An important question was posed to Mikio Sakabe - the eclectic footwear label's founder - at the Grounds pop-up party in Singapore. My "Do you believe in aliens?" is met with an immediate "yes", supported by his raised eyebrows and incredulous expression as if I had asked instead if two plus two makes four. When I asked him again what forms he believed they would take on, Sakabe-san was quick with his reply, "They are probably not like us, five-dimensional, maybe?" He stresses probably again.
One could take Sakabe's word for it. Of all designers, he has the best credentials to bolster a fantastical hypothesis on physics and outer space-related things. He was enrolled in a mathematics programme at Seikei University before pursuing design studies in London, Paris and Antwerp. Fragments of his intrigue come to life in his references to science-fiction plots, recent Texas itinerary, and more. That same intrigue is revealed, too, in his works.
As "five-dimensional" as he imagines extraterrestrial life to be are his footwear creations. Each silhouette is unified in its inane soles and designed to look "as if you have stepped on something huge and gel-like", says the brand's website. "I'm designing for time travellers," he says at one point of the interview, in response to Grounds' brand philosophy that involves the terms "time" and "gravity". He stresses more than once, though, that he does not have all the answers. It is a statement that seems unbelievable since he has enjoyed success with the cult bubble sole, his sub-brand Jenny Fax (a collaborative coquette venture with his wife Shueh Jen-Fang) and his eponymously-titled ready-to-wear label.
It may seem tricky, but Mikio Sakabe schools Men's Folio about the time-space continuum, the world's cultures and growing up - bubbled in his fondness for discovery.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
An Electrifying Ride
With a pack full of features, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV promises luxurious, joyful and fuss-free journeys.
Full Circle
The Macallan travels back in time with the TIME:SPACE to celebrate 200 years of whisky-making mastery.
Maturity in Spirit
The Glenrothes' revamped Core Collection mirrors our human bildungsroman, revealing the artistry behind the maturation process with its latest pop-up.
Benvenuto a Locanda
There is no experience more impactful than an honest meal and earnest hospitality, so Locanda makes for an appealing culinary stopover that should not be missed.
A Genuine Article of Fusion
Quenino by Victor Liong is the resident fine-dining hideout of Artyzen Singapore, its degustation menu showcases the best of Asian cuisine melded with contemporary Western savoir-faire.
The Last Word
As the Official Timekeeper for the Olympics, there is a tremendous onus that comes with the role. After all, the Olympics is the world's stage where human excellence is measured down to the minutiae. By that standard, OMEGA's competence in the timekeeping field is also measured.
From Paper to Metal
Men's Folio visited the Cartier Manufacture and Maison des Métiers d'Art earlier this year to discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation within those wall
Mavericks Amongst Traditionalists
Fashion watch brands are finding their feet amidst century old watchmakers as their maverick approach sets them apart from the current landscape of watchmaking.
The Case for the "It" Watch
As much as watches in popular culture being necessary might be an unpopular opinion, here is why it is crucial to the survival of the passion we all love.
Heavy Lidded
In the masculine world of grooming, the sport (or art) of decorating one's lids with darkened kohl has been practised amongst niche circles, reserved for only a few brave men willing to go - or draw - the lengths of a sharp winged liner. Given the past decade's adoration of the bare-is-best routines, the notion of lined eyes has been mostly cast away. However, as the return of the Indie Sleaze movement returns, confronting the pressing question cannot be put off any longer. Should the world be opening its eyes and waking up for the return of \"guyliner\"?
