Interview with Sixh. Band and Brand

Passionate about their work, Ibi, Mint, and Nari gave us the inside scoop on the new collection as well as some insight into their dreams for the future.

Despite a hectic schedule, designers IBI and MINT as well as Harajuku store manager NARI (who form the members of Sixh. as vocalist, bassist, and guitarist) took some time out for a few words with ROKKYUU Magazine.They explained the impetus behind the new collection, shared their hopes of where it will take them, and their unique perspective as a band/brand. These guys really appreciate their foreign fans!

69: Congratulations on releasing a new collection.

Sixh.: Thank you.

69: First, could you tell us a bit about this collection?

IBI: Sure. Well, there are two designers bringing two lines to the Sixh. collection. Mine is based on the costumes and clothes found in the visual kei scene. This time, I focused on a napoleon theme as the central design. For example, the clothes I’m wearing right now are typical of the collection. Of course, this type of loud piece was designed with the idea of standing on stage.

69: Are there any important improvements this time around?

IBI: Important improvements… Yes there are. For example, the use of materials we haven’t tried before. Also, the intricate use of buckles and clasps such as I’m wearing now are a new feature.

69: What kind of message do you think Sixh.’s clothes send? What message would you like for them to send?

IBI: I think my IBI Design is a lot louder than most normal clothes. Of course, there are those who love that sort of thing. However, the important part is that all sorts of people are exposed to my clothes via musicians and others who stand on a different stage in life and send the message that life can be lived brightly through my clothes.

69: And how about the other collection? What message do you wish to send?

MINT: As for me, I’m designing with the aspects of mode and Japanese imagery in mind. Using Japanese ninja styling as a reference, I put these into designs. This time, I’m focusing on checks and tie-dying with various color and Japanese original materials, mostly the kinds of things that encourage you to go on with positivity.

69: Sixh. is quite a unique concept, I wonder how your schedule as designer/musicians pans out?

MINT: It’s tough!

IBI: It’s tough, but I think it’s fun, too.

69: How do you decide on priorities?

IBI: By order of deadline? (Laughter all around)

MINT: Well we work at both simultaneously. For example, whilst managing the store, NARI also writes music and then I add the lyrics. The resulting concept then translates into a new story for our clothing. Basically that interaction is how our concepts are born.

69: Recently, you collaborated with various bands to create t-shirts. Do you have a history with those bands? Why did you work with them in particular?

MINT: Well in some cases they were originally acquainted with our chief designer, h.NAOTO and that’s how we came to be introduced or else they wore our designs as costumes and it was just fate that we developed this collaboration.

69: Do you have any plans for future such collaborations?

MINT: Just like today’s event live, we have plans to hold more events with bands not just amongst the major scene but also in the underground scene.

69: That sounds interesting.

IBI: We plan on dragging in all sorts of musicians and involving them in our collections for various collaborations.

69: Great! Well, getting back to today’s event, what’s your favorite moment of a fashion live?

IBI: My favorite moment… Let’s see. Holding the show and receiving the crowd’s impressions in that moment. Or when they see our clothes and practically glow in response. Of course, it’s the same during the lives. Those are the times I feel most happy.

69: So it’s satisfying, then?

IBI: Yes, it is.

69: What dream do you have for Sixh. as a brand and as a band?

MINT: I’d really like to be able to be active not only in Japan but, of course, overseas as well so we’re working hard towards that goal.

69: I’m sure everyone has high expectations of you. On that note, if there’s anything you’d like to impart to the foreign fans, this is your opportunity.

IBI: In summer I went over to Dallas in America to participate in an event. There were some incredibly passionate fans and I really felt their strong belief in us so we’re going to work like mad to be able to go overseas and if you guys over there support us we’ll definitely be able to come see you!

69: And MINT?

MINT: I’d like to be able to communicate with everyone overseas through the media of clothes, so please wait with high expectations.

NARI: Of course, we’re aiming for overseas so I feel strongly about wanting to face that challenge and hope that you’ll support us.

69: Thank you for those messages and for your time today.

There are 22 photos in this visual kei exclusive.

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