"Why is he the only one who can open that door?"
This weekend at Omokado, eyewear designer Yoshio Iwamoto will be specially unveiling his "archival collection," which he had sealed away deep within a factory in Sabae for his own design research.
A bloodline with craftsmen spanning generations, dating back to his uncle's era. An obsessive love for eyewear that began with a high school part-time job. Despite boasting an overwhelming quality and quantity that could be said to "open the best vintage eyewear store in Tokyo," he stubbornly insists on being a "designer."
This time, it's Iwamoto's "treat" – so to speak, in response to the "trust" he shares with President Takemoto, Mr. Ito from LOCUL, and Mr. Yamada, who is in charge. He will be releasing genuine deadstock at a price that ignores Harajuku's market rates, at 1/5 to 1/10 the cost of high-end vintage stores.
On the day, you can even try on (and borrow) items for a snap photoshoot for 'CLUÉL.' Delve into the depths of vintage with Iwamoto's handwritten "overly passionate commentary Post-it notes" affixed to the boxes.
"This isn't business. This is a festival for us to have fun together."