Isolation Insights: Q&A with Daiki Suzuki from Engineered Garments

We caught up with head designer and director of Engineered Garments, Daiki Suziki on how the New York brand is handling the Isolation period, jazz inspiration and his go-to WFH outfit.

Garbstore: What was the concept behind Engineered Garments when you first started the brand?
Daiki Suzuki: I was trying to create something missing at the time. Something that I would have liked to wear but didn't see anywhere else.

GS: What is your inspiration for when you started to design the latest collection?
DS: For FW20, it was Jazz. More specifically, being influenced by Jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Eric Dolphy, and John Coltrane.

GS: How does your background influence the current running of Engineered Garments?
DS: I take into consideration all of my past memories and experiences which all blend together to create whole new styles. Once that happens, this generates new found excitement within myself.

GS: What do you love about London?
DS: How different it is from the U.S.

GS: What are the new big trends you’re seeing for next season?
DS: I'm old and don't follow or see trends anymore.

GS: Looking forward, what is next in the pipeline we can get excited about for Engineered Garments?
DS: There are several projects that are ongoing, but some might be cancelled due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19, but some will come out. It is hard to tell at the moment.

GS: How are you adapting to now working from home?
DS: It hasn't been easy. All the materials and samples I need are in the office.

GS: How are you maintaining a positive headspace throughout everything going on?
DS: Just hoping everything goes back to normal in the near future.

GS: What is your go-to outfit to work in around the house?
DS: Hoodie and sweatpants or military fatigues.

GS: What are you listening to whilst working through the lockdown?
DS: Jazz, Classical music or Progressive rock from the 70's.

GS: More time at home means more cooking - which recipes have you been trying out?
DS: I don't really cook. My wife does. Her curry and rice is one of my favourite dishes.

GS: What tv / films have you been enjoying whilst at home?
DS: Money Heist, Ozark, and Tiger King on Netflix are amazing!

GS: How have things changed in your local area since the lockdown came into place?
DS: Everywhere in New York now, people have face masks on. You don't normally see this in the U.S. There have been some interesting ways of people abiding by social distancing measures. I once saw 2 women walking together by holding a 6ft piece of string between them. Also, at 7pm during the hospital shift exchange, you can hear consistent cheering for the medical staff that are working hard everyday to help everyone.