🧦 We ❤️ JAPAN!
Arvin Goods x NODAL, Japanese Interior Design, NIGO at the Family mart, 10 Japanese Photographers, DJ Ashiko in Hongdae, Arvin Goods...
Arvin News
Happy Sunday, actually Monday,
Sometimes the Sunday Newsletter drifts to Monday, but that is just how it goes.
This week is a special one for us - Japan!
Over the years, we’ve produced multiple collections in Japan, but it all started with an exploratory trip in 2019. We were obsessed with socks from brands like Anonymous Ism and Rototo, and we wanted to create something in Japan while still using Recover Fiber. After a lot of research—and some much-needed help from friends in Japan—we traveled to Awaji Island, met the team at YUI Co., Ltd., and built a few incredible collections.
Last year, when we made the decision to move all manufacturing to Portugal, we still wanted a way to offer Japanese-made socks. On another trip to Japan, the team introduced us to NODAL—their own brand specializing in traditional tabi socks, produced in the same factory we worked with on Awaji Island. The collaboration was a perfect fit: an elevated Japanese-made sock, brought to you through the authentic lens of a Japan-based brand.
NODAL has limited distribution in the U.S., and we’re honored to be one of their partners. We have a few styles and colors available now, and based on the response so far, we’ll be bringing in more. Check out the current NODAL offering [HERE].
Enjoy the news below, and have a great week!
Hope you enjoy today’s Clean Up. We would love to hear from you. Comment here on substack hit us on social, or email us at info@arvingoods.com. Have a great week. Cheers,
Team AG ✌️🧦
Stories Of The Week…
Design
Japanese Interior Design Decoded - Love That Design
Japan has always stood aspirational to the rest of the world in various ways. It stands apart in its culture, philosophy and the despicable discipline its citizens are famous for. Usually related to rhythm, and grounded in simplicity the design style is well connected to nature. Clean lines, natural palettes and minimum style are a few features that define the Japanese Interior Design Style.
Rooted firmly in its culture and traditions, this style of design is often found in association with the Scandinavian design style which is due to their extreme similarities.
7 Principles of Japanese Interior Design:
The Japanese design language has a deeper philosophical understanding while reflecting a sensuous, playful and thoughtful expression. Japanese design philosophy, Wabi-Sabi aims at creating Zen aligned by the guidance of seven design principles.
🪑🎍
Fashion
NIGO: Streetwear Pioneer, LVMH Mastermind... Convenience Store Manager? - Highsnobiety
NIGO has added another string to his already expansive bow. The streetwear pioneer has announced that he is the creative director of Japanese convenience store franchise FamilyMart.
Between being the creative director of Kenzo, running his own brand, and launching a seemingly endless array of projects (from Louis Vuitton runway collections to designing public toilets) the BAPE founder has found time to be the creative director of a convenience store.🏪🍫
Photography
10 Japanese Photographers You Should Know - All About Photo
The history of Japanese photography dates back to the late 19th century, when Japan first adopted Western-style photography. Prior to this, the country had a long tradition of art and visual representation, but photography as a medium was largely unknown.
In the 1870s, a number of Japanese photographers traveled to Europe and the United States to learn about the new medium, and soon after, photography began to spread rapidly in Japan. The early years of Japanese photography were marked by a fascination with the West and a desire to imitate Western styles and techniques. However, as photographers gained more experience, they began to develop their own unique style and techniques, incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics and themes into their work.
One of the most significant developments in Japanese photography during this period was the rise of photojournalism and documentary photography. In the aftermath of World War II, Japanese photographers began to document the country's recovery and rebuilding efforts, capturing images of the country's changing landscape and people. This period also saw the emergence of a number of prominent photographers, including Ihei Kimura, who is widely considered to be one of Japan's greatest photojournalists.📷🇯🇵
Entertainment
FULL VINYL | 90s Hiphop and R&B [Classics and more] | Ashiko@Oeuvre Bar - YouTube
DJ Ashiko is back for The Moment. 🔥 She's bringing a party set with a focus on 90s Hiphop and R&B. She took on the role of the last DJ for the night in Hongdae. Instagram : strange_ashiko 🔊🎧
'The Clean Up' is a weekly newsletter that mixes in some Arvin Goods news, products, as well as stories we saw during the week that are worth a share. From books to podcasts, sustainability to business news, we try to keep it interesting, and fun. If you are not a subscriber, sign up and join everyone who receives The Clean Up directly in their inbox every Sunday.