Being an arbiter of cool is no mean feat. To do so for more than twenty years in a country as fashion obsessed as Japan is near impossible. But this is what Hiroshi Fujiwara was born to do. With fingers in many creative pies, the original Harajuku godfather owns Head Porter, which started in 1998 as a collaborative venture with Yoshida Kaban – owner of seminal Japanese luggage brand Porter. Head Porter earned its name for basically pimping up the more conservative luggage designs of Porter, adding designs such as subtle polka dots and more variation round streetwear themes. Fujiwara added wallets and stylish tote bags that Tokyo creatives would wear rather than the Porter designs that have become salaryman-in-the-know staples over the years.
Head Porter Plus is the apparel arm of the venture and prides itself on delivering fresh prep styles with top quality fabrics. The spring 2012 collection features innovative twists on wardrobe staples; think chinos with multicolored inseams and plaid shirts in unexpected color combinations. Classic with individual nuances, it’s a collection that has Fujiwara’s touch all over it. Nigo’s mentor has built an empire around knowing what’s right at the right time.
Head Porter Plus also has a successful ongoing collaboration with Nike Sportswear and the duo have a Nobuo Araki-designed retail venture, NSW at Head Porter Plus, located in Harajuku. Naturally, the full Nike Sportswear and Head Porter Plus collections are sold – but keep a close eye out for limited edition collaboration items.