In this edition of Brand Personalities we chat to Yasuto Kamoshita. A founding member and current Creative Director of Japanese retail giant United Arrows, Yasuto-San also designs the brilliant, semi-eponymous Camoshita United Arrows. One of the most unique, sophisticated and uncompromising brands we stock at Trunk, Camoshita United Arrows fosters a relaxed yet elegant look that combines elements of Ivy League style and European tailoring with traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Trunk: Can you tell us a little about the philosophy behind your brand?
YK: It is simple but powerful. It looks old but feels fresh. It is classic, but aggressive.
T: Where do you find design inspiration each season?
YK: The way people seek emotional changes in their lifestyle stimulates me to change and develop my style. I often get design inspiration from vintage clothing and old movies.
- Trunk's owner Mats with Yasuto-San at Pitti Uomo in Florence this summer.
T: What are your favourite local places? Can you recommend one or more of your favourite local restaurants, shops, galleries or attractions and explain what makes them special?
YK: I was born and raised in Asakusa, Tokyo. Asakusa is an historical town with many old shops remaining:
- Fujiya, a Japanese tenugui store [a tenugui is a type of hand towel]. Using a tenugui in place of a bandana or scarf is very cool.
- Oden restaurant. Not only great food but the traditional Japanese architecture and decor is very cool. I think Londoners will like it.
- Japanese Yoshoku-ya (Western Style Restaurant). I’ve been to this neighbourhood restaurant since I was a kid. I always order fried kaki [oyster] and dry curry.
My favorite places in Tokyo:
- TSUTAYA Daikanyama. A great selection of books, and a modern yet cozy space. You can relax and read books in the lounge and forget about time.
- Bar Martha. My favorite bar. The music and the space are very cool!
- Hara museum. Beautiful architecture with mixture of modernism and Art Deco style. There’s a café in the inner garden, which is perfect for a sunny day.
T: Where is your favourite travel destination for work and/or pleasure?
YK: This is very difficult to answer, but there are common factors to my favourite cities:
1. Good restaurants with reasonable prices.
2. Relaxing cafés.
3. A quality flea market.
4. A cool hotel where I can relax.
5. Special boutiques or accessory shops.
New York, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Istanbul, San Francisco, LA and Kyoto are my favourite cities.
T: Can you tell us about some of your favourite places there? – one or more great restaurants, favourite shops, galleries or attractions?
YK: This is also hard to answer, but here are my favourite cafes.
- The café in Rosendals Wardshus, a park in Stockholm.
- Toraya-ichijyo. a Japanese sweet shop near Kyoto-gosho. Beautiful Japanese architecture and sophisticated Japanese sweets.
- Afternoon tea at Blakes Hotel in London. I love the exotic interior at Blakes.
- The café on the patio of Chateau Marmont in LA. Drinking coffee after waking up late in the morning is my favourite, and this is my favourite place to do it.
- Café in the gallery of The Carlyle Hotel in NY. You can feel the history of NY. Bemelmans Bar next door is also fantastic.
T: What are your 5 essential items for travel?
YK: My iPod and portable speakers, a large nylon bag in case I buy too many things, room slippers, an iron, soy sauce and wasabi.
A warm thank you to Yasuto-San from everyone at Trunk for taking the time to talk to us. For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.