It’s been a while.

2009 is coming to an end.
There were many memorable things that happened this year that left a mark in my heart.
There were many things which were busily emotional and sentimental.

But, throughout all this the atelier is always calm.
Always coolly looking at the different and various forms of us no matter what the time or occasion is. Work, of course, but also when we eat, drink, play, laugh, cry, get angry, and get depressed; this year also, this place is where I was the longest out of the year.
For us, it is no exaggeration to call this place a holy place that is more than just a workspace.

Things made at a place like such have “spirit” in it.
I feel that “spirit” can also mean “depth”.

Things with depth.

Anyone can make the superficial appearance.
And you can also wholly push what you front.

But, creating with depth can only be achieved with “spirit”.
This is what I am particular of.
This is what I strive for.

After all since these are the times and you are to be yourself.
If everyone can accept that. This is what I will pursue.

From this memorable atelier I present you a photo of the staff. (Production - Inoue, Shimada, Patterner - Iwasaki, PR - Etsugu, Designer - Nishiyama. Chief of PR Mitsui is missing due to a health condition)

Thanks for all the support this year.
Thank you for your ongoing support of WTAPS.

Tetsu Nishiyama WTAPS

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer

The exhibition ended last week free of trouble and hassle.
It was a good opportunity for us to meet and speak directly
to people from local and overseas shops and those in the industry
besides from having people see what we will be doing.
This time was another important week for the brand.

And from this week, I am switching my mindset to the next exhibition.
There are many other projects going on at the same time,
so it is better to start things sooner.

Leaving a mark on the calendar 6 months ahead,
we have started moving towards EX21.

Naoyuki Inoue / Production

The preparation for the exhibition next week is in its peak.
The samples are all here, and the shoot for the look book took place today.
When the usual photo shoot set gets assembled in the atelier,
the atmosphere of the place becomes quite pre-exhibition-like.

With the designer coordinating and the models wearing the pieces
the samples which were flat rapidly become three dimensional.
This is a moment where something you have been involved in from the start looks fresh.
From tomorrow they will be displayed and their role as the “collection” starts.
WTAPS EX20 is right around the corner.

Naoyuki Inoue / Production

Leather talk again
and this time it Chromexcel
from Horween of USA.
It is one of their representative leathers like Cordovan
and it is soft, supple, and heat resistant
also being relatively lightweight.

This season this is used for our lace up boot BEETLE.
It can be said that this material is perfect for boots
in how it does not give a bulky appearance and
when you put them on, they fit and feel well.

Actually, this has been used on the BAGUETTE
and it is becoming a standard for leather at WTAPS.

Naoyuki Inoue / Production

The longer you use, the more it fits the user
and depending on the use the expression changes…
This is what leather is all about.

Most of this season’s leather accessories
are made with the material called buttero from Italy.
A high quality tanned leather rich in oil with
restoring properties in which scratches smooth over time,
and a trademark dull luster which appears with use.

These have been made by downtown Tokyo craftsmen
whose careful work matches the quality of material.

Naoyuki Inoue / Production