Traditional and Innovative Collection Announcing "NIGO for IQOS"

Philip Morris Japan held the "NIGO for IQOS" launch event at Club Contact in Shibuya, Tokyo, on October 12. NIGO is the founder of a brand that ignited the Ura-Harajuku fashion scene in the 1990s and is a creative director representing Tokyo street culture. The company collaborated with NIGO on developing accessories for the heated tobacco product "IQOS," releasing three collections sequentially starting in October.

NIGO, who always creates a symbolic icon when launching a brand or project, envisioned the Japanese family crest (kamon) as fitting to adorn the collection. The original crest features motifs of the hummingbird, IQOS's symbol, and tobacco leaves. It embodies a distinctly Japanese aesthetic while retaining a playful spirit, making it the perfect icon to symbolize this collaboration.

Tanujha Suriara, Manager of CRM Programs, stated: "This collaboration is part of 'The IQOS Pathfinder Project'—a global initiative where IQOS partners with creators and innovators worldwide to pursue entirely new ways of thinking, experiencing, and seeing, ultimately proposing a new lifestyle. We aim to stimulate lifestyles through products that enhance the enjoyment of IQOS."

Manager Yasushi Hasegawa commented, "This time, we realized a creativity that only Japanese people can achieve. It embodies the spirit of 'knowing the form and breaking the form' – understanding tradition while creating something new."

The first installment, "THE CRAFTED COLLECTION," draws inspiration from traditional Japanese culture. The lineup includes a tray for tobacco sticks made from materials like roof tiles and wood, and a holder that can stand the pocket charger.

The second installment, "THE CAMO COLLECTION," launches in December. It reimagines NIGO's signature camouflage pattern using tobacco leaves as motifs, offering holders and pocket chargers. This will be followed in 2018 by the innovative "THE PURITY COLLECTION," featuring a pocket charger with a pure gold coating inspired by Japanese gold coins.

NIGO stated, "I wanted to incorporate Japanese traditional culture as a form of creativity unique to Japan and elevate Japanese craftsmanship." The collection will be available at the IQOS.jp online shop and select IQOS stores starting October 19.

Official website:
https://www.iqos.jp/