LINER NOTES / GUEST Makoto Namiha
7th Guest: Makoto Namiwa, Creative Director of Perfect ribs®
This is the 7th installment of a talk series delivered over four weeks.
Episode #1, featuring Makoto Namiwa, creative director and designer of Perfect ribs®, begins with a discussion about the select shop he runs in Sapporo. The conversation centers on what "vintage" means in contemporary used clothing and how its value is perceived, delving into the real-world experiences of sourcing and being a buyer. He also shared the background of how Perfect ribs® started and the meaning behind the brand name, along with his commitment to it. This episode is a must-listen for vintage clothing enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in fashion and buying.
Episode #2 begins with a discussion of Makoto Namiwa's childhood experiences related to clothing. The conversation then moves on to how he became interested in fashion, started working at a used clothing store, and eventually became a buyer, including anecdotes from his buying trips.
Episode #3 begins with Makoto Namiwa's candid stories of the challenges he faced when he went independent at age 24 and started managing his own store. The conversation then expands to discuss his journey of re-challenging himself with a specialized vintage shop and unique purchasing strategies. In the latter half, he also shared the story of how the brand evolved to focus on "ribs."
The final episode, #4, begins with Makoto Namiwa discussing his future vision for Perfect ribs®. The conversation further delves into his aspirations for new creations and what "differentiation" truly means, as he exchanges views with Sato.
Guest Profile
Makoto Namiwa
Designer / Creative Director
Born in 1982.
Started buying mostly used clothes in the US at age 20.
Became independent in 2007 and opened a select shop.
Renamed the shop "UNION" in 2015.
Launched "Perfect ribs®" in 2022.
Made its debut at a custom event for A LOVE MOVEMENT (ALM) held at "firsthand" in MIYASHITA PARK in November 2022, where it released a remake collection featuring ALM patches, receiving high praise from many customers and industry professionals. Subsequently, it garnered attention and sold out items at an exhibition and sale at the art gallery "2G TOKYO" inside Shibuya PARCO, and through a pre-sale at the select shop "MAX FIELD" in Los Angeles. Furthermore, a special hoodie from the triple collaboration of ALM x artist HAROSHI x Perfect ribs® also sold out instantly, earning high acclaim both domestically and internationally. Various collaboration projects are currently underway, and the brand continues to release unique collections that merge artistry and fashion.
Perfect ribs® Official Website】
https://perfectribs.jp/
【Perfect ribs® Official Instagram 】
https://www.instagram.com/perfectribsofficial/