One of the most revered names in Japanese clothing design, SOPHNET. was founded in 1998, with the aim of creating a clothing line that was minimal, yet functional, ideally suited to every day wear. A hallmark of label creator Hirofumi Kiyonaga, every SOPHNET. piece incorporates elements of art and fashion into its designs – something that has lead them to work with a wide range of pioneering collaborators, ranging from Nike ACG through to English artist Julian Opie. It is this spirit of enterprise and collaboration that lead to the creation of sister label Uniform Experiment, an experimental menswear line, co-created alongside Fragment Design’s Hiroshi Fujiwara – the godfather of Harajuku culture. Every UxE collection is centered around an original theme, drawing influence from past collections whilst incorporating new influences, with a specific focus on the creative use of graphics, materials and colour. For AW12 both labels focus on reinterpreting everyday essentials, ranging from formal suiting and shirting, through to basics accessories such as sunglasses, wallets and key rings. Whilst still keeping to the same core ethos, there is a subtle, yet marked diversity between SOPHNET. and Uniform Experiment and this is shown perfectly in this season’s collections. Uniform Experiment draw influence from Naval issue pieces, with D-Ring Webbed Belts, MIL Gloves and Naval academy-inspired printed tees, as well adding flashes of metallic colour to staple pieces such as polos, slub cotton tees and carabiners.
SOPHNET. focus on adding new dimensions to heritage pieces with the addition of contrast patterned fabrics inserted at the seams of premium cotton shirts and tees, injecting subtle flashes of colour and texture that juxtapose the block coloured fabrics used in the body of each piece. As ever, every item – whether it be SOPHNET. or UxE – is crafted and finished to the highest standards in Japan and only available in very limited numbers.
