Thursday, May 31, 2007

05-31-07 New Concept, New Lines...



Hello, Everyone-

It was great opportunities in Japan! Our show of PureLime was pretty good, and I could meet a lot of people in the industry of fitness in Japan.


FUNTRAP SHOWROOM wil change its concept.
We've been showing a lot of "contemporary brands" instead of "lifestyle brands".
But from upcoming LA MARKET, FUNTRAP will more focus on LIFESTYLE BRANDS, such as active wear, lounge wear etc.

Our permanent lines as follows :

PureLime
Designed in Denmark with celan lines, great colors and innovative styling are what define the line.

Reflex Sport *** NEW
REFLEX SPORT is a contemporary Yoga/Lifestyle and Athletic line. All products are made in California, and they use only top fabrics and constantly promote newly found fabric directions such as Organics (Bamboo, Soy etc).

LA BODY *** NEW from JAPAN
Multi factional sports underwear with pop and funky color stories.

Seasonal lines and a supportive artist from Japan :
KIRIGAMI WORKS by Kanako Yaguchi
SMO
Muddy Boots
NEON ELEMENTS

Please come to visit our LA Showroom during LA MARKET JUNE 08-12

Looking forward to seeing you soon!!
Please contact FUNTRAP SHOWROOM for an appointment

Saturday, May 19, 2007

05-19-07 Have You Heard Of RESCUE SQUAD in Japan?



Hello, Everyone-

I'm in Tokyo. I've been staying for 10 days to have meetings, PureLime show and so on.
The next day I arrived in Tokyo, I visited ISI Corporation where I used to work.

ISI runs the conceptual store chain called RESCUE SQUAD - FIRE FIGHTERS
http://rescue99.com/
They actually opened their first store "FIRE FIGHTERS" at HARAJUKU, and it was the same year that the world famous "BATHING APE" & "UNDERCOVER" opened its first store "NOWHERE" on the same street, PROPELLER STREET in Harajyuku.

FIRE FIGHTERS became famous in the Japanese fashion market because of dealing with FDNY T-shirts, which are worn by American fire fighters in NY. In the US, each fire department usually makes its original T-shirts. Not only firemen wear, but also they sell them to the community for a part of its community services.

As far as in Japanese, it was just released the movie, "Back Draft", when FIRE FIGHTERS opened the store and many Japanese were fascinated its movie, and admire the spirit of American firemen. Since then, FIRE FIGHTERS has been a great relationships with its fans who are from Japanese official fire fighters and rescue people to fashionists, such as stylist and models. Especially in early 90s, it was a huge boom of American Casual in Tokyo, called SHIBUKAJI - Shibuya Casual -, and FIRE FIGHTERS provided typical American clothing, like LOGO T-shirts. Department T-shirts are simple, but they always express the spirit of FIREMEN, so they have been accepted by many guys who like American style.

The first store of "FIRE FIGHTERS" is still located on PROPELLER St. and it was celebrated over 15 years now. (They changed its name RESCUE SQUAD - FIRE FIGHTERS since 1999) Now they have 7 stores in Japan and also runs online and catalog stores.

RESCUE SQUAD always has great connections with many different kind of PROFESSIONALS, such as designers and manufactures. Also they have many opportunities to work with outside industries as a apparel company because this store is the only store who cross over between apparel and fire fighting. Of course they are many stores who sell "military items" or "surplus goods" in Japan. Usually FIRE FIGHTERS's T-shirts are sold in those stores. However RESCUE SQUAD tries to attract not only who are interested in fire fighters, but also in fashion. That is the different between other geeky stores and RESCUE SQUAD.

They are not that popular like BATHING APE because they don't have "signature" producer/designer like NIGO is.But its quality of clothing and uniqueness is still outstanding, I believe. That is why they still here!!

RESCUE SQUAD is now aiming to attract the US market, which is actually its origin, conceptually. Their customer service providing in Japanese market will help its expanding to the international market, such as issuing direct mails with hand writing comments by sales associates or the point system with membership cards.

The web site of RESCUE SQUAD is captivating many fans and provide a lot of knowledge of RESCUE things for ordinary people as well.

I hope they will accept the US market sometimes soon :)

Friday, May 11, 2007

05-11-07 Funtrap Will Be In Tokyo...





Hello, Everyone-

We'll be on the road to Japan!

First PureLime Mini Show will be held at YASU Gallery in Omotesando on May 22nd, TUE

YASU Gallery
5-51-1 Jingu Mae Shibuya Ku Tokyo
11:30-17:00

By Strong Co., Ltd
http://www.yasugallery.com

Over 15-year-old, true MADE IN California line, Reflex Sport will be shown at this show for the first time in Japan as well!
"http://www.reflexclothing.com/"

Please contact Storng Co., Ltd to schedule of an appointment:
+81-3-5766-1323

はじめてのPureLime展示会を日本で行います
スケジュールは5月22日(火)、表参道にある「康ギャラリー」で開催いたします
康ギャラリー
渋谷区神宮前5-51-1
フィットネスプラザ内
http://www.yasugallery.com
11:30-17:00

主催はストロング(株)ですので、恐れ入りますが展示会のアポイントは
下記の連絡先までお問い合わせ願います
03-5766-1323

当日は、MADE IN USAのフィットネスブランド「Reflex Sport」のサンプルもご覧いただけます
"http://www.reflexclothing.com/"

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

05-02-07 SMO... Renewed Its Web




Hey, Guys-

Check this out!

SMO has a new website, and all Spring Summer items are uploaded!
Unfortunately, only Japanese available...
"http://www.smo000.com/"


But check their "PRODUCTS"!!
Email me if you are looking for specific styles for you.
I'll find out the US stores!