In their popular collaboration with Felissimo, Takami Matsumoto and Marina Watanabe's unique fashion sense and the product development incorporating relatable "experiences of the adult generation" have been a huge hit every time. Many customers have commented, "They really understand the worries of the adult generation," and "They reminded me of the joy of fashion that I had forgotten!"
The theme for the highly anticipated fourth installment is "Let's be friends with 'the me of today'." We listened to the two of them share their passionate thoughts as they stood before the newly completed items.
1. Mixed-material dress
"As an answer to the common complaint, 'It's hard to find a dress that adults can wear elegantly...', we aimed to create a summer savior dress!"
(by Marina Watanabe)
This "Pleated Dress with Mixed Materials that Instantly Creates a Beautiful Balance (Cooling Touch)" is perfect for summer outings because it creates a beautiful silhouette just by slipping it on.
Marina Watanabe (hereinafter, Ms. Watanabe):
I'm so happy with how this dress turned out! This item was born from a conversation I had with Takami-chan about how, as you get older, dresses don't suit you as well anymore. Dresses with a relaxed silhouette can look too casual and sloppy, while dresses with a more formal design can feel too restrictive.
Takami Matsumoto (hereinafter, Matsumoto):
Especially in the hot season, clothing materials tend to be thinner. Dresses that complete an outfit in one piece are appealing, but when you actually wear one, the fabric can stick to your body when the wind blows, revealing your figure. Like, "What, a fish print!?" (laughs).
Watanabe-san:
This dress is so comfortable it's practically loungewear, but it doesn't cling to your body, so it won't make you look like you're wearing a fish print (lol), and it makes you look slim. Silhouettes are strange things; just because something is slim doesn't mean it makes you look slim. Surprisingly, having a little bit of room can make you look thinner.
Mr. Matsumoto:
The outfit combines a compact top with a flowing accordion-pleated bottom, creating a balanced silhouette just by wearing it as is. The combination of the check pattern and accordion pleats also draws the eye away from the body with every movement, making the lower body appear slimmer.
Watanabe-san:
That's right. Optical illusions are scattered everywhere. We're at an age where our figures start to lose their definition, so if optical illusions can make us look slimmer, we should definitely take advantage of them (laughs).
Mr. Matsumoto:
The design features a slight overlap between the top and skirt, which helps to conceal the waistline. Even small differences can make a big difference in appearance, so we worked closely with the Felissimo planners, creating numerous prototypes to find the perfect balance, constantly asking ourselves, "How many centimeters and millimeters should the overlap at the waist be?"
Watanabe-san:
It's incredibly comfortable, so you can wear it for long periods without feeling stressed. Thanks to the pleating, you don't have to worry about wrinkles whether you're kneeling, sitting in a chair, or traveling for extended periods. It's perfect for summer trips or visits home.
Mr. Matsumoto:
Another important point is how much of the neckline is open. The décolletage area is the part of the body that shows age the most; it can look sparse on slender people, and wrinkles on the neck can become more noticeable on fuller-figured people. When it's hot, you're tempted to open up your neckline, but by deliberately choosing a style that's a bit higher and covering the décolletage, you can look much more elegant.
Watanabe-san:
I also love the traditional check pattern, which is one of my favorites. The pleating makes the check pattern diagonal, so it doesn't look childish and gives off a mature and intellectual vibe. White gives off a refined elegance, while black is casual but has a nice, calm look.
Mr. Matsumoto:
In the prototypes, we also made ivory instead of white, but the white made the area around the face look so much better. The reflecting effect brightens the area around the face, so even if you usually tend to reach for nuanced colors, I highly recommend trying this white!
Watanabe-san:
The contact-cooling material that feels cool the moment it touches your skin is another noteworthy feature. The recent summer heat is just too harsh for adults, isn't it? We put a lot of effort into the materials so that you can stay as cool and comfortable as possible.
Mr. Matsumoto:
When it's hot, you might not feel like choosing an outfit, but having this dress in your closet will be a reliable ally. It goes well with both sandals and sneakers, and you can just slip it on without thinking and look stylish—it's a special item I'm very confident in.
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
2. Cape Cardigan
"This is a fantastic item that will help you move beyond a simple style. I've incorporated my personal preferences as a cape lover!"
(by Matsumoto-san)
This "cape cardigan that you can easily throw on" has a unique and refreshing design. Just throwing it on as the finishing touch to your outfit instantly makes the whole look more stylish.
Watanabe-san:
This item is a masterpiece created by Takami, who loves capes.
Mr. Matsumoto:
I wanted to enjoy wearing a cape in the summer too, so I packed in everything I wanted to do (laughs). In the summer, outfits tend to be simple, but as you get older, simple doesn't look good anymore, or you just don't feel confident in it... You start to think, "I need something more!" That's when you can just throw on this cape and it adds a touch of mature elegance and pulls the whole look together nicely.
Watanabe-san:
It's airy and lightweight, and the cool-to-the-touch material feels refreshing against the skin. The way it drapes gives it a stylish, relaxed look, making it appear cool and refreshing.
Mr. Matsumoto:
A key feature is that the underarms at the front and back are left unsewn, creating deep slits. This allows for unrestricted movement, so the garment won't become disheveled even when you raise or lower your arms, and you'll have plenty of room even when carrying luggage or holding onto a handrail on a train.
Watanabe-san:
It features trendy voluminous sleeves and can also be layered over long-sleeved blouses, so you can wear it until early autumn, and it also hides those気になる upper arms!
Mr. Matsumoto:
It's lightweight, but the shoulder seams are well-defined, so it doesn't look too casual. It's a cardigan, but it also has a jacket-like feel. But since you don't have to put your arms through the sleeves, it's definitely cooler than a cardigan or jacket! It's also recommended for people who dislike the feeling of clothes clinging to their arms, especially during menopause.
Watanabe-san:
Since this item is designed to be layered, we made the neckline slightly wider and adjusted the opening to allow the inner layer underneath to show off nicely. We also paid attention to details that are not easily visible, such as the double hook closure at the neckline and the grosgrain ribbon on the placket.
Mr. Matsumoto:
During the photoshoot, Marina-chan wore a cape over a combined dress, and it looked so elegant and perfect for going out—it was truly lovely!
Watanabe-san:
The top and cape of this combined dress are made of the same material, so they go together really well. It also looks stylish paired with a sleeveless top and jeans, so it seems like you can enjoy various styling options.
Mr. Matsumoto:
It's lightweight and folds up compactly, so you can easily carry it in your bag and it'll be useful for protection against air conditioning. Even if you've never tried a cape before, I hope you'll enjoy it without feeling intimidated!
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
3. Double gauze wide pants
"We've updated the often cozy double gauze material with a stylish, bold wide silhouette."
(by Watanabe-san)
—This is an updated version of the double gauze pants that were so popular last year.
Watanabe-san:
That's right. The previous version was also on the wider side, but this time they made the silhouette even wider, giving it a more fashionable and trendy look that's perfect for this year.
Mr. Matsumoto:
Double gauze fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable, but if you're not careful, it can easily look too casual. That's why we incorporated sophisticated details like a bold wide silhouette and stripes throughout to give the whole piece a sharp, polished look.
Watanabe-san:
To allow for tucking in tops, the outside of the waistband is lined with fabric for an elegant accent. The waist tie is intentionally made longer, creating a design accent that proudly proclaims, "It's not just showing, it's meant to be shown!" Thanks to the attention to detail, I think we've created a pair of pants that's more than just casual loungewear.
Mr. Matsumoto:
The double-folded hem is another detail that prevents it from looking like loungewear. The volume at the hem accentuates the figure, and the straight silhouette that falls straight down makes the entire leg look slender and beautiful.
Watanabe-san:
I wanted to look good from behind too, so I had the position of the back pockets adjusted down to the millimeter. Because it draws the eye upwards, it creates an optical illusion that makes my butt look smaller.
Mr. Matsumoto:
They look incredibly stylish when you wear them, but the high rise makes them cool and breezy, almost like pajamas. For adults, comfort is key to stylish summer fashion, right?
Watanabe-san:
Of course, its greatest appeal is the soft double gauze material! You can enjoy the change in texture as it becomes softer and more comfortable with each wash. Thanks to the design, it doesn't look sloppy even when it's softened, which is a nice bonus.
Mr. Matsumoto:
I'm still loving the double gauze pants I made last time! All the items in the Adult Women's Club collaboration are women's sizes, but my husband saw me wearing the last pair and said he wanted a pair if they fit him. I think he'll like these stripes!
Watanabe-san:
These pants are lightweight and dry quickly, making them perfect for travel. They're so comfortable you'll want to wear them all the time—whether you're strolling around town, relaxing in a hotel room, or even sleeping. The subtle stripe pattern gives them a solid-color feel, so try pairing them with a simple top first.
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
4. Lightweight denim skirt (cooling effect)
"We've created a denim skirt that's comfortable to wear even if you have a tight waist, a protruding belly, or if it's a hot day!"
(by Matsumoto-san)
--The moment Marina appeared in this denim skirt, the staff exclaimed, "It's beautiful!"
Watanabe-san:
The project started with the idea, "Wouldn't it be great to have some cool denim that's comfortable even on hot days?" But when it was finally completed, the silhouette turned out even better than we imagined, and we were so impressed!
Mr. Matsumoto:
Marina-chan, it really suited you! It made your legs look long and slender, and your upper body looked slimmer.
Watanabe-san:
What's groundbreaking is the angled front zipper. This alone gives it a fashionable feel without being bulky, and it makes you want to tuck in your top to show it off.
Mr. Matsumoto:
It makes tucking in your top effortlessly stylish, and it seems to go well with trendy, slightly fitted tops. I highly recommend it to anyone who's always wanted to tuck in their top but hasn't quite had the courage yet.
Watanabe-san:
It completely covers my waist and hips, yet it still looks sleek—it's like magic! The back is elastic for comfort, and the stretchy material means it doesn't feel tight even when sitting, so it's perfect even if I've overeaten and my stomach is bulging. I want to wear this all the time when I eat out (lol).
Mr. Matsumoto:
Even though it's long, the stretchy material makes it easy to move around in, even without a slit, which is fantastic! For us adults who don't want to show our legs, slits are a no-go (lol).
Watanabe-san:
The hip pockets are designed in a base shape, and the design makes your bottom look slimmer, so it looks great from any angle. The volume makes it easy to balance with tops, and it's perfect in every way!
Mr. Matsumoto:
Of course, since the base design is "denim you'll want to wear even on hot days," we paid close attention to the materials. The lightweight, cool-to-the-touch fabric has a mesh-like lining, so it feels smooth against the skin.
Watanabe-san:
Summer denim often has fabrics that are too thin or too flimsy, but this skirt is lightweight yet has a solid denim feel. I think even denim lovers will be very satisfied with the texture.
Mr. Matsumoto:
Many people find denim in the summer uncomfortable because the fabric sticks to the skin, but this skirt is incredibly comfortable. It's voluminous yet lightweight, so you can enjoy denim styles without hesitation even in the summer.
Watanabe-san:
It comes in three colors: indigo, light blue, and black. We paid special attention to the placement of the blast finish on the light blue version. By placing it higher than usual, it makes your legs look longer.
Mr. Matsumoto:
There's an optical illusion at work here too (lol)! Anyway, you'll understand how great this skirt is once you try it on! So I really hope you'll give it a try.
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
5. Glitter knit top
"I love T-shirts, but they don't suit me as well as they used to... This is a common problem for adults, and we've solved it with the sparkle of glitter!"
(by Watanabe-san)
――――This "Elegant Glitter Sweatshirt-like Knit Top Collection that Brightens Your Face" is a casual item in itself, but it looked very glamorous and lovely when Marina wore it.
Watanabe-san:
I'm so happy with how this turned out! It's simple, but the glitter really gives it a strong presence.
Mr. Matsumoto:
Simple and basic clothes can make your face look flat as you get older, so they're easier said than done. I think there are many adults who used to wear T-shirts every day when they were younger, but now they don't suit them as well, and they don't know what to wear anymore! This all-over glitter is the solution! It sparkles subtly and brightens up the area around your face.
Watanabe-san:
It's so cute just by pairing it with your usual pants without thinking too much about it, and it instantly elevates a simple style. As you get older, you want to be seen as "put together" rather than "dressed casually." It's comfortable yet gives off a special feeling, so I highly recommend it to those who prefer a casual style!
Mr. Matsumoto:
The silhouette may look simple, but we've actually put a lot of thought into it, adding details like ribbing around the neck and triangular stitching to create a sweatshirt-like design.
Watanabe-san:
The sleeve shape, at first glance, seems unremarkable, but the width is just right—neither too tight nor too loose—creating a silhouette that looks like a straight line drawn all the way up to the elbow. This shape makes the upper arms look really nice.
Mr. Matsumoto:
The length is just right, and the boxy silhouette gives it a compact look. Anything larger would look sloppy, and anything too slim would be too restrictive; this maintains a perfect balance. The overall design is sweatshirt-like, but the hem is deliberately left straight without tapering. For us adults, who have issues with a protruding belly, this clean and simple style is just right.
Watanabe-san:
It feels like a new classic for adults, something that suits me now that I'm older!
Because of its clean silhouette, it would go well with voluminous wide-leg pants or skirts.
Mr. Matsumoto:
Absolutely! Marina looked great in it paired with a denim skirt during the photoshoot. You can wear it casually like a T-shirt, but it never looks like loungewear, and you can totally wear it to a lunch party!
Watanabe-san:
The inside of the knit fabric is 100% cotton, so it feels comfortable even against bare skin. Despite the glitter, it's not itchy, so I hope many people, especially those who are sensitive to skin irritation during menopause, will wear it.
Mr. Matsumoto:
It comes in three colors: heather charcoal, khaki, and heather gray. The glitter adds a feminine touch, so we balanced it out by using basic, sophisticated colors. I think it would suit both mature women with silver hair and those with ash-toned hair colors.
Watanabe-san:
It goes well with basic bottoms, of course, but it might also look cute paired with brightly colored bottoms. Adding pops of color with necklaces, bags, or shoes would also make it stylish. As a huge T-shirt lover myself, I think I'll be wearing this top a lot!
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
6. Wrap Cloth
"It might look like a challenging item, but it's surprisingly easy to style! I want adults to enjoy fashion freely."
(by Watanabe-san)
――――The "Wrap Cloth that creates nuanced layered looks just by wrapping it, no rules required" was a project that came about from a casual conversation between the two of you, right?
Watanabe-san:
That's right. Since it's summer, instead of choosing clothes in a negative way like "it doesn't suit me" or "I can't wear it," we came up with this item with the idea that "it would be fun if there was an item that would make fashion even more enjoyable!"
Mr. Matsumoto:
This cross can be styled in many ways, such as wrapping it around your chest like a bustier or around your waist. It can be difficult to style with a shirt, but with this cross, it's surprisingly easy! No matter how you wrap it, it somehow looks stylish.
Watanabe-san:
If you look closely, you'll see it has an asymmetrical design, and just wrapping it around your neck creates a stylish look. It looks like you've wrapped it diagonally even though you haven't, so anyone can look like a fashion expert. It's also recommended for those who admire layered styles but find them difficult to try.
Mr. Matsumoto:
The knot of the long string looks cute whether you tie it in the front or the back, and it's basically correct no matter how you wrap it! There are no rules, no right answer, so you can't go wrong (lol).
Watanabe-san:
I recommend adding it to a simple style like a T-shirt and jeans. The vertical check pattern creates an optical illusion that makes you look slimmer, and the color range blends well with outfits, making it easy to match with basic styles.
Mr. Matsumoto:
It looks effortlessly chic and sophisticated. Since wrapping it helps to conceal your figure, it's also recommended for those who want to hide their waistline!
Watanabe-san:
Because it's made of a surprisingly thin and lightweight cotton blend, it's perfect for those who think, "It's too hot in the summer, I don't want to layer anything!" Of course, it can also be used as a regular scarf to protect against air conditioning, and it looks stylish when wrapped around the neck, making it ideal for carrying in your bag every day.
Mr. Matsumoto:
I think it would look great worn over a swimsuit like a sarong at the beach or pool! And it's made of a cotton blend, so it's easy to care for.
Watanabe-san:
It's an easy way to change up your usual outfit with just one action, so I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who isn't usually into scarves.
- Items to wear
- *You will be redirected to the Felissimo official website.
With the right mindset, you can transform "menopause" into "happy menopause"! We asked for tips on how to enjoy summer fashion in a positive way.
"You don't have to give up anything or endure anything just because of your age. Let's fully enjoy fashion that suits you now."
(by Matsumoto-san)
Thank you again for sharing your passionate thoughts on each item. I was truly impressed by how you two solve the fashion dilemmas of the adult generation through the power of design and silhouette.
Watanabe-san:
Whether it's not looking good in simple clothes, not being able to tolerate the summer heat, or changes in body shape, the worries of adults are endless, aren't they? There are also issues related to menopause, and it's natural that various physical and mental changes occur as we age. That's why I think it's important to accept and enjoy these changes, rather than resisting them.
Mr. Matsumoto:
That's so true. If it's hot, you can choose cool materials, and if you're self-conscious about your figure, you can hide it. I hide a lot myself, you know (laughs). But if you're going to hide something anyway, wouldn't it be great if you could hide it stylishly? Wouldn't it be nice to look beautiful without having to endure anything or force yourself to do anything...? That's the feeling that led to the creation of our collaborative items with Felissimo.
Watanabe-san:
While some clothes no longer suit you, you might find that new clothes do suit you, and there are surely styles that you can only pull off now that you're older. Even if you can't change the situation, shifting your perspective to a positive one will make you feel much more at ease.
Mr. Matsumoto:
We've already tried hard enough (laughs), so we don't need to try any harder to be fashionable. You don't have to give up anything, and you don't have to force yourself or endure anything. Let your clothes do the work for us! So this summer, I want you to rely on the power of your clothes and pamper yourself.
――――The worries and inconveniences that increase with age are things we can never simply pretend didn't happen. But instead of just denying these changes, finding new ways that suit "who I am now" is what leads to this theme, "Let's be friends with 'who I am now'."
Watanabe-san:
That's right. Rather than being trapped by your past self, I think that rediscovering your new self and embracing it in a positive way will make life and fashion much more enjoyable.
While all of the items in this collaboration are characterized by their comfortable fit and slimming details, our fundamental hope is that you'll enjoy the excitement of your first impression—the feeling of "What a lovely design!" and "I want to wear this!"—just as much as you'll enjoy the expectations of "This looks comfortable!" and "This looks like it will hide my figure!" Fashion is fundamentally about uplifting your spirits, so we believe that the excitement of the design is also very important.
Mr. Matsumoto:
That's why I'd love for you to switch on your playful side as an adult and actively try out new items. In this case, things like glitter, capes, and wrap cloths... these kinds of new items make your style look younger. We certainly don't intend to try to look younger than we are (laughs), but it's wonderful when adults look vibrant and youthful. If you wear things that make you look younger, you actually become younger, and if you wear things that make you look stylish, you become stylish. I think clothes have that kind of effect.
Watanabe-san:
It's so hot every day, and everything feels like too much trouble, so there are times when I think, "Whatever I wear, it doesn't matter!" (laughs). But at times like that, it's really reassuring to have an item that makes you think, "Oh, I have that outfit!"
Mr. Matsumoto:
There's a huge difference between "This is good enough" and "This is what I want." If you continue to dress in a way that you truly enjoy, going out will become more fun, and you'll have the energy to get through even the hottest days. I think we've created a collaborative item that fully supports the adult generation, so I would be delighted if you would rely on it a lot.
"Adult Women's Society" @otonanojoshikai
Maki Nomiya, Takami Matsumoto, and Marina Watanabe are all active in a wide range of fields. These three women, who are five years apart in age and enjoying a vibrant menopausal life, hit it off and started "The Adult Women's Club." With the motto "Let's enjoy life from our 50s onward!", it's a positive and happy project that takes on various challenges.
