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LVMH acquires cult Japanese brand Kapital

Kapital, the cult Japanese clothing brand, has long operated outside the mainstream, blending craftsmanship with playful, whimsical design. Known for its signature sashiko-stitched denim and crossover appeal in workwear, streetwear, and high fashion, Kapital’s influence spans decades, from early menswear forums to collaborations with Louis Vuitton.

In 2024, LVMH-backed investment firm L Catterton quietly acquired a majority stake in the brand, marking a significant shift for a label that has thrived on its independence. The move aligns with LVMH’s broader strategy to establish financial footholds in Japan but has sparked concern among fans who fear corporate involvement may dilute Kapital’s unique identity.

Kapital has historically been fiercely protective of its brand integrity, carefully curating its retailer partnerships and maintaining creative independence. While the acquisition signals Kapital’s entrance into a larger corporate ecosystem, the brand’s unconventional spirit and selective approach suggest it will likely retain its distinct character.

But the worries of the fans will endure.

Junya Watanabe reinvents Americana in Paris with whimsy and subversion

Junya Watanabe's latest menswear collection at Paris Fashion Week reimagined classic Americana through his signature avant-garde lens. The show began with seemingly traditional beige hunting jackets paired with shirts and ties, before veering into playful, subversive territory.

Familiar staples like denim jeans, caps, and check shirts were transformed with exaggerated proportions, vibrant colors, and whimsical details, such as oversized red check pants with dramatic turn-ups and pastel padded coats that softened rugged aesthetics into gender-fluid designs.

Patchwork—a Watanabe hallmark—served not just as a technique but as a conceptual statement, blending traditional masculine silhouettes with bold contradictions.

It was a masterclass in blending the familiar with the avant-garde, turning Americana tropes on their head, yet maintaining a sense of safety within the disruption.

Go to Lidl, grab a pen and shrink your jumper

This week the Guardian published a great piece detailing nine lessons to learn from the Paris Fashion Week runway shows.

It’s January, and the cliches are in full swing: it’s cold, dark, dry, you’re waiting for that next payslip … It doesn’t help that this month collides with the latest menswear fashion season. There’s nothing like scrolling Instagram with last night’s leftovers, watching a flurry of glamorous shows, parties and way out of budget trends trickle past you. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are plenty of quick, easy and, most importantly, affordable styling hacks you can adopt straight off the catwalk. Here are nine tricks to tap into now.

Read the full piece on the Guardian website.

Latest pick ups

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