2019: 40th anniversary since founding, generational change.
In 2020, with the slogan "Change! Don't be afraid."
All second generation staff
Six months ago, I vowed to make this a year where I enjoy change.
The meaning of starting now.
Looking ahead to the future as an own name brand.
We interviewed the tailor, Masahiko Kusagaya.
──BROOKLYN MUSEUM and MASA KUSAGAYA.
A representative, a craftsman, and a tailor.
How did you come to launch your own name brand?
``Actually, it was something I had in mind eight years ago when I took on the title of representative.
However, in addition to the branding of BROOKLYN MUSEUM, we also need to improve our management, training of craftsmen, leather development, and our own skills.
While I was desperately trying to stabilize these things, I still thought it would be difficult. ”
We have the best members.
“When we completed a complete generational shift last year (2019), I felt like we were ready to take a step forward.I feel it is inevitable that we will start at this time.
The staff, craftsmen, and tanners who support BROOKLYN MUSEUM now. I can truly respect everyone. I can leave it to you. It was precisely because I felt this way that I set out to start a brand that would be the crown jewel of myself. ”
──What kind of concept is the brand?
``Initially, I didn't think too deeply about the concept, but if I had to choose one, it would be ``Shun''.
This brand does not make cutting dies, which is essential for leather brands, and instead uses a ``hand-cut'' method of cutting everything with a knife. This is because it allows us to finish items that we feel are ``good'' with the highest quality leather at that time.
If you intentionally finish the work without making a mold, even the slightest deviation will reduce the quality of the finished product. It is also a challenge to myself, not allowing even the slightest deviation. ”
A product that makes you feel that moment.
``When I envision items for BROOKLYN MUSEUM, I keep in mind things like simple, traditional items, with spices called colors to add sweetness or dryness, and to express depth of flavor.
Regarding MASA, I feel that I want to place more importance on instantaneousness.
I purposely don't set a schedule and just express the emotions that arise at the moment. Freshly harvested vegetables and fresh fish. Depending on the day, we determine the best condition and season the food.Cooking has a kind of art-like aspect to it, and tailoring leather may have a similar feeling. I know I'm saying something frightening, but I'm also imagining a future like that. ”
──Will there be different variations of leather?
“The products we are currently working on are mainly selected from leather, which BROOKLYN MUSEUM does not carry.
This time, we have selected ``Radica'' from Ilcia, a prestigious Italian tanner known only to those in the know, as the main leather.
Each piece is dyed by hand to create a touch that resembles a sea of clouds dripping with paint. In addition to the quality of the dyeing, the quality of the leather is top class.
The fine grain of the calf and the luster of glass.
It has a texture that everyone, including leather lovers, will fall in love with. ”
Timeless and borderless.
“There is another main leather. It is indigo-dyed crocodile.
As you all know, this is the leather that has been loved by BROOKLYN MUSEUM for many years.
Each piece is meticulously finished by Japanese craftsmen, and is a masterpiece of technology that should be proud to the world.
A new start and a link to past history.
A link between artistic techniques that transcend borders.
When it comes to wonderful things, age or country doesn't matter.
I hope to express this through MASA KUSAGAYA. ”
