United Arrows' Hirofumi Kurino explains his vision
We tall to the brains behind the Japanese brand
Can you introduce United Arrows?
Established in 1989, United Arrows (UA) is a multi-label store “from Japan”. However, nowadays in Japan, this is commonly referred to as a “select shop”. I think that it is the “originator” of select shop.
We are carrying various products from Japan and around the world as well as United Arrows' original brands. Based on the company’s philosophy, “Our shop is dedicated to customers”, we select brands - from nameless ones to famous ones - and the standard of selecting brands is a mix of "Products with quality that last for a long time" and "a brand that brings fresh air in our period".
As I mentioned before, United Arrows is the heart of the brand, but our panel of choices is pretty wide. There are many other divisions or brands: from luxury jewellery brands such as Chrome Hearts to more affordable brands such as Coen.
What are your selection criteria for a brand at United Arrows?
Firstly, I think that a brand needs craftsmanship of quality. Secondly, the prices need to be honest - the right price. And thirdly, a good design without falling in the "trendy luxury".
Of the 23 short-listed finalists of the LVMH Prize 2016, six designers are from Asia -including four from Japan and two from China. As a jurist of the LVMH prize 2016, what did you think of that?