Visvim boots

Visvim designer Hiroki Nakamura climbs the ladder of success by fusing the old with the new. Ever since his twenties, Hiroki Nakamura had an affinity for Americana clothes. The old-school utilitarian vibe and workwear influence really resonated with the Japanese creative, so much so that in he launched his very own footwear brand called Visvim —a company that quickly built momentum by expanding into a full-fledge menswear label.

And although his products reflected his unwavering commitment to the quality and craftsmanship seen in vintage items, Nakamura wanted something more: a brand that not only nodded to traditional workwear but also had a place in contemporary fashion.

Visvim clothing

Today, Visvim is one of the leading menswear labels to come out of Japan , having gained a cult following among guys who appreciate top-tier garments with meticulous workmanship. And we mean meticulous. Every fabric Visvim uses is developed exclusively for the brand by mills Nakamura personally selects. Though the use of natural dyes, vegetable-tanned leather, and handcrafted details are incredibly time-consuming, this approach is very much in line with his vision of old-meets-new.

Visvim fbt

Some of his methods are so traditional that even storied Americana brands have abandoned them for more efficient practices. But I also think Americans are free-thinking. Factories are closing in Japan, too. But that aesthetic—vintage-tinged clothing with forward-thinking sensibilities—is exactly why Visvim has done so damn well.

To read the full profile on Visvim, including information about the brand's expansion into womenswear, head over to BoF. Complex Main Logo. Joshua Espinoza. Complex Original.