needles

Founded in 1997 by Keizo Shimizu, the visionary behind the influential Nepenthes retail empire, Needles emerged from a deep appreciation for American vintage and workwear. Shimizu, a former importer of US-made goods, launched Needles to create garments he couldn’t find elsewhere, filtering classic Americana through a distinctly Japanese lens. The brand is celebrated for its masterful blend of textures and silhouettes, transforming familiar archetypes with unconventional details and premium Japanese production. Core expressions of the brand include its now-famous tracksuits, often in vibrant colors with a signature butterfly logo inspired by Steve McQueen's tattoo in the film *Papillon*, and the innovative Rebuild by Needles line.

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