Following on from themes as abstract as WHITE and FLOWER, Tokyo’s the POOL aoyama concept store is ready for its next project — OLIVE. THE NEW ORDER magazine recently caught up with the masterminds behind the project, Hiroshi Fujiwara and Tetsu Nishiyama (names that should need no introduction), to discuss the inner workings of the concept. They also go into detail on how WTAPS/FPAR worked together for this project and how Tokyo’s most exciting retail venture came into being. Check out an extract from the conversation below and head over here for the complete feature.
Tet, what are your thoughts on the concept of the POOL aoyama? What has appealed to you about the store from the first two initiatives?
Tetsu Nishiyama // The concept of using the space of an actual pool that was once in Aoyama, having visualized and redeveloped it into what it is now, is very interesting. There are probably people who hadn’t been to what the pool was back then, or even knew about it in the first place.
The first initiative (WHITE) when the POOL aoyama first launched was extremely well received and made a great impression. I was equally impressed when they changed up the concept entirely to the FLOWER theme, the second time round. Just when I thought they were doing something really interesting is when they approached me. I was honored. It would be the first time I would work with Hiroshi, and after the invitation came, I found myself trying to hide my nervousness whilst working together. (Laughs) I do think it’s a great concept though.
Can you explain the concept of OLIVE? Where did the inspiration come from?
Hiroshi Fujiwara // The concept and name for OLIVE was something that I originally came up with. This was decided even before the POOL aoyama was opened. In fact, before the POOL aoyama was even built, WHITE, FLOWER and OLIVE were already projects that had already been planned in advance. OLIVE, the most recent project is based more on a theme of military and khaki aesthetics.
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