1.Black suit by GlobalStyle

For more about this item, see LANGUAGE & EDUCATION #003.

2.Gray shirt by Isetan

For more about this item, see FASHION & SHOPPING #021.

3.Black socks by Isetan Men’s

For more about this item, see CINEMA & THEATRE #005.

4.“Avignon" by Paraboot

For more about this item, see FASHION & SHOPPING #006.

5.Black glasses by Zoff

For more about this item, see FASHION & SHOPPING #006.

6.Quilted Jacket by Mackintosh

Back in winter 2017, I went on a quest for a topcoat that could be worn over a suit. I explored the offerings at various outerwear brands throughout Aoyama and Shinjuku Isetan. What especially stood out to me were the quilted jackets at Mackintosh’s Aoyama store. Mackintosh is an outerwear brand that offers classic British style for the modern English gentleman. The flagship itself has a striking facade in black and white that stands out even among the many fashion brands located in the posh Minami-Aoyama neighborhood.

A quilted jacket is made of nylon or wool stuffed with padding and stitched to create air pockets, which act as insulators. It is lightweight and relatively slim, yet very warm.

The female salesperson that assisted me at Mackintosh Aoyama was very thoughtful and polite; options were limited given my size, but she gave me helpful model and color suggestions and even put a couple of new arrivals on hold so that I could figure out what I wanted. In the end, I was torn between a thicker wool quilted jacket and a thinner nylon one. I ended up going with the nylon one, as I heat up pretty quickly and it was plenty warm. The corduroy used for the collar, edge of the cuffs, and hem was also a factor that swayed me.

There are a number of brands out there that sell quilted jackets, but you can tell a Mackintosh one apart by the buttons on the front. Engraved with the name Mackintosh in white, they are a symbol of classic modern British style.