Thank you for visiting our website. My name is Tomohiro Hayashi, the owner of The Dressing Lab. I'd like to introduce the origin of the name "The Dressing Lab", as well as share a bit about my personal interests, family, and the journey from my student years - a time when I was engrossed in pursuits outside of academics - to where I am today.
The name "The Dressing Lab" was chosen to represent a place of continuous exploration in styling. Since our establishment, I've noticed that both our customers and business partners rarely use our full name. Instead, they often refer to us as "Dressing Lab", or simply "Dressing".
Before opening The Dressing Lab, we received suggestions for names like "Tailor Hayashi". However, since I had decided against pursuing the path of a tailor and instead aimed to play a producer-like role connecting customers with tailoring factories for our original order products, I felt it wasn't appropriate to use esteemed terms like "tailor" or "sartoria". I also wanted to create a store that wasn't strictly adhering to traditional menswear tailoring, so I opted for a more catchy name, one that didn't stereotypically suggest a bespoke suit salon.
Our vision was not simply to be a place that sells custom-made clothing, nor did we want it to be a place where The Dressing Lab dictates styles to customers. Instead, we aspired to have a store where we could chat with our customers and partners about fashion, exchanging opinions, and from these conversations, new ideas and proposals would emerge.
Another significant motivation behind establishing the store was my desire to create a space that felt like "my own room" - a place where customers, partners, friends, and family could come without hesitation and relax. Think of it as a "third place" or an oasis in the city - somewhere other than home or work where people could comfortably discuss not just fashion but also other matters that might not be discussed elsewhere. It's been a delight to hear from our visitors that they find The Dressing Lab comfortable, with many clearly staying longer than before, feeling more relaxed. While I had some initial apprehensions about running the store on my own, upon opening, I realized that I was never truly alone. Every day, our customers and partners provide valuable feedback and requests, creating a sense of collective operation. The continuous flow of ideas and topics ensures there's never a dull moment or lack of inspiration.
I believe that everyone can find a suit that suits them. Even someone as inexperienced as I am can command power and presence when wearing a well-tailored suit. I was moved by the magnificence and empowering nature of suits, which I had initially found challenging. Sharing this splendor and assisting others in their sartorial journey is at the root of my profession. However, The Dressing Lab's purpose isn't solely confined to bespoke suiting. Above all, our mission is to be of service to our customers. This ethos is evident not only in the custom-made garments we offer but also in the comprehensive repair and maintenance services we proudly provide. We aim to leverage my experience and production background to offer unwavering support to our clients.
Our made-to-order item lineup is continuously refined based on our customers' explicit and latent needs. While we prioritize offering impeccably tailored suits, jackets, shirts, and coats that one can wear with pride anywhere, we are also expanding our high-quality custom-made casual wear offerings in response to the growing demand. Many of our esteemed clientele are busy executives who express desires like, "It would be helpful to order casual wear alongside suits," or "I want high-quality, tailored casual pieces, but I'm unsure where to find them." In response, our offerings, while casual, maintain the quality and design aesthetic characteristic of The Dressing Lab - ensuring seamless coordination with our other custom pieces. Retaining our elegance rooted in bespoke suiting, we will remain unbound by conventional perceptions of menswear and will continue to adapt flexibly to our clients' needs, evolving along the way. To continually support our clients, I believe that sustaining our business over the long term is the best way to express gratitude. Thus, we commit to refining our craft and serving you for decades to come. We kindly ask for your continued patronage and support for The Dressing Lab.
1979
Born on July 23, 1979
Leo
Blood type O
Origin: Osaka Prefecture
1998 onwards
Spent 5 years (including one year repeated) as a student in Kobe. Made a poor choice for a suit at the entrance ceremony and developed a trauma thinking suits didn't suit him. Genuinely contemplated pursuing a profession where wearing a suit wouldn't be necessary. Was a member of the equestrian club until the third year. Spent most of his time working part-time jobs to earn club fees and playing mahjong, often prioritizing them over classes and equestrian training.
2002
As the job hunting period approached, he found himself aimlessly applying to renowned and stable "top-tier" companies due to a lack of clear career aspirations. After repeated rejections in interviews and facing a potential job hunting dead-end, the owner of the sushi restaurant where he was working part-time told him, "You have a knack for customer service." For the first time, he realized a profession he might be suited for and shifted his focus towards roles involving customer interaction. Guided by a vision to deal with luxury items, offer in-depth one-on-one customer service, and maintain a sophisticated image as he aged, he narrowed down his choices to department stores.
2003-2004
Joined Department Store A, working at the Shinsaibashi store. After undergoing a one-year training period covering the basics of customer service, he was assigned to the men's fashion department in the second year, primarily handling the sales of the store's private brand. It was there that he encountered a suit style he truly appreciated, although it was a pattern order. He awakened to the allure of men's fashion. As he aspired to delve deeper into menswear and started feeling the limitations of working in a department store, he met the president of Menswear Brand B. The president said, "If you want to learn about suits, you should join our company." Encouraged by this, he decided to change jobs.
2005
Resigned from Department Store A and transitioned to Menswear Brand B. At that time, registered the marriage with his girlfriend in Osaka and moved to Tokyo, beginning life in Omori. While working in production management at the Ginza office, he simultaneously commenced his apprenticeship in bespoke tailoring, aspiring to become a master tailor. In his role in production management, he bridged the gap between the tailoring workshop and the store, arranging orders and learning the ins and outs of pattern orders.
2006
In his second year, he began a rigorous tailoring apprenticeship by renting a space in a sewing factory in Iwatsuki City, Saitama Prefecture. However, he faced potential dismissal after failing a crucial skill assessment test (to complete a pair of trousers of the required quality within three days). But, thanks to a recommendation from the then manager of the Ginza flagship store, he was reassigned to customer service and fitting at the store, narrowly avoiding termination.
2006-2016
Began working at the Ginza flagship store. With a fresh start as a fitter, he honed his fitting skills and customer service etiquette under the guidance of seasoned craftsmen. In 2009, he became the store manager and served in that role for seven years. Due to the company's policy that the store manager fits all customers, he handled over 4,000 fittings, amassing invaluable experience. He was fortunate to establish connections with many customers and business partners.
October 2016
After 11 years of service, he left Menswear Brand B. He transitioned to a gentleman's clothing store in Ginza, Store C, where a senior colleague from Brand B served as the CEO of the Japanese division. He took on the role of store manager.
2019
As he approached the age of 40, he felt a strong desire to further elevate his career. After many discussions and meetings, he decided to become independent in April 2019. He left the Ginza menswear store in July and opened "The Dressing Lab" on August 23.
Hobbies & Interests
- Taking walks with my family
- Riding bicycles and skateboards.
I loves the feeling of passing scenery and the touch of the ground. - Reading
Favorites include Haruki Murakami, Hiro Arikawa, Hiroshi Homura, and Tetsuya Asada. - Sleep
He finds the most blissful moments in napping after reading on his days off. - Alcohol
He enjoys an evening drink almost daily, primarily consisting of beer and sake. - Planner
His grandfather's legacy, a fountain pen, is his companion. On the left side of his planner, he notes down his schedule, and on the right, he keeps a diary. He prefers using the A5 size of the "Efficiency Planner." - Pipe Smoking
A customer introduced him to this. His grandfather was an avid smoker, and he inherited many pipes from him. He smokes about once a month. Although a complete beginner, with the pipe often extinguishing quickly, he hopes to someday master the skill.
Favorite Phrases
- Duty before profit
- Every day is a good day
- Be grateful for everything
Family Composition
Married to a senior from the equestrian club, and they have three daughters.
Guided by the Principle of "Serving our Clients"
I am truly grateful and feel fortunate to have been able to continue, since 2001, working on the front lines in a profession that aligns my strengths and passions with the needs of my clients. From my student days through my numerous job-seeking failures, I struggled without clarity on how I could be of use or what my true calling was. During those times, I learned that real suffering is not being busy, but rather not knowing what one should do. Having once felt idle and aimless, I am now genuinely happy to be needed by many and to be busy every day. The challenges I face daily arise from an ever-growing pile of tasks I wish to accomplish, juxtaposed with the limited time available. While the primary aspect of my business may appear to be taking custom orders, my core belief centers on "serving our clients." With this in mind, I am committed to addressing every single request or inquiry, no matter how trivial, with my utmost dedication and effort. I hope to be seen as a "go-to sanctuary for clothing," and I warmly welcome any inquiries without hesitation.