Men With Style: Kozo Kawamura, Founder Of Colony Clothing
The Japanese sartorialist lets us in on his inspirations and heroes.
By Gracia Phang - published
Having worked at BEAMS in Japan for 17 years, Kozo Kawamura fulfilled his childhood dream of setting up his own clothing store. Colony Clothing, established in Singapore in 2013, is a multi-label store that curates lifestyle products and fashion pieces with an East-meets-West sensibility, a style the 48-year-old sartorialist coins as ‘New Colonial Style’. With surfing as a hobby, this free-spirited and effortless vibe oozes in his curations and collections.
Kozo Kawamura, 48, founder of Colony Clothing
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HEARTS ALL AROUND
John Lennon/ Plastic Ono Band CD, $26.56, Amazon.sg
“Both John Lennon’s ‘Love’ and the film I Am Sam come to mind when I see the word ‘Love’.”
FROM THEN ON
23-year-old Kawamura in Florence
“My most treasured piece is a suit I got tailor made in Liverano & Liverano in Florence; I was so nervous then. It’s been 25 years since, and I still have it.”
POWERHOUSE
Tatsuya Nakamura, creative director of BEAMS
“I am inspired by stylish Japanese and Italian men, but Tatsuya Nakamura is someone I truly look up to in my line of work. His work ethic, attitude towards buying and fashion are admirable.”
MORE TO EXPLORE
A beach in the Kanagawa prefecture
“An underrated place in Japan would be Kugenuma Beach, Shonan. It’s a part of the country where the Californian-beach culture has evolved into a unique lifestyle of its own. I’d always recommend my Singaporean friends to experience it.”
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SELFCARE
Melograno Fluid Body Cream, $95 for 250ml, Santa Maria Novella at Escentials
“I’ve only been using products from Santa Maria Novella— shampoo, conditioner, lotion—since I chanced upon it in Florence, Italy, when I was 23 years old.”
MIX MASTER
Kawamura’s effortless layering brings him places
“My style is a mix of 20th century mid-century American and European, adapted to the climate and lifestyle of Southeast Asia. I call it ‘New Colonial style’.”
TIPS AND TRICKS
Linen shirt, $350, Colony Clothing
“Honing your personal style is easy. While basics are essential, opt for brands and items that are easy to coordinate and are timeless. The key is to gradually accumulate well made, quality items. Add character with jewellery; a personal favourite are handmade Native American pieces.”
GUILTY PLEASURES
Kawamura surfing
“I love an occasional bath and sauna session, but honestly, the best luxury would be surfing.”
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FASHION FAVOURITE
American designer Ralph Lauren
“A favourite fashion designer would be Ralph Lauren. He created something that is uniquely his by bringing elements of European style into the lifestyle and culture of Americans.”