Having worked with the likes of adidas, Neighborhood, A Bathing Ape Kazuki Kuraishi is a household name in Ura-Harajuku. While at present he has recently begun working with CASH CA and Levi’s Lefty, two very fascinating ventures with the first a sole project and the latter a partnership with Takahiro Miyashita that warrant his vision and work ethic. Having caught up with the designer recently, I asked him to answer a few of my questions so please enjoy.

SLAMXHYPE / What’s your favourite thing about where you live?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / I live in Tokyo, I like it because most of my close friends live here.

SLAMXHYPE / Your favourite store in your city?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / Aoyama Book Center

SLAMXHYPE / What are three items you don’t leave home without?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / Wallet; Jam Home Made’s money clip and Hermes’ coin case, Mobile Phone; Docomo, Key’s; CASH CA’s key holder

SLAMXHYPE / What’s your favourite holiday location?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / Hawaii

SLAMXHYPE / One place you really desire to visit?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / I would really love to visit a place where I can see Aurora

SLAMXHYPE / What are the worst trends around today?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / I don’t know much about trend’s so not sure how to answer this.

SLAMXHYPE / What’s the best thing to come out in 2011 to date?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / I have always been fond of coffee, so any trend to do with coffee interests me. It would be my dream to become top Barista! I drink coffee every day and use a Nespresso coffee machine at home and office. Another personal trend is Panerai watches.

SLAMXHYPE / What’s the must have item for you for FW2011?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / Scarves continues to be my “must have item” for fall and winter.

SLAMXHYPE / What are you reading?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / A Japanese book called Sartoria Napoletana, its about making of fine Italian suits.

SLAMXHYPE / What are you listening to?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / James Blake or my bands’ music

SLAMXHYPE / What’s the best film you have seen in the last year?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / “Crazy Heart” and “A Single Man”.

SLAMXHYPE / Your favourite website?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / www.liabn.com and www.madsaki.com

SLAMXHYPE / What influences you on a daily basis?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / Clothes and Friends

SLAMXHYPE / What will you do after this interview?

KAZUKI KURAISHI / Go back to work