Q&A: Yuketen Fall-Winter Collection
018
Yuki Matsuda's passion for quality has allowed his talented team to engineer some of the best handcrafted footwear available. Yuketens new Fall/Winter collection has slowly been hitting selected retailers worldwide and with the most diverse selection to date, we had the pleasure to sit down with Yuki to discuss their latest collaborations, styles, and inspirations.
Writer
—Max King
Photographer
—Nicholas Haggard
-
Was there any source of inspiration behind the FW11 collection that differed from previous seasons?
1 of 7
For FW11 I wanted to maintain the overall Yuketen aesthetic of classic American outdoor sporting lifestyle in addition to classic town and country American lifestyles. Of course there are some new style additions for FW11 but overall the feeling is the same as with past seasons.
Does working in Maine feel it has influenced the direction of your brand? We know the region holds a special place in your heart.
I love Maine and I always enjoy spending time there. Maine living is like being transported back in time 40 - 50 years because there is an overcoming feeling of freedom which cannot be experienced in a metropolitan area. Maine is removed from the influences of modern city life and there are less people so I feel great freedom when I am in Maine. I love all countryside areas throughout the World. I think I am more at peace when surrounded by nature. -
What sorts of challenges arise from collection to collection? Were there any hurdles that you felt you had to overcome for this Fall/Winter collection?
2 of 7
Quality control is always a top priority for Yuketen and we continue to strive for the best quality every season. Also, it is very difficult to get leather on time and very difficult to recruit people that can produce Yuketen quality products.
When working on a new collection, do you feel there are boundaries when it comes to your designs?
Not really. I have a great team and everybody helps me so I can concentrate on new ideas and have freedom of design. -
We feel that Yuketen is one of the most diverse and creative footwear brands. How difficult is it to keep finding new materials and methods to work with?
3 of 7
Thank you for your kind words and support for Yuketen. I'm lucky because I have the unique opportunity to work with talented and knowledgeable people. Everyone contributes so the outcome is guaranteed to be good. Also, each time I want to introduce a new material or concept everyone is wiling to support me and try their best to bring my idea to fruition. -
Quality construction and innovative design are elements of the brand that really define it from similar brands out there. Do you find pushing things forwards can be tough while you are using the production methods of an older time and in a market that is becoming very saturated?
4 of 7
No I don't think so. I have ideas cooked up for many shoes that I want to make using the current construction methods we are using. No other brand can match Yuketen's quality because of the amazing people that create Yuketen. I truly believe no other factory possesses the talents that we do. I have a great team and I'm not alone.
For Fall/Winter we have had the pleasure to collaborate on some models for Inventory. What are your thoughts on the outcome and how is the process of working with Inventory on Yuketen products?
It's my pleasure to work with Ryan, Simon and the team from Inventory. I hope you guys like what you receive this fall. -
Do you have any new styles or updated versions in your upcoming collection that has you feeling really excited?
5 of 7
Of course I like all Yuketen styles but Maine Guide Wingtip Boots are my favorite this season.
What has it been like to witness Yuketen grow season after season? How do you decide which retailers will stock your collections?
So far so good thanks to the Yuketen team! We still have a long ways to go though. As far as new customers all I can say is that we will choose them very carefully. Yuketen products are very limited so we need to be picky which stores are capable of selling Yuketen. Our first criteria for selecting a retail partner is their ability to stand behind our products 100%. I hope they can be as passionate about Yuketen as I am. -
Living in California, is there aspects of your lifestyle, like surfing, that play a major role in the development of your brand?
6 of 7
Not much actually, California is my home where I can relax and keep a normal routine. For example, on a normal Sunday I enjoy shopping at the Antique Market and having dim sum lunch. I know it may sound simple but that is what I enjoy most about California living, the simplicity. — -
Field Note
7 of 7
Inventory's buyers have selected our favorite models from Yuketen's Fall-Winter collection, which are now available at the Inventory Stockroom. This includes a second collaboration between Yuketen and Inventory Items, the result is an exciting new version of the Maine Guide Shoe, made especially for Inventory. The Maine Guide Shoe features a tan suede upper, natural leather welt and black Vibram sole. The custom heel detail, interior stamp and natural herringbone shoe bag all complete another great product brought to life by the team at Yuketen.
Visit Inventory Stockroom
