Interview with Nigo

This is an interview with founder of the limited edition vintage label Human Made. Nigo who is also the force behind cult brand A Bathing Ape and a long-term vintage enthusiast reveals the details that distinguish a collector’s item. (interview from Nowness)

Archival selection Generally, I’m only interested in things up until 1950. It’s hard to explain how I select pieces. From a vintage-history viewpoint it’s a weird selection, but it’s just the things that speak to me most.

Vintage longing I don’t tend to search for things because I like the idea that you come across something and decide at that time if you like it or not. But I want a Lee cowboy jacket, a denim jacket with blanket lining. I found one but it was damaged, and the dealer had repaired it so I couldn’t buy it.

Memorable story The first time I ever bought a vintage garment I was 15. It was a Levi’s Type 2 jacket. The thing was shredded, falling to pieces. My mum was totally pissed off and couldn’t imagine that I’d bought a jacket with holes in it. She gave me hell for it. I’ve still got the jacket now.

Man-made inspirations I didn’t want to make anything for Human Made without actually having the garment to look at, inspect and see how it’s put together. Nothing has come from photographs. Pretty much everything is from my own collection, but rearranged.