The founder of vintage shop Grimoire launches a new feature highlighting affordable vintage items amid rising prices in the second-hand market.
Naoki Juhai, the founder of the vintage shop “Grimoire” and the vintage platform VCM, has made significant strides in Japan’s vintage clothing scene since the inception of his business in 2008. With an expansive portfolio that includes the country’s largest vintage festival, the “VCM Vintage Market,” and various retail and event spaces in Shibuya Parco, Juhai continues to engage various fields centered on vintage fashion. His recent endeavors include the publication of his first book, “Vintage Collectables by VCM,” released in October 2023, which aims to connect vintage shops and enthusiasts across Japan.
In this shifting landscape, Juhai has launched a new serialized feature titled “Must-Buy Vintage of the Reiwa Era,” where he highlights underappreciated vintage items every Friday. The focus of the 38th edition is the “Patagonia” Dri-zzler Jacket, a noteworthy inclusion amid a rising trend for second-hand clothing and vintage items experiencing skyrocketing prices. Despite the perception that vintage clothing is becoming increasingly expensive and is largely catered to a niche audience of collectors and affluent individuals, Juhai assures readers that there are still vintage Patagonia items available at reasonable prices.
Patagonia has garnered a dedicated following among vintage enthusiasts, with items such as the “Glissade,” “Das Parka,” “Snap-T,” and “Retro-X” commanding premium prices. However, Juhai emphasizes that not all vintage pieces from Patagonia are out of reach financially. He highlights the “Ultra Plush Overshirt,” produced for just two years starting in 1997, as a unique offering that remains comparatively affordable. This fleece jacket features a red Glen check pattern and is known for its soft, plush fabric.
The term “Dri-zzler” originally referred to a sports jacket developed in 1945 by the New York-based brand McGregor, which was designed for light rain during golf. Over the years, the term has evolved to describe similar jackets across various brands. Alongside the Ultra Plush Overshirt, Juhai also presents the “Boilerplate Jacket,” produced from the late 1990s to the 2000s. The Boilerplate is characterized by its simple design and warm fleece lining, distinguishing it from some of Patagonia’s more iconic vibrant color offerings from the 1990s.
Juhai’s selections for this feature were recommended and loaned by Genki Ogawa, the owner of the popular Fukuoka vintage shop “SNUG.” While Patagonia has seen a surge in popularity among vintage fans in recent years, Juhai notes that these particular items are not widely available, yet their pricing remains reasonable, typically hovering between 30,000 and 50,000 yen depending on size and condition. He cautions that if the trend continues, prices are likely to rise, encouraging potential buyers to act swiftly if they are interested.
Through Juhai’s insights and recommendations, readers are provided a glimpse into the evolving vintage market and the enduring appeal of brands like Patagonia, even as the landscape shifts with rising prices for historically significant items.
Source: Noah Wire Services
