Exceptional Japanese Quality Backed by 128 Years of History
September 2022
Founded in 1894, KINDWARE is one of the oldest men’s apparel companies in Japan. In 1968, KINDWARE became a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency when it was commissioned to provide all the official ceremonial clothing for the inauguration of the new Imperial Palace. In 2019, KINDWARE was commissioned to provide ceremonial clothing to the Imperial Household Agency upon the ascension to the throne of Emperor Naruhito.
KINDWARE’s new flagship store, opened on July 25, 2022 in a quiet residential area one block away from Aoyama-dori Street. Designed by renowned designer Masayuki Tsuda, the store was inspired by an elegant house in early 20th century London. Antique furniture and furnishings imported from England and Persian carpets create a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a scene where gentlemen of the time socialized and engaged in passionate discussion while enjoying cigars and drinks.
The design and layout of the new store is not merely decorative, it also provides an environment where KINDWARE’s tailors can do their best work. The three most important elements for a tailor are the fabric, the cutting table, and the fitting room. These elements are accordingly placed at the head of the room. A large 2.5-meter cutting table, custom-made to facilitate the spreading and working of fabrics, is placed in the most important position in the store like a high stage around which the tailors do most of their work.
The store’s fitting room is another important stage. This luxurious area allows the customer to shine with the utmost confidence. Although part of the main room of the store, it is separated by curtains to make it a completely private room, both spacious and of the highest quality.
KINDWARE’s tailors are formal clothing and suit professionals who attend their clients with dignity and knowledge. They can be relied upon to provide precise, expert advice and to select the most suitable piece from more than 3,000 fabrics and over 700 linings. Experienced in serving both Japanese customers and customers from overseas, they can make KINDWARE originals and the collections of HUNTSMAN, the top London tailor established in 1849. Both have full bespoke and made-to-measure lines.
KINDWARE and HUNTSMAN, a holder of several Royal Warrants during its illustrious history, have enjoyed a long relationship. When HUNTSMAN wanted to sell ready-to-wear clothing in Japan in the 1970s, KINDWARE was the obvious choice of partner. Matching HUNTSMAN’s technology, KINDWARE received HUNTSMAN’s technical guidance and became the only company in Japan allowed to use the HUNTSMAN brand name.
All KINDWARE clothes are made in Japan. With a history of over 50 years, KINDWARE’s made-to-measure workshop in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, employs over 90 craftsmen, some of whom have been working for the company for more than half a century.
It takes more than 400 processes to make one garment. The most distinctive feature of this process is the large number of careful intermediate pressing steps. The clothes made by this process do not lose their shape, become three-dimensional, and become more comfortable to wear. They fit around the neck and do not feel heavy.
The quality that can only be achieved in Japan, backed by 128 years of history, can be found at KINDWARE’s flagship store in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo.
KINDWARE FLAGSHIP STORE
2-13-2, Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku Tokyo
TEL.03-6721-5123
