# CAV EMPT

Located in Shibuya FROM-FIRST BUILDING, the store of CAV EMPT occupies a building designed by the renowned Japanese architect ‘KAZUMASA YAMASHITA’ and completed in the 1970’s. the building is a testament to his mastery of form and function, aesthetic remains almost perfect.
His artistic completeness is evident from the fact that the FROM-FIRST BUILDING was selected as the ‘Building of the Year’ by the Japan Institute of Architects in 1976.

If you climb the maze-like stairs that wind their way up, you’ll find CAV EMPT store on the second floor. The floor is made of shattered glass, and fabric products are displayed behind PVC made curtains, The interior design of CAV EMPT’S store breaks down preconceptions, much like their designs themselves. They use curtains, which is a kind of layering that adds to the sanctity of their collections and items. While also embodying the values of director sk8 thing, who operates under anonymity, in its emphasis on anonymity.

FROM-FIRST BUILDING, after passing through the PVC curtains, At the behind we can find CAV EMPT the mysterious collection. and over there, where is our destination.

# WACKO MARIA

To some people, a shirt is kind of subjective. For instance, from how to button it up, and the presence of collars, to the existence of patterns, they all clearly reflect the wearer’s personality, preferences, and lifestyle.

WACKO MARIA is a brand that interprets in the most genuine way. FREEDOM, MUSIC, and PARTY are their slogan. They present materials that inspire each collection more intuitively printed on their shirts.

WACKO MARIA’s store is located at very serene spot, after passing through the bustling streets of Omotesando and Harajuku. The surrounding area is only made up of a gas station, a pedestrian bridge, and a small mart.

It’s a casual store. When you walk into the store, what you see is a table can let you enjoy your cocktail and coffee. And above the coffee is a neon lamp written with the slogan ‘GUILTY PARTIES’ just in the photo.

Amidst the outdoor chairs and Basquiat’s artwork in the background. Basquiat’s art works can be pretty easily find in WACKO MARIA’s store, reflecting their values through their shirts in each collection, as expected of the WACKO MARIA style.

Talking about WACKO MARIA

WACKO MARIA is a Japanese brand that launched in 2005. Drawing inspiration from the broad category of art and reinterprets it in its own unique way. At the same time, it also strives to follow the two titles of high quality and romanticism.

I think people must be curious about what WACKO MARIA means and how the brand got its name. And also curious about the meaning of WACKO MARIA.

Actually, it’s not a proper noun. WACKO MARIA is made up of two words. First, “WACKY” which means eccentric, and “MARIA”, Which refers to the well-known Virgin Mary. When you combine the two words, they become “eccentric Virgin Mary.” I felt it would be interesting if there was a god or deity that was a little eccentric. That’s why we chose the name WACKO MARIA.

And now, Let’s introduce the team members!

Store Manager : HIROFUMI FUJIMOTO

I am WACKO MARIA Tokyo store manager, and my name is HIROFUMI FUJIMOTO. My hobby is jogging and I enjoy it. (Laughs).

HIROFUMI san was wearing knitwear the pattern also designed by Basquiat’s pop art.

Sub-Manager : NORIYUKI NEMOTO

I am NORIYUKI NEMOTO, as a store assistant manager of WACKO MARIA. And I am also fascinated by collecting vinyl records(Laughs).

NORIYUKI san was wearing WACKO MARIA’s signature leopard print knit and trousers, as well as Vans sneakers. The most impressive thing was NORIYUKI san’s pants. Every time he moved, something glittered, and I imagined a situation where he accidentally spilled eye makeup shadow or wore too much to shimmer.However, the trousers are made of fabric with glitter embedded in the wrinkles.

Press : YUHEI MURATA

I responsible for press duties. And also works as a DJ as a side job. I think that’s why, vinyl collecting has become one of my hobbies. I’m enjoys fishing and baseball from time to time.

YUHEI san is a person who often appears in WACKO MARIA’s lookbooks just like a model, but in fact, he also holds the position of store manager.

Overseas Sales : NATSUMI TAKAHASHI

My name is NATSUMI TAKAHASHI, I’m charge of overseas sales. And my hobby is photography.
By the way, all the members of WACKO MARIA are wearing 23SS products today. And we try to balance with each other’s style.

The LPs and speakers densely packed on the back of the table are quite impressive. I’m curious about where they came from.

As we drew inspiration from culture, particularly music, it was natural for us to accumulate a large LP collection. as a matter of fact, to start WACKO MARIA this brand before, we used to run a small bar. The speakers you can see in the back were used there, and you could say they’re precious vintage items. Another detail that the store pays attention to is the slogan” 世界平和”(world peace) that can be found throughout the store. It’s written on neon sign and even on our wooden decor. Hidden in every nook and cranny.

Each time, WACKO MARIA always presents new creations at the intersection of culture and art. If want to create something based on culture, there must be some element of personal taste involved.

In the 2023 collection, which all staff members wore today, I think WACKO MARIA’s idiosyncratic tastes are reflected.

The 2023 collection focuses more on collaborations with horror movies. The first collaboration features graphics from the 1988 American horror film “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers,” directed by Fred Olen Ray. The movie is quite extreme and provocative, and we incorporated those elements into our clothing. It’s definitely our best collaboration this season you can tell. And also a fun fact, Martin Scorsese revealed that he is also a fan of “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers.” Which we collaborated on. (Laughs)

TO BE CONTINUED.