HEAD YELLOW LABEL

Designer

Masafumi Watanabe

Category

Men’s Ready To Wear

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

I have never aimed to be a designer, but customized personal clothing and accessories from my teens. It became a brand, and it leads to the style now. In 1997 I first started as a brand, and started BEDWIN & THE HEARTBREAKERS six years later. I was invited to Mr. Akira Shimada of HEAD YELLOW LABEL director, and started HEAD YELLOW LABEL three years ago.
 

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

By wearing items of HEAD YELLOW LABEL, you’ll be more active in daily life. As a result, it is ideal to bring health to your body and spirit.
 

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

HEAD’s DNA, innovative material usage, and street culture from Tokyo.
 

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

H BEAUTY & YOUTH, RELEAM (EDIFICE), Ron Herman and others, people who are particular about fashion.
 

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

From high-fashion to street fashion, work and sports, military, and various brands are affected. Especially, I am inspired by the authentic brand of the United States and Britain, because we can feel the greatness and difficulty of standing the test of time.

About 2019 S/S collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo(Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO) as the venue for presenting your collection?

I want more people to know and feel the greatness of “HEAD YELLOW LABEL”, by looking the models moving actively wearing an item of HEAD YELLOW LABEL. And I really want you to wear the items and realize that goodness.
 

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2019 S/S season?

Active people in town. I decided the concept and design to image people who fly and dash around the city with skateboards.
 

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

Pursuit of real style. Proposal of polo shirt style of HEAD YELLOW LABEL worn by COOL skaters of the street.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal?

To make many people in the town active. And I would like to appeal through the brand to enrich their lives.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

Home town
 

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

Shibuya area. I like the energy of the people there.
 

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

H BEAUTY&YOUTH、Ron Herman、RHC、THE　HEARTBREAKERS、CARPE DIEM (jujutsu dojo）