Hirofumi Kurino
Co-Founder & Senior Adviser for Creative Direction, United Arrows
The retail veteran co-founded one of Japan’s most buzzed-about fashion retailers, stocking brands like Comme des Garçons.
Regarded as the leading arbiter of style, Hirofumi Kurino, co-founder and creative advisor of Japanese retail group United Arrows, is regularly referred to as a fashion oracle by industry insiders.
One of the first Tokyo-based retailers to join the Ethical Fashion Initiative, Hirofumi gained international acclaim for displaying products made by the initiatives female artisans at 5th Tokyo international conference on African Development in 2013.
Through his work at United Arrows, Kurino has introduced leading Japanese retail chains including Odette et Odile, Jewel Changes and Another Edition and in 2013 introduced a concession for American shoe brand Steven Alan.
Kurino calls his ubiquitous business a “box,” in which local shoppers are sure to find items they like. “Customers trust us as an honest merchant with a believable selection of brands and items of good quality.”
In 2020, Kurino published his first book "The World After Mode," which describes Kurino's thoughts on clothes, which he has been facing for over 40 years.
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United Arrows: A Unique Japanese Retail Philosophy
TOKYO, Japan — With over 160 stores in Japan, the publicly-listed United Arrows is a major force in menswear retail. But despite its hefty size, its
United Arrows: A Unique Japanese Retail Philosophy
TOKYO, Japan — With over 160 stores in Japan, the publicly-listed United Arrows is a major force in menswear retail. But despite its hefty size, its
Where People Are Shopping Again
As Asia’s recovery outpaces other regions, brands shouldn’t lean on China alone. Multi-brand stores in cities like Seoul and Tokyo are becoming more important to labels trying to claw back lost revenues elsewhere.
Where People Are Shopping Again
As Asia’s recovery outpaces other regions, brands shouldn’t lean on China alone. Multi-brand stores in cities like Seoul and Tokyo are becoming more important to labels trying to claw back lost revenues elsewhere.
Streetwear Took Over the Fashion Industry. Now What?
Hoodies, sneakers and graphic T-shirts may have peaked as high fashion trends, but the movement’s wider influence is far from over.
Streetwear Took Over the Fashion Industry. Now What?
Hoodies, sneakers and graphic T-shirts may have peaked as high fashion trends, but the movement’s wider influence is far from over.
Japanese Menswear Still Rules. Here's Why.
Yoshio Kubo, Bed J.W. Ford and Auralee were among a new crop of Japanese menswear designers who took Paris by storm, but the country’s enormous influence over the market runs deep.
Japanese Menswear Still Rules. Here's Why.
Yoshio Kubo, Bed J.W. Ford and Auralee were among a new crop of Japanese menswear designers who took Paris by storm, but the country’s enormous influence over the market runs deep.
The Japanese Fashion School That Could Birth the Next Rei Kawakubo
A Tokyo-based institution with an unorthodox approach to teaching, Coconogacco has emerged as a new breeding ground for Japanese fashion talent.
The Japanese Fashion School That Could Birth the Next Rei Kawakubo
A Tokyo-based institution with an unorthodox approach to teaching, Coconogacco has emerged as a new breeding ground for Japanese fashion talent.
Italian Prime Minister and BoF Honour 30 Leading Menswear Retailers
In Florence's historic Palazzo Vecchio, the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and BoF founder Imran Amed honoured 30 leading global menswear retailers on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of 'Firenze Home Town of Fashion.'
Italian Prime Minister and BoF Honour 30 Leading Menswear Retailers
In Florence's historic Palazzo Vecchio, the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and BoF founder Imran Amed honoured 30 leading global menswear retailers on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of 'Firenze Home Town of Fashion.'
Menswear’s New Staples
Well-dressed men have long built their wardrobes around a set of traditional menswear staples ranging from suits to brogues. Now, driven by cultural shifts and a booming menswear market, a new set of essential products has emerged.
Menswear’s New Staples
Well-dressed men have long built their wardrobes around a set of traditional menswear staples ranging from suits to brogues. Now, driven by cultural shifts and a booming menswear market, a new set of essential products has emerged.
12 Fashion Experts Look Back at the Menswear Season That Was
BoF speaks to industry insiders about the menswear season that just wrapped.
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The Gatekeepers Who Hold the Keys to Japanese Fashion
BoF examines Japan's 'madoguchi,' the bicultural point people who play the critical role of scout, market researcher, mediator, cultural ambassador, interpreter and deal broker for Western businesses seeking out the most exciting niche labels in Tokyo's often impenetrable fashion landscape.
The Gatekeepers Who Hold the Keys to Japanese Fashion
BoF examines Japan's 'madoguchi,' the bicultural point people who play the critical role of scout, market researcher, mediator, cultural ambassador, interpreter and deal broker for Western businesses seeking out the most exciting niche labels in Tokyo's often impenetrable fashion landscape.
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What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
