If I were to define "my favorite garment" by how often I wear it, for me, it would be OLDE HOMESTEADER's Interlock series.
I probably wear it almost 300 days a year.
And on the other days, I'm usually wearing OLDE HOMESTEADER's RUSTIC JERSEY.
Well, what I mean to say is that I absolutely love the INTERLOCK created by Mr. Fukuhara.
My apologies for the late introduction, I'm Noguchi from CASANOVA&CO.
As you might expect, today I'm introducing the OLDE HOMESTEADER INTERLOCK series.
It's been a while since it's been displayed in stores again and I've had a proper chance to introduce it like this. Maybe.
Well, as I mentioned earlier, I'm quite a H.I.F (Hard Interlock Fan), so I'll take the liberty of introducing it on behalf of all H.I.F members.
Some of you may have already seen it or even own it, but I believe this INTERLOCK is close to the origin of Mr. Fukuhara's craftsmanship, which we are currently showcasing in various forms in our store.
That's why I want you to see it now, at this very moment.
OLDE HOMESTEADER
INTERLOCK HENLETNECK S/S
color _ WHITE HEATHER
size _ 38,40,42,44
OLDE HOMESTEADER
INTERLOCK HENLETNECK S/S
color _ OLDE WORKERS BLACK
size _ 38,40,42,44
OLDE HOMESTEADER
INTERLOCK HENLETNECK S/S
color _ RUSTIC GRAY
size _ 38,40,42,44
These three models.
As you can see, they are short-sleeve Henley necks.
The brand offers long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions, with crew necks, mock necks, and these Henley necks, but our current lineup of INTERLOCK in the store is limited to short-sleeve Henleys.
Let me explain a little bit.
As always, there is no shoulder slope.
It's a style that shapes itself to your shoulders.
The placket at the front opening is switched to woven fabric.
The fabric here isn't flat and smooth; it has a textured, uneven surface with visible slubs in the yarn.
I think it's very consistent with the mood of OLDE HOMESTEADER.
With WHITE HEATHER, it looks like a color scheme, which is also good.
This photo is of the neckline.
The yarn that appears on the outside is different from the yarn that touches the skin on the inside.
Mr. Fukuhara's cut-and-sew garments are often made this way, but this is not a common practice.
It's a very well thought-out part.
I can't say whether it's technically amazing or rare because I'm not the one sewing it, but I've worn it so much that I've physically experienced why it matters: it prevents it from stretching unnecessarily and losing its shape.
It means that it doesn't stretch out and become saggy because it's designed not to stretch more than necessary.
I have an INTERLOCK that I've worn for four and a half years displayed in the store now, so please take a look if you'd like.
The neck isn't saggy at all.
The neck is torn due to my carelessness, but if I hadn't been drunk, that wouldn't have happened, so that part is entirely my fault. (laughs)
So, please don't worry about the torn part.
The transition to the hem rib is also done with the same sewing specifications.
However, not all seams are like that; they're placed where they're most appropriate.
You can see that the seams on the sides of the body are sewn with matte thread.
The right material in the right place is key, as every sewing specification has a purpose.
Also, the ribbing has a two-stage structure.
This is also a ribbing that doesn't stretch out and become loose, providing just the right amount of snugness.
The back of the neck.
The fabric is layered in a reverse kamaboko shape, and seams run along it.
This is the part you see from the front.
This part is also packed with wonderful details.
The inner fabric layered on the neck is set back by about 1mm so that it doesn't protrude when viewed from behind.
Even though it's often worn as an inner layer, you can see that it's made with a strong sense of aesthetics even in such details.
Also, reinforcement stitching is added to the sides of the neck, which are subject to the most stress during putting on and taking off.
It's hard to tell from the photo.
I think it's an incredibly thoughtful design, and unless you're as clumsy as I am, the neck is unlikely to tear.
I don't think there are many cut-and-sew garments with such thoroughly thought-out sewing specifications.
And then there's the fabric.
The photo shows WHITE HEATHER, which is a mottled color, but OLDE WORKERS BLACK and RUSTIC GRAY are solid, meaning they are single colors.
To begin with, INTERLOCK refers to a knitting method called interlock knitting, and it is also known by familiar names like "smooth knitting" or "double-sided knitting."
This INTERLOCK is the result of Mr. Fukuhara pursuing the balance of raw materials and yarn to achieve his desired outcome for the interlock knit structure.
Again, I can't speak irresponsibly about its technical brilliance or rarity since I'm not the one making the fabric, but having worn it so much, I want to say loudly and clearly:
This INTERLOCK is amazing.
It's so tough that you don't need to replace it, which is probably a problem for business, but it's that durable.
The INTERLOCK I've worn for four and a half years, which is on display in the store, has a yellow honey mustard stain due to my carelessness (second time), but apart from that, there's absolutely nothing to worry about with the fabric.
If anything, the sleeve ribbing is starting to fray a bit, but that's my fault for not putting it in a laundry net. If I had washed it in a net, the ribbing would probably be in much better condition.
As for the interlock knit fabric of the body, it actually feels even better than a new one.
It doesn't experience the phenomenon typical of cotton products where repeated washing strips away oils and makes it crispy; instead, the suppleness of the knit fabric remains moist.
By the way, I dislike fabric softener and never use it, yet it still maintains this suppleness.
Yesterday and today, people keep saying "I want this condition (my personal item worn for 4.5 years)," but I firmly refuse. (laughs)
I mean, it's torn and has honey mustard on it.
Please wear it yourself, wash it yourself, and experience it.
And finally, the price.
WHITE HEATHER is ¥13,000 (tax excluded). OLDE WORKERS BLACK and RUSTIC GRAY are ¥12,000 (tax excluded).
WHITE HEATHER is a mottled color, so it's ¥1,000 more.
I believe this price is also why it's a "masterpiece," as the title suggests.
It's not that I want to say, "It's cheap for the quality."
It's not just limited to clothes, but also to furniture, pottery, and everyday goods. While there's a part of me that's drawn to "rare items I'll never encounter again," I also believe that "things you can buy when you need them" and "things you genuinely feel you can't live without" are also very valuable.
For me, INTERLOCK is exactly that.
Of course, as part of my profession, I have an intellectual curiosity to explore ultra-luxury innerwear that costs over 100,000 yen, but more than that, I've discovered the pleasure of wearing products that truly satisfy me at this price. So, for me, INTERLOCK has become irreplaceable in my life.
No, it's more accurate to say it became irreplaceable.
Therefore, although not in large quantities, I plan to regularly stock this INTERLOCK series in the store.
However, once you experience it, you might not be able to go back, so be prepared.
But it's okay.
Because Mr. Fukuhara also has something prepared for those who want to aim even higher...
For now, if you're interested in INTERLOCK, please take a look.