THIRD PLACE MA-1.
Hello, this is Nishiwaki from THIRD PLACE.
Thank you to everyone who chose our special Heril denim the other day.
Last week, I posted on Instagram, where I introduced everyone to Camiel, someone I had always wanted and admired.
We prepare content on a variety of themes every week, and we aim to convey the unique style and way of thinking of THIRD PLACE.
This week's theme is "real clothes (clothes that can be worn on an everyday basis)."
We often use the words "us" and "everyday life," and we have prepared two items that will best capture that essence.
First off, here's the first installment.
We asked BELPER to create an MA-1 jacket just for THIRD PLACE.
When you hear "Belper?", not many people will know what it is. In fact, Belper is a women's brand, and they usually mainly develop collections for women.
It debuted in 2013 and is designed by Yuichi Ozaki.
We create stylish and wearable clothes that give a sense of creativity to the wearer, with the desire to offer something that will elevate them or allow them to discover a new side of themselves when they see or put on our clothes.
Designer Ozaki has studied abroad in the UK, and BELPER's clothes, which are filled with the experience and sensibilities he gained in both Japan and the UK, are enthusiastically supported by fashion-loving women.
So let me tell you why I created the MA-1 with Belper.
That's the influence of the partner and companion I'm always with.
I first met Ozaki-san through an introduction from my partner. Our relationship started as friends, not business, and then I started looking at BELPER's clothes every season. I came across this MA-1 jacket when I accompanied my partner on a buying trip for AW25.
When she tried it on, it looked great on her and I loved it too.
She usually wears MA-1 jackets, so she looked very confident (lol), but since our styles are similar, I was honestly influenced by her and that's how it all started.
To begin with, BELPER's clothes and I are contrasts in many ways.
Normally, I would think that my style and BELPER's style would never intersect. But we both agreed that it's interesting to be connected by people. It's become a common phrase now and I don't like it, but this item is ``real clothes'' in many ways, so we asked them to make it a reality.
By the way, this is the first time that BELPER has proposed a men's item.
BELPER for THIRD PLACE MA-1
COLOR: BLACK
SIZE: FREE
¥69,000+TAX
"A beautifully made MA-1 jacket that has been stonewashed to the point of almost tearing.
The torn parts have been repaired by hand stitching, but the fabric has been subjected to severe stress with the expectation that it will be repaired, which has caused the outer and inner lining to lose their firmness and become limp. The condition of the accessories that were deliberately attached before processing is a testament to the processing environment. The dot buttons on the flap pocket have been worn down and are tattered, the leather used for the zipper pull is now much smaller than it was originally, and the leather has been worn down and turned white around the edges. Looking at the puckering of each stitching and the rippling of the zipper, you can see that it has a nice character. I'm very satisfied.
Also, when I tried using 100% wool for the rib, it was processed too much and turned into felt, so I deliberately knitted it with a mixture of wool and acrylic. Thanks to that, it retains a nice worn look.
Finally, regarding the pattern, I made it with an awareness of the need for roundness, anticipating that the padding would thin out during processing. Not only the arm lines, but the front of the body is also lowered significantly, creating a rounded hemline, and then the length of the back is made shorter, drawing a circle toward the back.
When you put your hands in your pockets and look at it from the side, it emphasizes the impression of being pulled forward. This is just my personal opinion, but I wanted to create a silhouette that feels cool, like a scene from a movie, so I added that kind of curve. " by BELPER Ozaki
What I like about this MA-1 is its stone-washed texture. Men's brands tend to have a faithful, shiny or subdued look, in a good way. What I don't like about military clothing is that it looks unfashionable, but this MA-1 has a nice texture without any unpleasant smell, which I like.
It is filled with padding in anticipation of winter, but it is not too stuffy and is just the right amount to be light and enjoyable in winter, so you can wear it over a T-shirt in autumn and a cashmere sweater in the middle of winter.
Because the MA-1 is a classic item with a long history, it has been made by many people, but the fact that it has been made so many times means that it has the universal value of being "easy to use" and has been accepted into the "daily lives" of many people.
That's why so many people and brands are making them, but just like HERILL denim, I personally like the military feel and standard, and I think I can convey that through this MA-1.
The brand's in-line collection was short and designed for women (it was super cute), so I couldn't wear it myself. I asked Ozaki, "Can I get a larger size...?" and he readily agreed, saying, "I'd like to wear it myself too (lol) so sure!"
This special order item has the same contents as the in-line item, but is simply made in a larger size.
Personally, I like the look of military items worn loosely by women from a male perspective, and this free size gives the same feel when worn by men.
We both tried it on, and since we're both petite at 167cm and 168cm, I think women who like a more masculine look will also like this size.
By the way, Ozaki is nearly 178cm tall, but of course it was made so that taller people can wear it as well.
The styling I would like to recommend for this MA-1 will lead to the second suggestion, so I will introduce it in detail in my next blog!
And this is what happened.
We are on top of the BELPER name, with the brand name barely visible. Does it feel special? Or rather, it looks like we've taken over. Haha, I think this shows our usual relationship.
When I look at BELPER's collections, I think their designs are a strength and there are many eye-catching pieces every season, which I think are wonderful. I think existing female fans will be able to see them from a different perspective than usual. (Although you may not read this blog much...)
Personally, I found it interesting to hear about the thinking behind and production methods behind basic items from a brand whose strength is design, and more than anything, I'm happy that we were able to create a great jacket.
We have completed a piece that is filled with THIRD PLACE's unconventional framework and thinking, so we hope many people will see it. We think it would be great for couples and married couples to match this special edition with the in-line collection. I'll be wearing matching outfits with my partner.
The collection will be unveiled at THIRD PLACE on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Designer Ozaki will be in the store all day on Saturday, November 1, to introduce the collection with us, so we look forward to seeing you there!
The THIRD PLACE OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE will start selling the product from 8:00 PM on Sunday, November 2nd, subject to stock availability.
See you in the next blog We are pleased to present the second installment of "Real Clothes." Please look forward to it!