During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO 2015-16 A/W, Shibuya Hikarie hosted an exhibition and celebration of HUNTING WORLD’s 50th anniversary. The exhibition, titled “Letter from Bob Lee,” brought HUNTING WORLD founder Bob Lee into focus showcasing the brand’s concept through his lifestyle and philosophy. This report gives an overview of the event together with comments offered from visitors.

HUNTING WORLD’s “Letter from Bob Lee” exhibition was a special retrospective celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary under the theme “50 YEARS & BEYOND.” It was held for three days from March 17-19 at CUBE 1, 2, 3 on Shibuya Hikarie’s eighth floor. Shining the spotlight on HUNTING WORLD founder Robert M. Lee (Bob Lee), the display primarily re-examined the brand’s ecological and global philosophy developed by Mr. Lee. Since 1965, HUNTING WORLD has embraced the spirit of adventure and inspired brand enthusiasts in their daily lives through its brand concept of “LIVE THE ADVENTURE.” For its 50th anniversary, the brand spells out the concepts “Authentic,” “Identity,” and “Sophisticate.” SOMA DESIGN, known for its projects by fashion brand “SOMARTA,” directed the spatial design for this exhibition. The display was segmented into three rooms each focused on one of the three keywords.

【Room1】
The keyword for Room 1 was “Authentic.” Anchored by photos from Bob Lee’s journeys, which cued the brand’s launch, the room showcased rare snapshots and videos of the founder himself. Also on display were original expedition bags from the invaluable archive collection “BATTUE ORIGIN,” personally used by Mr. Lee, along with “WESTERN BATTUE” and the brand’s 50th anniversary collection “BATTUE BAHATI.” The room encapsulated Bob Lee, conservationist, inventor and global adventurer.

【Room2】
Room 2 was arranged under the concept “Identity.” Showcased here was an array of “BATTUE SURPASS”  bags, a signature collection that employs BATTUE cloth – known as HUNTING WORLD’s trademark material – on all sides. Other items on display were special models designed by two leading creators from Japan: groovisions and SOMA DESIGN. These special creations were developed by ifs FUTURE LABORATORY, which is led by Head Chief Yoko Kawashima from Itochu Fashion System Co., Ltd.

【Room3】
Taking on the theme “Sophisticate,” Room 3 demonstrated Bob Lee’s exceptional taste and foresight. Accompanied by photos picturing the founder’s lifestyle and personality outside his life as an adventurer, this area showcased items in collaboration with GLOBE-TROTTER, Coleman, and other brands that echo the philosophy of HUNTING WORLD.

While titled “Letter from Bob Lee,” the exhibition conveyed Mr. Lee’s message through images and products – rather than words – that embody the craftsmanship and philosophy of the brand. This appears to have garnered a positive reaction from visitors.

Now in its 50th anniversary this year, HUNTING WORLD is rolling out many events around the world and actively exploring new areas such as by taking part in Firenze’s “Pitti Uomo,” Las Vegas’s “Liberty,” and other major European and U.S. exhibitions. Unlike other fashion brands that follow the trend, HUNTING WORLD continues to spread its message about wildlife preservation and the coexistence between mankind and nature. The brand is taking a positive step forward towards the next 50 years, together with the inheritors of Bob Lee’s vision.

Report by YUKI HARADA

Click here for comments from participating creators and visitors