Interview: Kazuki Kuraishi

When we got a look at the latest winter collection from Adidas Originals recently, we saw some rather lovely things. While it’s a little more toned-down than our Fashion Director’s fave (Jeremy Scott, who else?), it’s full of wintry sportswear with a twist – that twist coming from Japanese streetwear design supremo, Kazuki Kuraishi. Having worked freelance on innumerable brands like Bape and Clot to lending his sharply-trained eyes to a collaborative project, Kuraishi has been working with adidas originals for a few years now. On the cusp of launching his own label, we caught up with him to see what’s what with Adidas Originals.

PlanetNotion: What would Adidas Originals sound like if it was a band?

Kazuki Kuraishi: I have never been asked such a thing. It’s an interesting question. I would say it’s Queen, since they naturally came into my head somehow. The more I think about it, the harder it becomes to answer.

PN: How much creative freedom does the Adidas collab give you?

KK: Basically, adidas gives me freedom to create whatever I want.

PN: What’s the overarching aim you have with this collab?

KK: It was a project between two industry leading brands that have a common ground in consumer base; adidas wanted to have a stronger winter story for the season especially around casuals and B.Snowboards brings in both, credibility and style which was a perfect match; as I am also a dedicated snowboarder, used to be involved in the Idiom line and was already working on technical apparel and mountain inspired footwear for my adidas line it was a natural move to bring all 3 parties together to create this collaboration)

PN: What was the starting point for this season’s collection?

KK: I guess this is also about the collaboration with B. Snowboards. As for the shoes, I created them based on the concept to keep people warm and comfortable during their trips to snowboarding resorts. The same concept was also applied to the wear, but the shells were designed to be also suitable for snowboarding on slopes.

PN: What’s your favourite piece from the AW11 collection and why?

KK: I am happy with the result of the shells.

PN: How do you distil Japanese design into a fundamentally European brand?

KK: For me, it doesn’t matter so much as to whether a design is Japan-oriented or Europe-oriented.

PN: AW11 is very skiwear-y – what’s your favourite place to ski/snowboard?

KK: I have been to many places including British Columbia in Canada, Colorado in the U.S., and New Zealand, but I like Hokkaido the best.

PN: What are your three favourite pieces of product design, outside if your own work?

KK: It’s a very tough question to answer. Favourite products tend to change depending on situation. I like products from Apple just like other fans out there. I also like Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando. In addition, I like Leica and appreciate Mont Blanc.

PN: Finally, can you tell us a bit about what you’ve got coming up in 2012?

KK: I have provided designs to various brands, and now I feel it’s about time to launch my own brand.

www.adidas.com

Interview by Seb Law