MIDWEST 50th ANNIVERSARY PARTY EVENT REPORT

He expressed his gratitude for the 50 years we have walked since our founding in 1976, supported by encounters with numerous designers, brands, and customers, while speaking about the philosophy MIDWEST has cherished since its inception: "Beyond just providing clothing, we want to deliver excitement and discovery through fashion."

Next, founder Masaru Osawa took the stage. Reflecting on MIDWEST’s journey that began in Tenjinyama, Nagoya in 1976, he expressed his gratitude to the customers, staff, creators, and partners who have supported us.

"Connections with people are the greatest asset of MIDWEST."

His words carried both the origin of the 50-year history we have built and the determination to continue moving forward into the future.

Designers Share Their Journeys with MIDWEST

At the event, we received congratulatory messages from designers who have built deep relationships of trust with MIDWEST.

Their stories—of their journeys with MIDWEST, which believed in their potential and aimed for growth together even before their brands were widely known—made for a precious time that highlighted a relationship extending far beyond that of a brand and a shop.

Many designers shared a common sentiment: that MIDWEST is not merely a place to sell clothes, but an entity that deeply understands the background of creation and the heart of the makers, delivering that value to customers.

The trust built over many years, combined with the attitude of our staff who maintain an unwavering passion for fashion, has cultivated strong bonds with many creators.

Kunihiko Morinaga (ANREALAGE)

ANREALAGE designer Kunihiko Morinaga looked back on his 22-year journey with MIDWEST, sharing memories that define his brand's origin, such as his first encounter with founder Masaru Osawa and his first installation held at the Shibuya store.

"To sell clothes is to believe in the creator."

With these words, he expressed his respect and gratitude to MIDWEST for continuing to believe in the potential of so many designers and brands.

Yasuhiro Mihara (Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO)

Subsequently, Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO designer Yasuhiro Mihara gave a congratulatory speech and led the toast.

Reflecting on his years in the fashion industry, he spoke about the significance of MIDWEST’s existence in building a 50-year history.

While acknowledging that many brands are born and change with the times, he expressed his respect for MIDWEST’s commitment to supporting makers and the fashion industry. He encouraged the next generation to "keep your passion for fashion alive," as the entire venue celebrated the 50th anniversary.

Celebrating 50 Years: Cross-Generational Exchange

The venue welcomed many guests, including designers and brand partners who have walked alongside MIDWEST for many years.

Exchanges across brand boundaries, long-awaited reunions, and new encounters fostered a warm atmosphere from start to finish.

By sharing this time together, creators and fashion lovers were able to once again appreciate the depth of the connections built over the past 50 years.

50 Years of History, and Beyond

Since its inception, MIDWEST has discovered new talent in every era and continued to disseminate domestic and international fashion culture.

This 50th-anniversary event was not only a place to look back on our journey and express gratitude to those who have supported us, but also a new beginning for the next 50 years.

Brands, designers, staff, and customers.

The 50 years of MIDWEST have been built upon many encounters and much trust.

We will continue to create new value through fashion and, as an entity that connects people and culture, we will continue to take on challenges for the next era.

Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, and to all who have supported MIDWEST over the past 50 years.