One of MODMNT’s concepts is the idea of combining and building pieces together. When you develop the designs, do you start with each piece individually?

Suzuki: I aim to create garments that can be worn on their own, without needing to combine them with other MODMNT pieces. I want each piece to make the overall look more interesting when worn. It’s not simply about “one plus one equals two.” I try to design clothes that add up to something greater.

The modular accessories like the apron and down sleeves are quite unique as well.

Suzuki: I’m always thinking about what might be fun to make. After years of designing, it comes down to the “what.” I’ve designed aprons and down sleeves in the past for Engineered Garments, and I thought it would be interesting to revisit them and create new versions.

What were some of the key focuses when designing the clothes this time?

Suzuki: Balance. When I’m designing, I often get caught up in the excitement and everything looks amazing. But when I look at it the next day, something feels off. I have to make sure I don’t overdo it, but holding back too much isn’t good either. I’m always thinking about maintaining that balance.

Finding that balance must be a challenge.

Suzuki: That’s where the individuality comes through, and it also reflects my mood at the time. I design clothes in a certain style, but if someone else approached the same concept, the products will come out completely differently. That balance also shifts depending on the season and the times. It’s like, “Last year, we took it here, but this year, we can push it here.” In a way, it’s all about how well you can assess that balance.

As for the first season, in your mind, did you do more adding or subtracting?

Suzuki: This time, I added more. If I were to do it again, I might leave more out. The word “module” carries both meanings––to add and to remove––and I find that duality intriguing.

The key colors are khaki, navy, and black with some red items included in the mix. What are your intentions behind this use of color.

Suzuki: Basically, I decided the main colors would be navy, black, olive, and khaki. These are standard tones of American styles. If I were to add an accent color, it would be something like orange or red, taken from hunting. These color combinations are practically failproof, and they naturally work well together.

You mentioned earlier about the appeal of American-made craftsmanship, but MODMNT is made in Japan. How did you bring that manufacturing aesthetic into MODMNT’s products?

Suzuki: I’ve collaborated with NANGA before, so I was already aware of their exceptional manufacturing quality. I’m always impressed by their craftsmanship. The down itself is of excellent quality, which is a matter of life and death in their case. Japan’s technology in making garments like that is unparalleled. With that in mind, I thought about how I could express the same kind of imperfection and ruggedness found in American-made products. MODMNT is an embodiment of this challenge. I brought that aesthetic to life through the designs and details. I’d be thrilled if people felt that same quality when they see or wear the actual pieces.

It would be great if people’s free ideas and imagination led to interpretations or styles that go beyond expectations, wouldn’t it?

Suzuki: What matters most to me is that they like the products. When I’m designing, people often ask who my target audience is, but I don’t really think about that. They can be teenagers or in their sixties. All that matters is that they like it. When I was younger, I used to admire the way adults dressed, but now, I’m intrigued by how the younger people put together their outfits. So there is no specific target. I just want people to wear the clothes however they like.