An Interview with NIGO®

The Story Behind Our Collaboration

In celebration of our new Blue Bottle cafe in the Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo, we are collaborating with iconic Japanese fashion designer NIGO® and his brand HUMAN MADE. We recently spoke with NIGO® about his first visit to Blue Bottle Coffee, the design of the HUMAN MADE barista uniforms for our Shibuya cafe, and the inspiration behind the Blue Bottle Coffee x HUMAN MADE capsule collection. 

Our Shibuya cafe, which will open April 28, is located in the very center of the Jinnan area of Shibuya, amid the neighborhood’s legendary clothing stores. Shibuya is known as the birthplace of Tokyo street culture. NIGO®—and his brand HUMAN MADE—is also a pioneer of Tokyo street culture so the collaboration between the cafe and his brand is a fitting one.  

 How did you learn about Blue Bottle Coffee? 

NIGO®: My first visit to Blue Bottle Coffee was about three years ago. There was a Blue Bottle cafe near my shop’s new location. When I went to the cafe on my way to work one morning, the atmosphere inside almost made me feel like I was overseas. I loved it so much that I’ve been there almost every day since. I’ve always loved coffee, and though I knew about Blue Bottle Coffee, I had never been to a Blue Bottle cafe until then. Even though it was my first visit, I immediately realized why it is so popular. Of course the coffee is delicious, but the atmosphere, the staff, and the customers are all amazing too. Like everyone else, I was also quite taken by the beautiful cafe space.

How did the collaboration between HUMAN MADE and Blue Bottle come about?

NIGO®: I had the opportunity to meet with Saki Igawa, the Blue Bottle Coffee Chief Brand Officer, at the cafe. She knew I visited the cafe frequently, and during our chat, we discussed the possibility of a collaboration. 

What kind of brand is HUMAN MADE? 

NIGO®: I make things with the theme of "the future is in the past” for various things related to our lifestyle—not just apparel. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the brand and it now approaches my ideal.  

What did you focus on when designing uniforms and collaboration items for Shibuya Cafe? 

NIGO®: I feel that Blue Bottle Coffee and HUMAN MADE have similar goals in terms of respect for tradition and simplicity. I know that if you like Blue Bottle Coffee, you will like HUMAN MADE, and if you like HUMAN MADE, you will like Blue Bottle Coffee. We've used the Blue Bottle Coffee logo to make the collection a staple of HUMAN MADE and to appeal to fans of both brands.

Please tell us about HUMAN MADE Future Blend.

NIGO®: My go-to drink is the single origin pour over. I also like blends that use a natural-processed coffee as their base, which inspired the creation of Future Blend. I love this blend so much. It's a great honor to collaborate on this blend with Blue Bottle and a dream come true.