My ARTS&SCIENCE – Sota Atsumi

This is the story of how I came across these boots. It all started when Sonya asked me to “cook something” during an ARTS&SCIENCE showroom event. At the time, Sonya had come to dine at the restaurant where I was working as a chef, and since I also frequented the A&S showroom in Paris, the request arose naturally during our conversation. I remember that there were no specific instructions such as “Cook this dish.”; rather, it was simply a request to cook. The event extended well past 1 a.m., marked by its lively atmosphere. Sonya was delighted, saying, “This is the first time that guests have stayed this late! They must want to keep trying each new dish you serve.” It made me happy to see her pleased. Later on, as a “thank you,” I received these boots, now a constant companion in my wardrobe.

These boots are both stylish and comfortable. Moreover, they’re the only stylish option I can wear in the kitchen. For me, their ease of use is paramount, and as far as I know, these are the only boots suitable for the kitchen. I always have two pairs—one for going out and one for everyday wear. I wear them literally every day (laughs). Perhaps because I always say they’re “the thing I’m happiest to receive,” I often get them as gifts from my father-in-law or my wife for my birthday, or I buy them myself. When a new pair arrives, the ones I’ve been wearing become my daily pair, and the new ones go back in the box for a while, designated for special occasions. I wear them almost every day even in the summer because I wear them throughout restaurant hours. The only days I don’t wear them are during August when France goes on vacation, and we close the restaurant. During summer, I wear sandals for prep work and switch to these boots during service. Otherwise, on business days, I wear them from morning to midnight, both inside and outside the restaurant. I believe I wear them more than anyone else in the world. I consistently choose black. One reason I like A&S is their commitment to using the best materials available at the time, so, even if I choose the same color, the models each have their own subtle characteristics. This philosophy aligns with my own approach to cooking—I always use the finest ingredients available at the time, just like wearing the best quality clothes and shoes right down to the toes. It’s a mindset that permeates my culinary practice. Currently, I find the sole design particularly appealing, as it enhances ease of movement during work.

In addition to the boots, the uniforms at the Paris restaurant are also from A&S, and they are exceptionally comfortable. Unlike regular daily wear, I find that the movements involved in serving and cooking at the restaurant are quite unique, so it’s a relief that the uniforms don’t impede us. Comfort aside, it’s quite rare to find clothing that doesn’t hinder movement, especially when moving around every second. Furthermore, all the service staff wear these uniforms during business hours, and everyone looks smart. Regardless of race or body type, anyone wearing this uniform becomes a stylish member of MAISON. I always think that’s amazing. And above all, even after numerous washes, they still hold up well, with no signs of wear and tear or loose buttons. If hung up neatly, they don’t even require ironing. Considering our demanding schedules, our expectations for clothing are quite high, but these uniforms not only look stylish but also don’t require us to spend extra time and effort on them. They’re a greatly appreciated asset.

When selecting what to wear on a daily basis, I might approach this with the same sensibility as I do when dealing with cooking and restaurants. I strive to use the best ingredients available at that time and to cultivate a comfortable environment. Rather than chasing after the latest trends, my aim is to create food that will still evokes delicious memories even a decade later. This attitude seems to permeate my life even during non-work hours, influencing how I choose what to wear. I believe A&S will remain wearable even ten years from now, so I look forward to wearing A&S together with my daughter once she grows up—she’s only six at the moment. And though my son is just three, the idea of him wearing my clothes strikes me as incredibly cool. The things I desire, such as plates, knives, and cutting boards, are all related to work, but I believe they improve with time, unlike many things in the world that are at their peak when new. I find myself naturally drawn to items that don’t lose their charm over time, that allow me to continue appreciating them as they age.