LIFE WITH COLONY CLOTHING
Brand highlight: Beams+
Beams has come a long way since 1976, when it first opened its doors in Tokyo’s lively Harajuku district. What started as a small shop selling American casual wear, founded by Etsuzo Shitara, has since grown into a global fashion brand. Known for mixing Western style with a unique Japanese twist, Beams has carved out its own distinct place in the fashion world. One of its standout sub-brands, Beams Plus, brings classic Americana to life with a fresh, Japanese perspective. It’s all about timeless, quality pieces that feel both classic and contemporary. Today, Beams Plus is still going strong, staying true to its roots while continuing to inspire with new takes on familiar styles. The Birth of Beams Plus Beams Plus was founded in 1999 as a homage to vintage-inspired designs, blending a rich sense of heritage with contemporary style. Drawing inspiration from classic Ivy League prep, rugged military workwear, and traditional Americana, it skilfully combines these influences to create a refined yet functional wardrobe for today’s man. While its parent brand, BEAMS, tends to lean towards a more mainstream and commercial appeal, Beams Plus sets itself apart by focusing on timeless wardrobe staples that transcend trends. The result is a collection of well-crafted pieces that offer the perfect balance of classic silhouettes and subtle modern details, ensuring that each garment remains both relevant and enduring. Design Philosophy At Beams Plus, it’s all about timeless style with a sharp eye for detail. Every piece is thoughtfully crafted, riffing on vintage classics and silhouettes that never go out of fashion. The aim? To make clothes that age better with time, never chasing trends, and always ready for whatever’s next. What makes Beams Plus appealing: -Ivy League Inspiration: Blazers, button-down shirts and knitwear that evoke the relaxed cool of 1950s college attire. left: B.D Oxford $$210, Centre: Plain Front Shorts $260, Right: B.D Oxford Candy Stripe $240 -Workwear Influence: Fabrics like denim, flannel and canvas; hardy, practical and made to be worn every day. Left: Work Indigo Chambray $320, Centre: 5 Pocket Denim $290, Right: 6 Panel Herringbone $110 -Military Details: Functional designs with thoughtful details like extra pockets and rugged materials inspired by classic uniforms. Left: 2 Pack Pocket Tee $120, Centre: 6 Pocket Indigo Ripstop $370, Right: Check Adventure Shirt $490 Global Appeal and Collaborations While Beams Plus is based entirely in American style, the company also offers a level of Japanese craftsmanship and precision that is often missing in American-made goods. That mixture has helped Beams Plus gain a cult following far and wide from Europe to North America. Over the years, Beams Plus has collaborated with a few well-known brands (Barbour, Champion, Sperry just to name a few) for exclusive collections. These partnerships showcase the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and great design, reaffirming its place in modern heritage menswear. Beams Plus x Sperry (Brown) $160 The Legacy of Beams Plus More than two decades later, Beams Plus shows no signs of stopping. It has become synonymous for those who appreciate vintage inspired clothing with a modern twist. Beams Plus’s collections prove that you do not need to chase trends to have a great style but instead focus on timeless, well made pieces that are built to last. Colony Clothing Beams Plus collection
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Pop-up in Korea
Two weeks ago, we hosted a COLONY CLOTHING pop-up at Seoul's select shop, ‘PARLOUR’! This time, the biggest hits were our Ultrasuede® jackets and shirts. We brought items not usually available at PARLOUR, such as the Ultrasuede® poolside shirt, already sold out in Singapore, and an exclusive jacket featured only online through Japan’s fashion magazine ‘LEON’. My Korean skills are limited, but thankfully, my former colleague and friend, Sumitani-san, is always there to support me with translations. (He's the one second from the left!) If you're visiting Korea from Japan, be sure to stop by 'PARLOUR' to meet him! Not only is he a pro at offering fashion advice, but he’s also a passionate foodie who writes a food column in Japan's ‘OCEANS’ magazine." This marks our fourth pop-up event in Seoul, and we’re always happy to welcome back repeat customers and industry friends. Personally, I find the experience more enjoyable with every visit. I’ll be returning to Seoul every six months, and I’m already looking forward to the next one! After work, I joined the team I’ve grown close to through these pop-ups, along with our president, Mr. Fan, and our buyer, Mr. Chang, for a wonderful dinner. For our traditional after-party, we transformed Mr. Fan’s office into the 'Mr. Fan Bar' and had a fantastic time together. Seoul’s food and drinks are always incredible, especially in the company of friends. I usually get so caught up that I forget to take pictures, but this time I managed to capture a few moments (lol). We were also delighted to share a meal with President Watanabe and Mr. Yoshimura from Watanabe Sangyo, who happened to be in Seoul at the same time. I’m looking forward to seeing them again in Japan. COLONY CLOTHING will continue hosting pop-ups across Asia. Connecting with collaborators and customers from different places feels like it’s helping our brand grow and evolve with each event. ALL SUMMER LONG♪
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ITS A POOL SIDE SHIRT PARTY IN JAPAN!
Earlier last month I journeyed back to Japan to orchestrate the SPRING SUMMER 2024 exhibition for our buyers. The response from our dealers was astounding and they expressed significant interest for the SS24 collection as the SS23 was well received throughout the season, which by 2024 marks the brand's illustrious 10-year anniversary. I must convey my heartfelt appreciation to all the buyers and steadfast supporters who have consistently stood by us as our unconditional love for the brand is what kept us going. One factor in contributing to our exceptional performance could be attributed to the inclusion of a new production specialist who recently just joined in the ranks of COLONY CLOTHING. The individual on the right side of the photograph may appear youthful, yet he is merely a year older than me. This professional boasts an extensive background in design and production within the fashion industry which in turn is creating wonderful pieces of garments for our brand. Allow me to introduce Masatoki, his presence has already led to an augmentation in the variety of original fabric selections. This has enabled us in creating a robust collection befitting a decade-long brand. Upon the conclusion of the exhibition, we extended an invitation to a select group of individuals for an exclusive first ever offline gathering held by COLONY CLOTHING. Joining us for the event were creative director Tomo, product manager Masatoki, Mr. Duane, who oversees COLONY CLOTHING's sales in Japan, and a few other esteemed guests. The dress code for this exclusive offline gathering was unequivocally the POOL SIDE SHIRT. Everyone dressed in their own unique flair representing the brand with such finesse and sophistication. It was truly a night to be remembered! We convened at Dorogeria Sankurikka in Shirokane, a quaint Italian Ristorante thats serves immaculate food which easily felt like you are transported to alleyways of Venice. It was a really profound gathering where we shared everything from business to fashion and got to know our customers better while enjoying delicious food and drinks like Parma Ham and Aperol Spritz. To elevate the affair, we were honored to welcome Mr. Nakamura, the creative director of BEAMS, as a special guest. Mr. Nakamura, the creative mind behind the exclusive poolside shirt concept, was heartily welcomed by our esteemed guests. The guests were having the time of their lives to be able to hold a conversation with one of the legendary names in Japanese fashion. He might be a real big shot in the fashion world, but he is really just a friendly and down-to-earth person. As a fitting conclusion to the event, a BINGO showdown game was held with participants receiving exclusive not-for-sale items from COLONY CLOTHING♪ ! Plans are already in motion for another offline gathering upon my return to Japan, and I would like to invite more people to come party with us at the next event. Let’s all soak in the resort feels this summer while wearing our signature POOL SIDE SHIRTS and POOL SIDE SHORTS! All Summer Long ♪
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Pitti Uomo Express Report! ~Part 3 FINALE~
PITTI UOMO came and went in the blink of an eye. Amidst reuniting with long-lost friends and acquaintances, I also had the pleasure of making new acquaintances at the event. After the exhilarating experience, I decided to treat myself to a leisurely weekend in Milan. My first stop was the city's public swimming pool, which turned out to be a hidden gem. The historic pool from the 1930s not only allows for a relaxing swim but also offers the unique experience of indulging scrumptious food and drinks by the poolside. To blend in perfectly with the setting, I opted for a stylish yet comfortable look with our trusty Pool Side Shirt and Shorts. However, swimming here requires a swim cap, so I was caught in between of diving right in or just chill at the poolside. And then there's the extraordinary Thermae, something that might feel familiar to fans of Japanese animation. Right in the heart of Milan, I discovered a hot spring facility that provided an exceptional way to unwind. My preferred routine included basking in the sauna, followed by a refreshing cold water bath, and finally indulging in Shavasana (a resting and restorative position normally used at the end of a yoga session.) while lounging in a reclining chair. It truly felt like I was immersing myself in a space of peace and tranquility with the universe. When it comes to must-have items for the Thermae experience, the towel hoodie from the renowned UCHINO brand that we collaborated with definitely stands out. The collaboration towel pullover feels incredibly soft against the skin, making it a must-try for anyone who seeks ultimate comfort above anything else. Now, with recharged energy and a peaceful mind, it's time to dive back into the hustle and bustle of life. All Summer Long ♪
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Pitti Uomo Express Report! ~Part 2~
Following an enjoyable and fruitful gathering with my Korean companions last night, I found myself meeting Mr. Taemin from East Harbor Surplus bright and early the next morning. (The stylish striped jacket I'm donning originates from his recently opened East Harbor Surplus store in Florence, Italy.) Taemin, a man of great repute, leads a dual life as both a brand owner and shop proprietor, splitting his time between Korea and Italy. Remarkably, he also serves as a brand distributor and holds a prominent position in the realm of Asian fashion. During our meeting, I gained valuable insights into the intriguing sneaker distribution rumors. (Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the specifics just yet, but rest assured, something captivating is in the works.) Post-meeting, the entire Colony Team, adorned in poolside shirts, gathered for a mini photoshoot near the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge. Adding to the allure, we showcased the exclusive Paraboot Pacific Gurkha sandals, a prized possession of Colony Clothing. However, a brilliant idea struck me amidst the shoot! Why not host a dinner party in Tokyo, inviting esteemed customers and buyers to join us while dressed in COLONY poolside shirts? (This event is indeed happening!) We will provide further details soon. So STAY TUNED!! All Summer Long ♪
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Pitti Uomo Express Report! ~Part 1~
Right off the long haul flight we began our very first day of the Italian flair at Pitti Uomo which is situated in Florence, Italy. Filled with familiar faces and friends from around the world, we spent the whole day walking around the Pitti Uomo venue grasping the mecca of menswear and also thoroughly seeking the next possible trends and communicating with our business partners. So what is the next trend we asked ourselves? What could be the next upcoming attraction for menswear to keep things interesting and ongoing. The next possible trendy items are: ・Jacquard knit ・Casual jackets ・White pants ・Western shirt ・American vintage style And the possible trendy colors for menswear are: ・Dusty Pastel ・Purple-Burgundy ・Off White ・Blue ・Tropical ・Multi-stripes ・Native print ・Gingham Check ・Tie-dye Items below are what I will be planning to buy and introduce to the shores of Singapore: ・Linen shirt jacket (made in Naples) ・Linen shirts (made in Naples) ・Incotex items ・Stefano Bigi or Bigi Milano (tie) After a long intense first day at the Pitti Uomo venue, we then decided to leave the area and pop by our dear friends at Liverano for their welcome party. It is always a pleasure to visit this place with a good mix of cultures but also essentially for the love of classical menswear fashion at the highest level. Lastly, to finish off a fruitful day we enjoyed a scrumptious dinner with our Korean friends with a slight debate on fashion but more importantly enjoy the company we have, as well as savouring the most authentic Italian food we can have all night long. It was a perfect day indeed! That's all from the first day of Pitti Uomo! To be continued….. All Summer Long ♪
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The Journey of Paraboot and I.
PARABOOT has always been a hot topic amongst real fashionable people for decades, but to be honest in my early 20’s I was not very keen on the brand itself nor the looks. However, in my mid 20’s I wore a lot of bespoke and high end leather shoes at that time to gain more knowledge about them but still not as savvy about the PARABOOT brand overall. Of course PARABOOT leather may not seem to be the top grade of it all, compared to the usage of genuine calf leather as well as the construct of the shoe is factory made rather than handmade, although some parts of the shoe is partially handmade but not the entirety of it. But regardless of it all, PARABOOT provides a unique comfort once you put them on and the sensation it gives you is just astonishing. The shoes itself gives you a French flair where no other brands from American or English or Japanese could provide. It's just somehow at a class of its own and it is simply easy to match on any given occasion. So whenever I have the chance to recommend a pair of PARABOOT to the customers, I always explain the uniqueness of the shoe and the sort of atmosphere and energy the shoe could provide the wearer. The ghurka sandals especially, because they are caught in between being a dress shoe and a pair of sneakers, which provides a different feel when matched appropriately. As you all know we recently did a pop-up in Seoul, South Korea and it was a refreshing scene to be there after a long hiatus from the country. During the stay, I witnessed a lot of people hop onto the PARABOOT shoe trend and everyone pulled out a different style in matching the brand. Asia in recent years has definitely caught on fire with PARABOOT and it is spreading like wildfire making it one of the must haves, which evidently provides astonishing sales to the brand. With the “NEW COLONIAL STYLE’ theme in mind, Colony Clothing has always been paving the way to represent this tropical island with its own flair and uniqueness. This also allows us to fully express the way how to coordinate the style that accentuates the robust culture of Singapore, hence PARABOOT is always one of the recommended items since our opening in 2013. After a long winded context, my main reason for this blog post is to introduce our Colony Clothing exclusive Paraboots Pacific Sport sandal available soon in our Singapore shores. This time around it is made with a premium buttery Taupe colour suede upper that is in between the gray and beige colourway, which will help blend in well with any clothes you desire to match with. As for the insole, we opted for a black leather look to keep it classy and it helps to maintain the longevity of the shoe when worn. Last but not least a black colour outsole to make it an overall sleek finish with a touch of sophistication to accentuate the Taupe colourway on the shoe. So before signing off I would just like to say this is a one of a kind shoe from Paraboot that one should not miss out on. And for a little surprise, the first 10 customers who make the purchase of the new arrival show will receive a special Paraboot travel name card holder while stocks last. All Summer Long ♪
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"Seoul"ful Pop-up at Parlour South Korea!
Right off the tracks of a successful pop up at Isetan Men's Shinjuku a few weeks ago, we are now in the ‘Seoulful’ country of South Korea for the first time to showcase our Colony Clothing brand to our beloved friends and fans in this region. For our very first pop-up in South Korea it was situated at Parlour, a select shop nestled in one of the most talked about areas called Seochon. This is also known as one of the hip areas filled with interesting shops from fashion to cafes to wind down some quality time. The very reason I was drawn to make this pop-up a reality is thanks to an old friend of mine, Sumitani whom I worked with before at Beams Japan who is now at the helm of visual director and stylist for Parlour. Despite his cool and grunge look demeanor, he is actually a gentleman and kind hearted which enables us to keep in contact even though he had moved to South Korea 8 years ago. Through the test of time Sumitani has captured the hearts of customers and friends whom he made along the way with his stay in South Korea. Thanks to his great presence, lots of fashion influencers, magazine editors, youtubers and regular customers dropped by for this special pop-up by Colony Clothing. We deeply appreciate everyone's attendance for our very first rodeo in South Korea and I would dare say it's a great success. 감사합니다!! As everyone knows, the K-pop and entertainment business in South Korea holds an amazing power globally to influence lifestyle and fashion. Being in the epicenter of South Korea, the trend holds strongly towards what the celebrity wears, the KOL wears or even the YouTuber wears. This simultaneously affects a lot of the online sales as well as the market standpoint of the brand itself. Hence I strongly feel Colony Clothing will be able to build a presence in South Korea whereby everyone is so conscious about their outlooks class which the brand is able to provide. With the Colony Clothing brand gaining more popularity from a year to year basis, this also allows us to have pop-ups around the world. The places now span from Bangkok to Tokyo and now Seoul, with every stop we make we build a better community and understanding of the brand thanks to our friends and customers who support us. All Summer Long ♪
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Style and Personage: COLONY CLOTHING x Kai
Interviewed by THE RAKE’s Yuko Fujita Written in English by Johanna Airth Kai Sotto. Photo Credit: Ivan Kuek “The two words that encapsulate who I am, are ‘immigrant and people,’” Kai begins. He speaks as if those two words are enough to understand his scope of work and artistry. He is sitting in his tranquil beach house of his own design in Costa Rica. An array of colorful surfboards pop against warm wood tones. The living area is open, without a wall that separates the inside from out. The villa is an extension of the courtyard and vice versa. He had sold his company to Substack, a fast growing technology company a month prior, in between surfing the tide. It is the most apt setting, as we learn later the idea behind his company came to him and his partners, while surfing. Photo Credit: Peter Beavis “So are you retired now?” The short answer is, no.“I have a life philosophy; I want to blur the lines between work and play. In that exploration, in the playing, is where my creativity comes from.” His bio alone takes an hour to get through, and even with such scrutiny, there is a sense of large gaps in between stories. His Chinese grandfather was an illegal alien in the Philippines. At seventeen Kai began his own nomadic odyssey and left Manila, immigrating to Canada with his four younger brothers. He took part time jobs to pay bills: graveyard shifts at a gas-station, working at the post office for a stint, before landing a more ‘higher status’ job at a bank. Already sensing the influence of the internet in its early stages, he determined to get his foot in the door and moved to e-commerce. From that point on, he is elusive, not revealing too much, only casually mentioning huge projects that forever changed how the world functions today. We are not fooled; the open concept is a construct for his villa only. Whatever humility he hides behind, he has been honest. His intimidating resume that spans the early stages of eBay, Facebook and then Instagram, is not what defines him. Kai has already told us: as an immigrant, he has something to prove, but far from seeking to tear down the status quo, he challenges lazy ideas by creating new perspectives alongside those who inspire him. Singapore is where Kai lived for nearly a decade. The Asian hub became his base for expanding social media platforms and making the internet accessible in developing countries with Internet.org. After leaving Instagram in 2015, around the same time COLONY CLOTHING opened, Kai started out on creative passion projects. He created a film about the Filipino who engineered the world’s first single computer chipset. He photographed artists in Rome. He took every opportunity to surf around the world, often travelling with a surf buddy and eventual business partner. “From travelling, and through experience, what I have learned and observed is that, when people come together to build something together or to play with each other, it's just more meaningful and fun.”That was the genesis behind People & Company, a company he co-founded with two of his friends, Bailey Richardson and Kevin Huynh. They built a small community-building consultancy agency which advocated to global corporate clients the idea of build with: “with each other”. They started answering questions: what is community, how is it formed, and how does it last? What Kai and his two partners did not realize was, People & Company was answering questions that the world needed answering. A San Francisco-based book publisher, Stripe Press, signed them to a book deal, and they published “Get Together,” a timeless guidebook on the how-to of community building. It is an Amazon best seller. Kai Sotto, Kevin Huynh and Bailey Richardson. Photo Credit: Bryon Summers “I love being around people who not only love what they do, but they are very good at it, have fun doing it, and are actually building a business around it. It’s this concept of Ikigai. That is my attraction to people.” Photo credit: Felix Uribe It is easy to see how the jet-setting entrepreneur’s lifestyle that spans all facets of fashion - bespoke suits for business meetings, rugged simplicity for book launches, functional sportswear for surfing, aligned with COLONY CLOTHING’s vision. The boutique quickly became a one-stop shop for Kai. Calling them his “style mentors”, Kai has gained insights in style from COLONY CLOTHING. Their expertise and knowledge in men’s fashion recalls “the Japanese takumi’s,” he says. The store’s selection agrees with Kai’s ethos - particularly the self-editing idea of “less is more.” It is not the amount of clothes he owns, but the uniqueness, the wearability and the durability of each piece of clothing that is important. Kai noticed the boutique was a business built around a passion; built, not for their clients, but with their clients - a community. Throughout the years, the photographer has taken many photographs of the boutique’s community of staff, patrons and collaborators. The friendship between Kozo, Ken, Tomo, and Kai, grew through deep mutual respect for each other’s craft. And surfing. “Even when we go surfing, what surfboards they (Ken, Kozo and Tomo) chose, and what clothes they wear for surfing, is all part of work. But it's also really fun. It's in the middle part of not knowing whether you are working or playing where epiphanies happen.” Founder of COLONY CLOTHING, Kozo Kawamura and Kai Sotto General Manager Kensuke Sato. Photo Credit: Kai Sotto Creative Director Tomoyoshi Takada. Photo credit: Kai Sotto “I think of fashion in a very utilitarian way. I think of fashion as a tool, and not necessarily as an art or creative expression. The question then becomes, what do I utilize it for? For me, it is a tool of respect. When you invite me to your home, I want to show you my appreciation, and I will dress accordingly. When I go to work, I dress accordingly. When I go for a surf, clothing becomes a tool, and I dress accordingly. We wear clothes to be able to do the things that we love to do.” Photo credit: Bailey Richardson When asked about his current style he replies, “I haven't worn shoes in 6 months.”Of the small wardrobe he has in Costa Rica, there are several pieces he brought over from COLONY CLOTHING. A burnt orange waffle shirt from Camoshita UNITED ARROWS, a soft open collared shirt from BEAMS. A brown buttoned down shirt for the occasional dinner in town (which his daughters borrow, too). And of course, the brand’s boardshorts that Kai says look better with time, caked in sea spray. Photo credit: Marine Jaud He still has his tailored suits, and remembers fondly on creating a cigar colored double breasted, together with both Kozo and Ken. It is the suit he brings along on most trips. It is cotton, and it wrinkles after packing it in a suitcase. But the wrinkles convey a casualness, an approachability to the otherwise formidable artist and entrepreneur. Perhaps this imperfection of the material is another “tool” - one that expresses his charm. Custom suit by Ring Jacket from COLONY CLOTHING Photo credit: Kaila Sotto A rugged style with muted tones that chanels vintage Six months may just be the longest time Kai has been in one place. Like many, the pandemic has grounded the world traveller. Asked by his daughters how many countries he has been to, Kai has counted fifty. “For me, it's not the country. It's the people. And it's not just the people, it's the people I got to know, and who I got to build things with,” he adds. Realizing his friend’s humility, Kozo expounds on this point. “It’s not that he just visited fifty different countries, it's that he has friends in these places. He continues to blur the line between work and play, and that in turn bears a deeper connection with those around him. He is respected by all his friends, irrespective of their country. That is Kai-san’s talent.” To add another word that describes him: He is a gentleman. The call has run on, nearing midnight for Kai. He excuses himself and says goodnight, for he has to wake up at 3 am. Anticipating the next question, he adds with a grin, “I’m going on a surf trip.” The long interview concluded, with a lingering confirmation of the unwavering rapport, between a gentleman and those trusted to dress him. “Teahouse” in Costa Rica. Photo Credit: Andrés García Lachner Photo credit: Coconut Harry’s Together with his daughters. Photo credit: Aaron Zifkin Photo credit: Bella Sotto
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