W. David Marx, author of Ametora and Status and Culture, enlightens on Japanese superiority in American menswear, his favorite Tokyo brands, Tokyo-Seoul fashion exchange, niche trends crossing over, clout chasing, building status, taste pillars, and his journey into the world of menswear culture.
Japanese menswear excels in oversized, baggy fits with unique designs and exaggerated silhouettes.
Japanese craftsmanship sets new standards with artisanal production and high-quality garments.
Cultural exchange between Japan and South Korea fuels fashion trends and influences each other's styles.
The trend towards analog aesthetics and digital detox is gaining popularity in Japan for balance and authenticity.
Deep dives
Trends in Japanese Men's Fashion
Japanese men's fashion trends are leaning towards oversized, big fits with large, baggy pants and wide-legged styles. Brands like Graph Paper and SoftS are pushing the boundaries with unique designs and exaggerated silhouettes.
Influence of Japanese Craftsmanship
Japanese craftsmanship and dedication to quality are setting a new standard in the fashion industry. Brands like Japanese denim makers and traditional craft-focused labels are inspiring a shift towards artisanal production and high-quality garments.
Cross-cultural Exchange with South Korea
The cultural exchange between Japan and South Korea is fueling new trends in both countries. South Korea's focus on cutting-edge fashion and digital culture is influencing Japan, while Japanese craftsmanship and tradition continue to shape global fashion.
Analog Aesthetics and Digital Detox
The trend towards analog aesthetics and a digital detox is gaining popularity, especially in Japan. People are gravitating towards tactile experiences, oversized designs, and a rejection of constant digital connectivity as a way to find balance and authenticity in fashion and lifestyle.
Focus on Japan's Cultural Phenomena
Japan has various cultural phenomena like the lack of car horns, the importance of dressing respectfully, and the delicate balance of authenticity and status in society.
Authenticity and Cultural Gatekeeping
David emphasizes the importance of authenticity and cultural gatekeeping in preserving unique local experiences in the face of increasing tourism and social media influence.
Balancing Dual Careers and Authenticity
David's unique perspective on balancing dual careers, working for Google while pursuing his passion, highlights the need for authenticity and genuine interest in one's work.
Navigating Cultural Influence and Creativity
David's nuanced views on Japanese culture, craftsmanship, and fashion reveal a dedication to using tools efficiently and understanding the roles of trust funds and divergent perspectives in creative work.
Our interview with W. David Marx is where status meets culture. David—author of the books Ametora and Status and Culture—popped by the studio on his way back home to Japan to educate us on what’s up with his name, the origin of big fits, why the Japanese do American menswear so much better than Americans, the best things about his adopted homeland, online menswear culture in the west vs. the east, his favorite Japanese brands and stores in Tokyo, Tokyo and Seoul’s fascinating cultural exchange, niche trends he sees bubbling that could reach our shores, clout chasing, what he does that exudes status, the four pillars of good taste, his journey from being a young streetwear nerd to meeting Nigo to serving on the board of Human Made, how he discovers new interesting things, the biggest tourist faux pas to avoid when traveling to Japan, building your own trust fund, what makes Throwing Fits special and much more on W. David Marx’s interview with The Only Podcast That Matters™.
