SAD BUT TRUE

Takahiro Miyashita, Designer of Japanese label Number (N)ine will stop production as of Spring 2009 season.

Oddly I knew this for a minute, well assumed.
Quick Story....
I was in Sweden around fall last year and stumbled upon JUS(sick store i.e destination spot & ridiculous brand list) next to Cali Roots on that slated part of hill. Anyway they had great clothing lines and collaborations unseen in North American soil (from prominent brands already well established in USA) but only 4, yes 4 Number (N)ine pieces total. Now this is mid-shopping season in the early but visible stages of the coming recession. The time period where most stores had already been raffling through the playbook making sure numbers are hitting, week in and week out. When I saw the Number (N)ine section it just sparked something. Some brands take certain garments and exceed what the rest of the market is doing. Number (N)ine has their jeans. Number (N)ine jeans are dope but pricey like compared to Kstubi prices your pulling out a few more hundreds. We all know that a shopper unfamiliar with kstubi prices may draw a "WTF" look after seeing the price tag. So a smart store knows that if any person has the slightest inclination to purchase such a reputable pair of jeans from Number (N)ine or company like it that store must be ready for the most famously marketed commercial shopping season in the world (outside of Black Friday). It's like looking your best for prom night. In respects, JUS was not "tux'd up" with Number (N)ine clothing(tons of beautiful Comme des Garcon and others though) during fall so that tells me a lot about the brand's situation and early indicator of things to come.

I was really sad to hear this closure was official. As I and many others really appreciated their take on fashion. Personally couldn't pull off a lot of Number (N)ine garments but I really like the way it looked on those who could.

It seems to me that one of the many attributes that connect certain special designers and labels is bestowed ability to capture an historical moment, era, and even a lifestyle trend. When I think to Miyashita's connection with grunge era of rock and his ability to convey it so effortlessly, it's one of my favorites to see. I mean I don't want like to categorize one's style, I definitely feel Miyashita was multi-faceted but his love for the grunge-era oozed from many of his most popular garments. The Kurt Cobain tee series was grand!!




One of my favorite collections from Number (N)ine was Fall 2008 collection, properly titled, My Own Private Portland(on left show from Paris 2008). I think back to when I first saw the collection, My Own Private Portland, I thought, "Anyone of these pieces could be the anchor to base entire collection around". Well- crafted collection, full of investment pieces that will be relevent for ages to come. To me that is one of the greates accomplishments a brand can come across.

All in all a lot of people will be sadden to see the stop of Number (N)ine clothing. Though I would not be surprised to see Takahiro Miyashita make some guest appearances on a few labels soon.

KETCHUPS.. .by BARNEY'S

Usually I'm not really into the big Barney's warehouse sales. I go but I play the wall. Those sales can get a bit caddy and don't forget to add in the sale crazed women. Usually can't find my size anyway. The amounts of people passing through on any given day is ridiculous. My nod to Barney's for the most monumental sales of the past years (well second best sale in 2008, NOM DE GUERRE had the best). It can be a event in itself.

This year when Barney's sale came around, I did the same thing as usual but it went a bit different.
I WAS MONEY!!!

Here are my favorites:



I picked up this really simple yet slick, 3.1 Phillip Lim M-65 jacket.


This jacket was so on-time. The detailing is 3.1 at it's finest, so it is technical without looking so technical.
I'm a fall guy too so many of my favorite garment to buy are jackets. One of my issues with jackets is pocket placement. I carry a lot of things and some times jacket pockets just don't make sense. I love the pockets on the 3.1 M-65, as every pocket is actually 3 pockets. Four slouchy flapped pockets with button closures and center pleats. You can really tell this jacket was thought-out. Even the slightest of details like sleeves, come with three-button cuffs.
Trench-style flaps on front and a nice standing collar. I usually do not like shoulder epaulettes but this buttoned one works out great. This M-65 jacket is very breathable because of no real lining. More of a spring jacket though it could be worn it right before the cold season starts. The sleeves can be rolled up and secured with double-ring buckled bands. As with the waist with the sringe drawstring belt at hem.

Who thinks like that off top of their head? PHILLIP LIM


This story below almost ended like a Greek tragedy...
The first day of the Barney's warehouse sale I was picking through the racks and saw this shirt from behind. Instantly I knew this shirt would have to be mine. I Flipped over the shirt and saw it was Number (N)ine.. AWESOME!!!
Only problem, the shirt was a size 3 and I'm a 5, maybe (number (n)ine is so small). I asked everybody looking through the racks, 5 different people had told me they saw a few hanging. I search to find no size 5(all were 3s).
Another day or so later, my friend told me the shirt was at Barney's warehouse while I was in Vegas.
The story of my life..
Let me tell you this shirt is so soft; 90% cotton 10% cashmere blend. The buttons almost are obsolete because of softness. I have to re-button the shirt it every 30 minutes. The pattern was my favorite detail about the garment. It gives me this "mesa like arizona" feel when I look at it. I love it!! At first, I was kinda weary about the exaggerated ruffles on the chest. I like them it was just figuring out I would be able to put this shirt into play come fall.
Back to story.. So the second to last day I (on a whim) decided to go back and what do you know. The number (n)ine shirt was like the first item I found.
I left out a lot of details, trust me. Those people at Barney's were absolutely tired of me asking about inventory stuff, managers, calling and basically whatever could do to find this shirt.
After this was all said and done, I had went to the Barney's sale 5 times just for this one shirt.

The 3.1 phillip lim M-65 was $580
The Number (N)ine shirt was $550
Of course, both were on sale but I can't find the receipt.
Oh well, the sale is over..

I'm currently looking for the NUMBER (N)INE tote [I HEART NUMBER (N)INE]
FROM BRUTUS MAGAZINE.. LET ME KNOW IF ANYBODY KNOWS

Store Shouts!!

Number (N)ine
431 Washington Street New York, NY 10013
Closed Tuesday Mon - Sat: 11-7 Sunday: 12-6

Simply a great store..
Even if your not into grudge rock inspired clothing from famed japanese designer, Tabakiro Miyashita, you will appreciate the thought behind the interior and architecture of this north Tribeca store.
Miyashita recently released Number (N)ine's newest collections "Birds", which I have personally been waiting to see up close**especially with collaborations with giants Visvim and Gore-Tex.

*Side Note: If your into Ksubi/Tsubi jeans you will absolutely love Number (N)ine jeans. Unfortunately, Number (N)ine's jeans run about $400(like 200 pesos more than Ksubi/Tsubi).