nanamica is a Japanese menswear brand founded in 2003 by Eiichiro Homma in Tokyo, Japan. The name translates as “house of the seven seas,” reflecting the brand’s aspiration toward global adventurous living. Co-founded with designer Takashi Imaki (formerly of Champion Japan), nanamica pioneered what has come to be called “outdoor chic” — designing garments that look like refined everyday menswear from afar, but on closer inspection deploy performance fabrics including GORE-TEX, ALPHADRY, and KODENSHI for genuine functionality. The brand is also the creative home of The North Face Purple Label, the Japanese fashion-forward interpretation of The North Face.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2003
- Founders: Eiichiro Homma and Takashi Imaki
- Headquarters: Tokyo (flagship in Daikanyama), Japan
- Industry: Technical Menswear, Outdoor Fashion
History
Homma spent 18 years as a designer for Goldwin Inc., the Japanese sportswear manufacturer that operates The North Face, Helly Hansen, and other technical outdoor brands in Japan. Through this work he developed expert knowledge of technical fabrics and functional garment construction. In 2001, he left the Helly Hansen team to oversee new business development at Goldwin before deciding to start his own brand. He founded nanamica in 2003 with Imaki, opening the flagship store in Daikanyama — a tranquil, design-conscious Tokyo neighbourhood — in 2004 after waiting for the right space.
nanamica quickly gained attention for its GORE-TEX Soutien Collar Coat: a classic A-line mid-length coat that delivers near-supernatural weather protection while looking like a conventional elegant overcoat. This piece became the brand’s signature and remains a benchmark product in the technical-meets-tailored category. The brand is stocked by MR PORTER, SSENSE, and a global network of menswear retailers.
Design Philosophy
Homma has said: “Many designers just duplicate parts of the design without any knowledge of the logical features of those details. But I know why this shape is diagonal, or why this panel must be here. And so I know how to take those elements and use them in fashion.” This applied knowledge — understanding function first, then translating it into elegance — is what separates nanamica from brands that merely apply outdoor aesthetics. Collections include shirts, trousers, bags, and footwear alongside the technical outerwear, all united by the principle of clothing that transitions seamlessly between urban and outdoor environments.
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