Editor's Note: This interview was conducted by the team from MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO.
Q: What impression do you have of designer Yasuhiro Mihara? Also, what aspects of their manufacturing process and philosophy particularly appeal to you?
Chris Gibbs: What I like most is how Mihara-san is always playing around with "proportions." While incorporating many oversized silhouettes, it's not just about being big. The way the clothes drape when worn is meticulously calculated, and that sense of balance is truly remarkable. Then, as if to surprise us, they sometimes deliberately release compact, cropped items. That gap is really interesting. In addition to the playfulness of the silhouette, there is also meticulous attention to detail, I believe that the combination of his exceptional washing techniques creates his unique and unparalleled fashion sense. I own a lot of Mihara's clothes in my own wardrobe, and whenever I come to Japan, his shop is an absolute must-visit spot for me.
Q: How did you meet Mihara, and what kind of relationship have you built with her so far?
CG: We met a few years ago in Paris through a mutual friend, KB. We started talking about this collaboration soon after, and for almost a year now, We've continued a creative exchange, sharing ideas with each other. That was really fun.
Q: What were your initial impressions when you first heard about this collaboration? Also, were there any aspects that particularly appealed to you or that you found promising?
CG: I think you already know this, but I've been a big fan of Mihara-san for a long time. That's why I was so happy when I received this offer. I'm very happy with the collection as a whole. If I wasn't satisfied with it, I wouldn't have made it in the first place. I hope this will be the start of us continuing to collaborate in the future.
Q: What motivates UNION to collaborate beyond commercial purposes Also, what are the important things you consider when choosing a partner?
CG: To be honest, I rarely collaborate for commercial reasons. In many cases, it starts with a desire to share ideas with brands and designers that they deeply respect. For us, nurturing the community is more important. Being with friends allows us to try things we wouldn't have attempted on our own. You could say it's a "friendly challenge" where we inspire each other. Step outside your comfort zone and enjoy creating things in new ways. I believe that's the real appeal of collaboration.
Q: Aside from this collaboration, are there any other items or collections from Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO that you personally like?
CG: I have a knit cardigan that I bought a few years ago, and it's my favorite cardigan I've ever owned. The fit, the way it drapes, the wash—everything about it is perfect for me. And although it's not a specific item, I think the idea of incorporating the "cleaning tag" as a brand icon is truly brilliant!!!
Q: For this visual production, we exchanged ideas with each other, and the UNION team then shaped those ideas into reality. When you first saw the project proposal, what kind of story and visuals did you envision?
CG: The first request we received from Mihara's team was, "We want to create a campaign that captures the atmosphere of LA." Of course, there are many different ways to express what "LA-ness" means. After brainstorming several ideas, we finally decided to film around MacArthur Park. Coincidentally, I live only about 10 blocks away from that park, and I walk through it almost every day. Some people might have the image of it being a dangerous place. But I think whether it's dangerous or not depends not only on the place itself, but also on how you interact with it. This is my home, so I know the atmosphere here very well. For me, the best ideas come naturally. I thought there was nothing more organic than shooting in a park in the city where I live.
Q: The finished visuals realistically convey the cityscape and cars of Los Angeles, as well as the daily lives of the people who live there. How did you decide on the locations, casting, and visual tone?
CG: As for the location, it's as we discussed earlier. I used models who are all from UNION and with whom I've worked many times before, and the same goes for the photographer. We created everything as the "UNION family."
Q: UNION has always introduced brands and designers from its own unique perspective. What is the most important thing you consider when bringing a new brand or product to a community?
CG: That's a difficult question, but the first thing I think of is "freshness." The starting point for everything is whether the brand is "new" to the customer. Is that brand something you've never seen before? Even if it's a brand you already know, Are they using new approaches or innovative forms of expression? Or perhaps they are simply manufacturing products with an overwhelmingly high level of perfection. The forms may vary, but what's important is that there's something " new " in them.
Q: How are music, art, skateboarding, street culture, and fashion connected to UNION?
CG: First and foremost, we consider our shop to be a "lifestyle shop." Just as much as helping someone find new clothes, it's also about having interesting conversations in the store. We value the opportunity to share information about new artists and music with each other. For us, fashion is communication itself. A means of starting a conversation with someone not through words, but through visual means. That's why art, music, and other forms of culture are indispensable to the UNION store and brand.
Q: How have subcultures like skateboarding and surfing influenced you, and how do they connect to UNION 's philosophy?
CG: I was a skater when I was a kid. I first became interested in visual arts through designing skateboards. It's not very common for children around 12 years old to want to go to art museums. That's why your favorite record covers or skateboard decks can be your first canvas. That was what sparked my understanding of and love for visual art. I believe that's the foundation of streetwear. Also, in the 80s—I grew up in the 80s—skate culture was a complete counterculture and a symbol of rebellious spirit. Those values also shaped my youth. And there's always something that outsiders and countercultures have in common. For us, pushed to the periphery rather than the center of society, it's about encountering "kindred spirits" (fellow travelers) who are similar to us. For me, community was born right there.
Q: How has the city and community of Los Angeles influenced the UNION brand?
CG: Everything. UNION is a reflection of the community itself, and we are LA itself. If this city hadn't always accepted us and supported our crazy ideas, UNION wouldn't exist today. So now, we want to be a mirror reflecting LA, and convey the charm of this city to the world. There are many different opinions on where streetwear originated. But I think it definitely matured in LA.
Q: What music have you been listening to lately? Were there any artists or genres that you frequently listened to during this project?
CG: My musical tastes are really broad. I'm of mixed white and black heritage, and both of my families loved music. So on some days I'll be listening to oldies like The Everly Brothers, I listen to folk music by Simon & Garfunkel, and shoegaze bands like The Smiths and Cocteau Twins. Some might call that their "white roots" (laughs). On the other hand, there are disco tracks like those from GQ and house music like that from Peven Everett. I also love the R&B of Lalah Hathaway and her father, Donny Hathaway. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of new R&B. I've been listening to Kelela, who recently released a new album, as well as Laya, who gives a modern take on 90s R&B, and Leiah. These three groups are truly amazing.
Q: While strengthening its digital presence, UNION also values its physical stores and communities. What role do you think physical stores play now?
CG: I think of physical stores as social spaces where communities can gather and share ideas.
Q: Having been involved in fashion and street culture for many years, what is it that allows you to maintain your curiosity and motivation?
CG: To be honest, I can't really explain it myself. I've always been very curious, highly motivated, and energetic. I don't know if it's something I was born with or if it's due to the environment I grew up in. Eventually, I started to think that fashion could be a way to make a living by pouring my energy into it, and that feeling continues to this day. I like communicating with people. And fashion became the most important "language" for that purpose. That's why I always want to add new "words"—fashion—to my vocabulary. And then, along the way, I encountered the existence of Japan. Since then, Japanese has become the most important "language" to me.
Q: Finally, what do you hope UNION customers and fans of Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO will feel through this collaboration?
CG: First and foremost, I hope people can feel the friendship between UNION and Yasuhiro Mihara. And now, UNION customers who were previously unaware of Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO... If this sparks your interest in this amazing brand, nothing would make me happier!
The UNION x in・stru(men-tal). MIHARA YASUHIRO collection launches in-store at La Brea on August 7th 2026. If anything remains, an online launch will take place the following day.