Feature

LC JOURNAL vol.10

“PLAY ELEGANCE.”
LANVIN COLLECTION

LC JOURNAL

French Beauty,
Japan in the Moment

VOL.10

TOKYO,THURSDAY,September 10, 2026

Takayuki Oshima x Ryo Omuta

Perspective as an editor、Elegance in everyday life

SPECIAL DIALOGUE

The guest this time is a web magazine launched in 2004.“HOUYHNHNM”editor-in-chief of Ryo Komuta. With a focus on men's fashion, we delve into a wide range of topics such as the outdoors, art, music, and food, and our unique culture features, as well as real interviews featuring the latest trends and notable creators, are gaining popularity. Mr. Omuta, who oversees web media that stimulates the sensibilities of city dwellers, and we talked about a wide range of topics, from current men's fashion to recent lifestyles.

Takayuki OshimaTakayuki Oshima

director. He has built a career at department stores, select shops, and collection brands, and has directed and worked as a VM for domestic and international fashion brands. Established Cuatro LLC. in 2024.
Ryo OmutaRyo Komuta

Editor. After working at a publishing company, he became the editor-in-chief of the web magazine "HOUYHNHNM". https://www.houyhnhnm.jp/ He is also active as a personality on the podcast ``The Economics of Culture and Urban Development ~Culture Scapers~'', which is broadcast every Tuesday. https://www.instagram.com/com0728/

The future path that media should take

“When I heard the word "elegance",the first person that comes to mind”Oshima

Please tell us why you were offered Mr. Omuta as our interview partner this time.

Oshima

"LC JOURNAL" initially started with the theme of "people who will express the new Lanvin Collection together", and we worked together three times with the team that produced the lookbook, and later collaborated with Noritake to create things.This time, we are casting with the theme of "people who make Oshima feel elegance".

Omuta

I've been hearing from Mr. Oshima for a while now about rebranding the Lanvin Collection. Therefore, “PLAY I knew that the concept was ``ELEGANCE.'', but when I was approached, I said, ``Where do I find elegance...?'' 'I had this thought. However, when I listen to some of the keywords that Mr. Oshima just mentioned, they are not words that come to mind as a first impression of elegance, and I wonder if he saw those elements in himself. But, ``Are you okay? I still think that (laughs).

Oshima

Also, one more thing. I've never said that to Mr. Omuta, but it's his voice. I thought it was really nice. My wife and I were listening to a podcast this morning and she said the same thing. So it's a shame that I can't make my voice heard.
My impression of you hasn't changed much in a good way since the first time I met you. I heard you were from the same generation, but I thought you were calm.

“It is important to have access to primary information”Omuta

Mr. Omuta, who is currently at the forefront of men's fashion and culture, please tell us your thoughts on selecting information.

Omuta

A question that always comes up during interviews with new graduates is ``How do editors collect information?'' ” There is something called. Every day, we receive input from social media and all kinds of media, and I think that's what everyone does. In the end, it comes down to who and where to get information from on SNS, so I think editing and curation will become increasingly important. Also, I am reminded once again of the importance of primary information. Even if a store you see on social media has a really nice presentation, when you actually go there, you often find that something is different. I often receive information from SNS, but I try not to take it at face value.

Oshima

Yes, that's true.

Omuta

I think we have entered an era in which we need to seriously consider the role and significance of the media. In the sense that we use smartphones to obtain information and use our time, I think there are some places where we have to stand on the same field as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc. I'm sure there are users who access media directly or organically, but I think it's more common now to browse media when they see information they like while browsing SNS.

Oshima

I think SNS has changed over the past year and a half. You control what you see. Advertisements are determined by algorithms, and AI may give incorrect answers depending on the way the questions are asked. In such a situation, I think it is very scary to take things with a grain of salt. There's a difference between "investigating" and "searching." Didn't do any verification. This goes back to what I was talking about earlier, that information can be obtained, but... I think the key is to have the wisdom to take advantage of that.

Omuta

That's right.

Oshima

Also, I don't think social media is good or bad, but I think people will come back to the physical world. Things like the comfort of a bookstore and what attracts you. I have a feeling that things like this will be reversed, and I think so.

Omuta

There is so much information coming in that exceeds what humans can handle, so unless it's impressive, it will be quickly forgotten. Therefore, even when new brands are launched, I feel that there are more and more silent brands that don't talk much about their products. I've heard that if you give out too much information at once, people will feel like they understand everything right away. Like, ``Okay, next.''

Oshima

There's really a lot of information...

“From cleanliness to coolness”Oshima

What do you think adult men are really looking for in their lifestyles now?

Oshima

I think the first thing is comfort. I think they're looking for comfort that can't be measured by numbers, such as not getting confused and feeling good, rather than functionality such as being washable and drying.

Omuta

As hot days continue for such a long time, what we think of when we hear the word comfort is how cool it feels when it's hot. I'm not a professional in making clothes, but I think it's more difficult to make cool clothes than warm clothes.

Oshima

In other words, the key to our brand is how much elegance can be incorporated into comfort. Which one is the coolest? To be honest, the answer is, "Anything above 35 degrees Celsius is hot." But summer fashion is also changing, and sleeveless clothing for men has become more natural, and transparent clothing is no longer a problem. You can't help but sweat. But you don't want sweat stains on your clothes, so make sure to use tailoring and materials that won't stain your clothes. I've come to think that wearing cool clothes when meeting people is an element of fashion. In the past, it was a clean feeling, but now I think the point is that it has a refreshing feeling.

Omuta

When it comes to not just clothes but lifestyle as a whole, I think everyone is tired anyway, so I think there is a high demand for ``healing''. I believe I'm not the only one (laughs). I think the concept of "retreat," which means escape or retreat, will start to receive more attention. Specifically, I personally think there should be more focus on hot springs.

“Switching between two bases in Kamakura and Tokyo”Omuta

Oshima

Komuta-san, are you tired now?

Omuta

I don't think that will happen... (lol).

Oshima

I use the term "reward" to mean something that makes you work hard because you have it. It's not a big thing, but do you have something in your daily life that makes you feel relieved? I'm looking for it now...

Omuta

In my case, I live in Kamakura and work in Tokyo, so my on- and off-work days are not continuous, but are clearly separated. When I lived in Tokyo, I had the feeling that work was play and play was work, but now my mindset has completely changed. In that sense, Saturdays and Sundays are simply a reward.

Oshima

Mr. Komuta's weekends have an impression of the sea and bonfires. It's nice to have weekends like that.

Omuta

When you take a train from Tokyo to Kamakura, the next station before you is Kita-Kamakura, and I often hear that the atmosphere of the area changes from there. That's really true. It feels like a switch is turning naturally.

Oshima

It will turn off. I can't switch things up and I find it a little scary to work with the same enthusiasm day in and day out. I wonder where I live...I never thought about it.

Omuta

If you can't change your location, maybe you should create an opportunity to change your mood within yourself. For example, try changing the scent from your usual one.

Oshima

I started to feel like I was receiving counseling (lol). I have a tendency to become dependent on scents when I get tired.

Omuta

Recently, a brand I like has released a series of incense products, and I started looking at incense again, and I thought it was a slightly unusual product. This is because incense doesn't burn for that long, right? Therefore, if you want to enjoy incense for a certain amount of time, it will take some effort. It's a bit like flipping over an analog record. But I think this “going out of the way” feeling is important. I think if you just do something ``going out of your way'' on your day off, you won't feel tired. Lately, I've been thinking that it doesn't have to be a big deal, as long as you feel like you've spent your time.

Oshima

I might call you ``sensei'' the next time I see you (lol).

Omuta

Please give me a break (lol). I'm a person who is really far from anything like a polite lifestyle...

“In the margin of the season theme,Adding your own interpretation”Oshima

What is the theme of this season's Lanvin Collection?

Omuta

Does each season have a theme?

Oshima

I will receive a proposal from my home country (Paris). This time it's ``Beauty that is not perfect''. My interpretation is that it's okay to expand this blank space.

Omuta

It's such an abstract theme that leaves room for interpretation.

Oshima

That's right. We add originality from Japan to both our clothes and our images.

Omuta

This season's theme is "The Elegance of Almost."

Oshima

The theme is that it is not complete elegance. We have thought about adding casual elements and adding elements that are out of the ordinary, and this is reflected in the styling as well.

Omuta

I see. When red comes out, I get the feeling that it's (stylist) Hayashi-san.

Oshima

It's strong, after all.

Omuta

This photo is cool. I think the feel of the buttons is really nice. «Note: Insert LOOKBOOK link»

Oshima

Thank you very much. I think this area will be handled and expressed after the rebranding. As each round goes by, the sharing of intentions deepens, and these kinds of breakdowns emerge.

Omuta

I once had the opportunity to interview Mr. Hayashi for ``Huyhnhnms,'' and I think he is an elegant person. You can feel the sexiness and elegance in the way it's slightly broken down.

Oshima

When it comes to styling, I tell them what I want in a meeting and basically leave the rest to them. We value the ability to express our “uniqueness.”

What are your impressions after looking at the lookbook?

Omuta

I think elegance is a very difficult concept, but I get the impression that the creators involved are effortless, unpretentious, and effortless in their creations, and that's what's taking shape. Rather than direct elegance, I would say it exudes natural elegance. I thought it was the perfect amount of spooning.

“be humble toomaybe it's elegance”Omuta

Your brand concept is ``PLAY ELEGANCE.'' What do you think elegance means to you?

Omuta

There are various movements that I think are elegant. Things like closing the door quietly, picking up trash, always carrying a handkerchief, and speaking to store staff using polite language. It doesn't really matter, but to me these are all elements that form elegance.

Oshima

He's a person who thinks he's doing everything right. I thought it was nice to see that my handkerchief was ironed when I took it out. Wearing well-organized clothes is also a sign of elegance. Being clean may also be close to elegance.

Omuta

I'm not saying that I'm good at it or anything like that... But I want it to be as much as possible. Also, perhaps being humble is elegance.

Oshima

There is also a difference between humility and modesty. For example, recently I've been thinking that it's better to say ``Thank you'' when you receive a compliment.

Omuta

I understand. It feels better that way.

“I am interested in the act of eating.”Oshima

Is there anything the two of you would like to try in the future through fashion and culture?

Omuta

Mr. Oshima, do you not work in the food and beverage industry?

Oshima

It's a genre that I'm very interested in.

Omuta

I thought so.

Oshima

Are there any food-related trials at work or at your company?

Kosakai

``Fuyinnam'' has been handling food content for some time, but we would like to expand on it even more. I like fine dining, and I also love casual set meals and local Chinese restaurants. I hope I can express that range well. The company thought it would be interesting to have a staff member who wanted to do snacks. I'm really interested in it as a place where we can deepen communication and foster community.

Oshima

As I've gotten older, I've become more interested in the act of eating and the effects of what goes into our bodies. I tried going gluten-free. When I do that, I feel a little better and I realize that food can make such a difference.
More than just what I want to do, I'm really interested in restaurants. Should I call it a hobby? I like stores. When you open a store, everything is ad-libbed, such as what kind of customers will come and what kind of orders will come in. I like that kind of improvisational art because it feels like watching a stage performance.

“Intelligence based on experience and humor output”Oshima

I think intelligence is a profound word. There is an intelligence that only emerges when you are in the place and experience the history first hand. I think he has a great knowledge of studying fashion and knowing everything about the history of Western clothing, but it's a little different from saying, ``I love clothes and wear old clothes and fashions''. I feel that we need both intelligence based on actual experience and humor to output that intelligence.

“Three-dimensional and multifaceted media”Kosakai

``Huyhnam'' is a web magazine that started out as a fashion magazine, but as time has passed, it has evolved into a medium that introduces various lifestyles. We would like to accelerate this movement even more in the future. To this end, we have divided our editorial department into teams starting this spring. There are many things I want to do, but if I had to pick one thing, I would like to further revitalize my physical efforts. Host an event or create something. My current vision is to move media three-dimensionally.