INDEX
Alternative Presences Energize Social Circulation
-By moving away from a capital-centric economic system, we can experience true richness through the cultivation of diverse values.
Kurino: However, the challenge moving forward lies in how we present these ideas. For instance, a select shop mixing various brands exemplifies diversity and embodies a culture of creative presentation. Yet, there seems to be a growing demand for even more inventive approaches. In this regard, Dover Street Little Market Paris in Paris might serve as a pioneering example.
I also believe that making mistakes or purchasing something that turns out to be less than ideal has its own value. While retailers must ensure customers don’t face disadvantages—such as advising them against something that doesn’t suit them—people should have the freedom to choose and enjoy their own style in various ways.
The key is to approach with skepticism, think critically, and take initiative. Voting and practicing what you can are ways to improve the world significantly. Taking action might lead to changes in society, and everyone should act more proactively rather than relying on others for answers. The true driver of change is each individual, and the answers lie within yourself.
-What does fashion mean to you as a practice?
Kurino： Fashion is one of the simplest ways to affirm oneself. Simple acts like thinking, “I look great today,” or “Trying a new color feels good,” offer easy self-affirmation. For those who find affirmation through shopping, spending money is one way, while others can find it by cherishing their current wardrobe. Even discovering that handed-down clothes look surprisingly good is a valid form of self-affirmation.
For me, “self-affirmation” is the central theme. In contemporary Japan, opportunities for self-affirmation are scarce, largely due to an educational system that has historically imposed rigid molds on individuals. However, it’s the presence of those who challenge this norm with alternative thinking that has allowed people like me to start businesses and thrive. I hope to see more people like me and encourage everyone to embrace self-affirmation boldly. Just as valuing oneself leads to self-affirmation, valuing others also involves imagination. Fashion and art can be powerful tools for fostering and supporting this imagination, and such values should be increasingly prioritized.
-To wrap things up, what does “alternative” mean to you?
Kurino: We’re having this conversation because I believe that the future lies in embracing the alternative. Being alternative isn’t about being punk, negative, or minor. Alternatives exist because there is a mainstream, and as they become mainstream, new alternatives emerge. This ongoing presence of alternatives is crucial for a healthy environment. It allows for diverse values to coexist and is a key to helping people live happier lives.
