Lei Takanashi
leitakanashi.bsky.social
Lei Takanashi
@leitakanashi.bsky.social
“Aesthetic Investigator” based in NYC. @bof Correspondent. All views are my own. Bylines in Complex, The Cut, Gothamist, The Fader, Highsnobiety, etc.
Live from Corteiz’s Nike Air Max 95 drop in East Harlem.

250 “priority” tickets were given out to anyone who caught the location of school buses in West Harlem. Gone in 20 minutes.

An additional 750 tickets were given at the pop-up location, an elementary school. Those also flew in 20 mins.
April 26, 2025 at 5:35 PM
The Hoka-Marni collaboration unveiled this morning is just one of many moves Hoka’s made to connect with fashion-forward consumers.

My latest piece for @BoF analyzes Hoka’s larger fashion strategy and the integral role it will play as its growth becomes harder to maintain.
Exclusive: Inside Hoka’s Fashion Ambitions
In a new collaboration with Marni, the running brand known for its chunky, cushioned midsoles is looking to catch the eye of a new fashion audience — without compromising the performance DNA that’s ma...
www.businessoffashion.com
March 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
The Marshall’s Essentials dupe is comedy.
March 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
A T-shirt released yesterday that speaks to our current moment by Denim Tears.
March 1, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Aime Leon Dore teases an upcoming collaboration with The North Face for SS25.
February 17, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Super Bowl LIX turned into an interesting tentpole for the fashion industry this year…

Bode and Rhude held runway shows on Friday….Willy Chavarria made some of the most high-end Super Bowl merch of all time with pgLang…

My latest for BoF w/ comments from Rhuigi and Willy.

t.co/fHwEyMuSW4
February 10, 2025 at 8:08 PM
No heritage streetwear brand has globally scaled as much as BAPE has within the past decade.

Yet, even without NIGO or its aughts-era hype, BAPE has managed to stick around.

Spoke to BAPE’s current CEO about its trajectory and how it evolves while staying true to its DNA.

t.co/5X93PZyWaa
February 6, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Reposted by Lei Takanashi
In a CANADIAN TUXEDO 💀💀💀💀
Record of the Year goes to Kendrick Lamar for ‘Not Like Us’ 🎉
#Grammys
February 3, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Good releases this week.
February 1, 2025 at 4:53 PM
These CDG x Kids Love Gaite shoes are so fun and crazy.
January 30, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Has running’s fusion with fashion gone too far.
January 26, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Proleta Re Art’s take on a denim Supreme x The North Face Mountain Jacket from SS15 gotta be one of the craziest custom pieces he’s made to date.
January 23, 2025 at 6:53 PM
My latest piece for @BoF dives into contemporary running culture and the explosive growth of running-wear brands that prioritize both fashion and function.

Interviews with Satisfy, Bandit, Mental Athletic, Saucony, Runner’s Highest, and Running Supply.

bit.ly/3WvQB6x
January 22, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Is Vans coming back?

My latest piece for @BoF examines Vans' turnaround efforts, which are starting to see results as new customers are becoming drawn to unconventional releases from its OTW line along with larger franchises such as the Knu Skool.

bit.ly/3OOi7ro
December 11, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Golf Le Fleur going all in on the flat shoe trend with Converse.
November 21, 2024 at 7:43 PM
I don’t see too many rappel graffiti hits this close to the sidewalk.

Uptown’s Riot AVL caught this spot on First Ave.
November 19, 2024 at 4:25 PM
ComplexCon's "CactusCon" by Travis Scott showcased the lengths a rapper could go to build an immersive world/experience around their brand.

For BoF, I spoke to Golf Wang, BBC, Steven Victor, Puma, and more about what's next for hip-hop powered brands and partnerships.

bit.ly/3OfkFic
November 18, 2024 at 4:05 PM
I did not expect to see Cactus Jack x IRAK merch at ComplexCon.
November 17, 2024 at 12:53 AM
“Hike New York” by Richard Deon.

While I absolutely hate the condos in LIC, one thing I love about walking around there is still seeing signs from this 1994 Public Art Fund project.

The graphic Deon made is just so good.

The signs chart a five-mile loop between LIC, Astoria, and Sunnyside
November 16, 2024 at 2:56 AM
Icl, The North Face kinda cooked with this pet bag.
November 15, 2024 at 11:44 PM