POGGY on UA & NB 997 Collab – Hats Down, Sneakers Up: Unveiling the Intricacies of Style Evolution

In the perpetual ebb and flow of fashion collaborations, one luminary stands out, orchestrating a symphony of sartorial finesse and streetwise panache – the inimitable Motofumi ‚Poggy‘ Kogi. As the venerable creative director of United Arrows & Sons, a colossus in Japanese retail, Poggy transcends the role of mere trendsetter to become a true tastemaker, imprinting an indelible mark on the cultural fabric. The recent collaboration between United Arrows and New Balance, featuring the revered 997.5 model, catapults Poggy once again into the spotlight. This prompts not just a surface-level exploration but a profound odyssey into his journey, tracing the footsteps from the snow-laden terrains of Sapporo to the pulsating epicenter of Tokyo, and decoding the nuanced evolution of his fashion sensibilities shaped by a tapestry of influences.

# Snowy Beginnings in Sapporo: A Genesis of Creativity Amidst the Snowflakes

Poggy’s formative years in Sapporo, cradled in the northern embrace of Japan, were not merely marked by the seasonal whims of snow. They were transformative epochs where building igloos and sculpting snowmen transcended mere childhood activities; they were foundational rites that kindled and continue to fuel Poggy’s boundless imagination. Reflecting on this period, Poggy eloquently expresses, „It’s thanks to the snow that I can be creative now.“ Despite the metamorphosis to the cosmopolitan allure of Tokyo and exposure to a myriad of styles, his roots in Sapporo persist as the sacred wellspring of his distinctive perspective.

Finding Fashion in Tokyo: An Odyssey of Metamorphic Style Evolution

Poggy’s journey of self-discovery underwent a seismic shift when he serendipitously stumbled upon the intricate tapestry of the fashion world during his formative high school years. Tokyo, a bustling metropolis pulsating with vibrant and diverse fashion subcultures, unfurled as the sprawling canvas where Poggy meticulously painted his evolving style. Initially drawn to the magnetic allure of standing out, he swiftly discerned the profound value of authenticity. „I stopped trying so hard to be someone else,“ he admits, shedding the superficial facade to embrace the authentic essence of his true self.

# From Retail to Creative Director: Nurturing Grounds for the Blooming of Creative Vision

Embarking on his professional journey from the dynamic retail floor, Poggy’s trajectory involved a profound immersion in the subtleties of product sales and the delicate art of forging genuine connections with customers. This hands-on experience, rather than being a mere stepping stone, emerged as the foundational bedrock in his current role as the creative director. „It’s crucial to always remember the lessons I learned from talking to customers,“ he reflects, underscoring the enduring impact of his humble retail origins on the blossoming of his multifaceted creative vision.

Communication Equals Creativity: The Harmonious Alchemy of Collaborative Endeavors

Poggy vehemently dispels the commonly held notion that creativity and communication exist as disparate entities. In the realm of fashion collaborations, he underscores the significance of a continuous and symbiotic dialogue with brands and creative minds. This ongoing conversation is not a mere formality but the fertile ground where the seeds of unique merchandise germinate, nourished by the collective ingenuity. Poggy’s average working week now stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit that propels his diverse creative endeavors to new heights.

# New Balance and Japanese Street Style: A Symbiotic Love Affair Unveiled

Delving into the global appeal of New Balance, Poggy astutely recognizes the brand’s unwavering commitment to its ‚Made in USA‘ range, a characteristic deeply appreciated by the discerning Japanese audience. Within the ever-evolving tapestry of Japanese street style, the enduring influence of Americana resonates, positioning New Balance as the quintessential choice for those who seek authenticity in every meticulously calculated step.

The Beauty&Youth Legacy: A Sneaker Immortalized in the Sands of Time

Reflecting on the annals of the past, Poggy fondly recalls the Beauty&Youth collaboration with New Balance in 2008. The 997.5 model ascended to legendary status, especially when a prominent hip-hop luminary adopted it in 2014. Poggy acknowledges the inherent rarity of the sneaker and the enduring intrigue surrounding its memory, considering it „curious and interesting“ within the dynamic and ever-evolving narrative of sneaker culture.

# Kith Collaboration – A Refreshing Hybrid: Breathing New Life into Iconic Silhouettes

The iconic colorway of the 997.5 has undergone a transformative rebirth through an exhilarating collaboration with Kith on the 997S. Poggy doesn’t merely express admiration but professes a profound affinity for the new hybrid design. It’s not just a reissue; it’s a veritable reimagination of the classic silhouette. The collaboration, catalyzed by a compelling conversation with Ronnie Fieg, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the sneaker.

The Daily Dilemma: Hat-Down or Sneakers-Up?: A Philosophical Quandary of Style

Renowned for his impeccably curated style, Poggy meticulously peels back the layers of his intricate thought process behind daily wardrobe decisions. It’s not a binary choice between hats or sneakers; rather, it’s a dynamic decision influenced by the contours of the day’s schedule and the mosaic of planned meetings. Poggy’s approach encapsulates the very essence of his style – adaptable, expressive, and inherently fun.

# The Poggy Persona: Balancing Challenges with the Inherent Joys

As the narrative gracefully unfurls to its conclusion, Poggy candidly acknowledges the myriad challenges that accompany the illustrious persona of Poggy. Yet, he emphatically emphasizes the inherent joy derived from the ceaseless and ever-evolving creative process. His journey from Sapporo to Tokyo, from a pivotal role on the dynamic retail floor to the helm of creative directorship, stands not just as a testament but as a testament enriched with the authenticity and creativity that define his distinctive persona. The United Arrows x New Balance collaboration, in this expansive context, transcends the realm of mere sneakers; it’s a continuation of Poggy’s profound journey, where hats gracefully descend, and sneakers boldly ascend, reflecting a style evolution that effortlessly transcends the ephemeral currents of fleeting trends.