A favorite of bearded, lumberjack types since opening its doors seven years ago, Freemans Sporting Club will be bringing its distinctly American blend of menswear, barbershop and restaurant to a new frontier next month. The Taavo Somer-headed brand, in partnership with Yagi Tsusho Ltd., will launch a Tokyo flagship store in April, with two additional locations set to open in Japan over the next couple of years. Located in the Minami-Aoyama retail district, the new “Freemans Lifestyle Compound” — the first of its kind outside the U.S. — will count Thom Browne as a neighbor, and occupy a five-storey, 6,500-square-foot space designed by Somer himself. The exterior was designed to mimic the Rivington Street store, and will also feature an outdoor vertical garden, a restaurant and bar, and a barbershop. Inside, shoppers will find a unique mix of FSC sportswear, various collaborative pieces and footwear from the likes of Allen Edmonds and Viberg, along with off-the-rack, made-to-measure and bespoke suiting options and accessories. And, in keeping with Freemans’ “Made Local, Buy Local” initiative, Japanese leather goods and accessories from artisans will also be included in the mix, along with two new suit models — the semi-custom House Cut and more-affordable Freeman. Stay tuned for more on the launch.
