians is rooted in a shared appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship. By honoring the past while embracing the present, VISVIM has created a brand that speaks to artists who value authenticity and individuality.
VISVIM 15th Anniversary Exhibition ©hypebeast.com
"My fascination with fashion is deeply rooted in its inherent freedom," says Hiroki Nakamura, the visionary behind VISVIM. "The ability to freely create from the imagination and share those creations with the world is what truly captivates me.”
In an industry driven by constant innovation, VISVIM offers a nostalgic counterpoint. By honoring the heritage of clothing, the brand has carved out a niche for itself among fashion enthusiasts seeking authenticity and timelessness.
