AG(R)GS "ACTIVE" WEAR

SA: Why did you choose to create activewear?

MK: I’d thought about designing clothes before, but I never found a really good reason to. I didn’t want to design clothes just for the sake of it. There’s enough clothes and designers out there, many of whom are doing a brilliant job. It was when I was out running that the activewear idea came to me. Running isn’t just about exercise for me. Through running, I started to really notice my surroundings, I started to notice what was going on in Kyoto... and that developed my interest in Kyoto culture as a whole. That’s when I realized that I wanted people to learn about that culture through the clothing I designed.

SA: You talk about how you want the design to convey a message. What are those messages exactly?

MK: I wanted the clothes I make to carry a message, but I also wanted the designs to tell a story. In this case, it’s telling the wearer a story about Kyoto. Recently, I myself became more interested in Kyoto culture, in old historical figures like Sen no Rikyu or traditional arts and crafts, the art of living... So, I wanted the collection to reflect that. Another idea I wanted to convey is that you don’t need to stick to the rules. There is freedom in your creative direction and expression. Just because I was designing activewear doesn’t mean I have to use what other people consider activewear materials or make the typical fluorescent-colored designs.For me, the word “active” has a double meaning. “Active” as in “working out”, but also “active” like “activism” and being pro-active with social issues and standing up for self-expression. Eventually, I want to be able to use fashion to tackle social issues plaguing the world right now and spread the message about important issues. I think fashion is a great and effective platform to really fight for social justice.

"For me, the word “active” has a double meaning. “Active” as in“working out”, but also “active” like “activism” and being pro-active with social issues and standing up for self-expression."

SA: How would you define Kyoto’s beauty, and how is that represented in your designs?

MK: I think the beauty of Kyoto is very unique and subtle. There is some sort of darkness or spookiness in the beauty. Think of water at the bottom of a well– I have this obsession with the dark beauty of Kyoto well water. You know, the first design I created for this line was a tsuno kakushi-inspired headwear. tsuno kakushi is a type of headdress worn by the bride in traditional Japanese weddings. I find them beautiful, but there is this mysterious and haunting element to it. I think this is type of beauty is very Kyoto. I didn’t make the tsuno kakushi headwear in the end, because I felt that it was a bit too obvious, but that’s where my head was at. I like minimal design, so I started to subtract from the main ideas I had and stripped it down to the base... down to what it is now, perfected.The concept of this line is “wa (Japanese) tech”. It is an obvious one, but one of the jackets is in a kimono style. Kimono, but made with tech gear. It sounds like something that would have been invented before, but I haven’t really seen anything like it around. I also designed a jacket with a pocket that doubles as a flower vase. I liked the idea of being able to decorate your clothes with the wild flowers you pick from nature, since the designs are also heavily influenced by the scenery that I observed on my runs.

"Running in Kyoto..."First off, what I see when I run is nature, the river, the stone paths in Gion, temples, and shrines."We are running through an environment that formed years and years ago,whether it’s the more natural or man-made surroundings. Nothing is forced and everything feels at one with the earth. When I’m running in Kyoto, it feels more like a meditation practice. It allows my thoughts to just be, and to be at peace."

SA: What about the colors you chose to use?

MK: I chose colors which are very subtle, ones that don’t attract a lot of attention or look out of place. For example, you would be able to wear the activewear to a tearoom or temple.

SA: Lastly, since your activewear was directly inspired by your runs, how would you describe the experience of running through Kyoto?

MK: Running in Kyoto...First off, what I see when I run is nature, the river, the stone paths in Gion, temples, and shrines.We are running through an environment that formed years and years ago, whether it’s the more natural or man-made surroundings. Nothing is forced and everything feels at one with the earth. When I’m running in Kyoto, it feels more like a meditation practice. It allows my thoughts to just be, and to be at peace.

SA: How and when will you be releasing your collection/s?

MK: We’ll be selling products inspired by our concept, but we do not plan to align with fashion cycles or release items each season. I want to focus on conveying my genuine intentions rather than participating in transient trends. As I also communicate the work of remarkable, active designers, I want to avoid half-hearted creation. This perspective has been consistent for over three years since we first introduced our designs, and it has recently been reaffirmed. However, I remain open to expressing something new when the timing or motivation is right.

Once AG(R)GS launches... I hope that everyone who wears it can experience that same feeling alongside me.