United Arrows is a so-called multibrand store and one of the most influential Japanese clothing companies. This album, released on its thirtieth anniversary, is a summary, but also a celebration of its activities.
It features both the visual and written history of the brand: the first, in the form of photos from catalogs and archival advertising campaigns, the second, in the form of interviews and essays devoted to specific aspects of the business – from the “founding myth”, through the original concept of select shop,the approach towards customer service or an interview with the architect of the Harajuku headquarters, to an interview with the art director. United Arrows boasts numerous collaborations with leading fashion and streetwear brands, such as Nike, New Balance, A Bathing Ape, Comme des Garcons and Maison Martin Margiela; details of some of these collaborations can also be found in the album.
United Arrows is of course a must-have for people interested in Japanese fashion, but it will be equally – or maybe even more – useful to everyone interested in strategy and brand image building in general.
