How KASHIYAMA Became a Japanese Custom Suit Sensation

I had the pleasure of meeting the KASHIYAMA team a few weeks ago at a pop-up event in uptown Charlotte. There I was introduced to a KASHIYAMA stylist and team member who went through the process of fitting me for a custom women’s suit. This included taking measurements, trying on different pieces to assess what was the best fitting/comfortable, and then we picked out other details such as which color I wanted the suit, the style of buttons, and countless other things I could have never imagined because, well, I’ve never actually had myself fitted for a suit from scratch.

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KASHIYAMA is part of a worldwide portfolio of brands beginning with their parent company Onward KASHIYAMA’s tradition of innovation and the introduction of the Hoffman Press in 1948. This allowed for their first success in the mass production of luxury goods, with their traditions carrying on into the 1970s as they developed partnerships with other luxury brands, such as Saint Laurent and Ralph Lauren in Asia.

We spoke with BJ and the team to learn more about KASHIYAMA and their expansion plan.

ONE37pm: Great to be chatting with you guys! How did Kashiyama come to be?

BJ: Even if KASHIYAMA is fairly new in the US, its history started almost 100 years ago with our founding in Japan. KASHIYAMA is part of the Onward group who has over 50 fashion brands worldwide. Using the decades of data from these other brands, KASHIYAMA was founded in 2017 for made-to-measure products through our continued strategic use of technology and innovation. We set up our Smart Factory to produce direct to consumer orders with hundreds of selectable custom options and fit specifications.

ONE37pm: What made you decide to come to Charlotte to do your pop-up?

BJ: Our goal is to develop the perfect suit for our clients and our willingness for innovation is bringing us all around the United States to test various markets and meet a broad range of clientele. In our first year we had a temporary store in Charlotte that we closed due to COVID, we still have a lot of clients and aficionados in North Carolina, and we want to continue to give them the true KASHIYAMA experience.

We also know that Charlotte is a hub for business and banking professionals and has many other stylish people looking to dress to impress.

ONE37pm: What can we expect in Fall and Winter 2022 from you guys?

BJ: At the end of August, we launched more than 100 new Fall and Winter fabrics that include a lot of exclusive fabrics from all around the world. We reintroduce our line of overcoats and a full new line of Made in Japan shirts. Trend wise, beyond our solid color best sellers, we have introduced a lot of patterns and textures allowing our clientele to express their character and personality during cooler seasons.

You can keep up with all of KASHIYAMA’s latest releases on their website.