NEEDLES
NEPENTHES · Japan
NEEDLES is a Japanese clothing label founded in 1997 by Keizo Shimizu under the Nepenthes company. It is best known for its track pants with the butterfly logo and its playful mix of patterns and finishes.
| Founded | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Designer | Keizo Shimizu |
| Parent | NEPENTHES |
| Signature item | Track pants with butterfly logo |
| Website | needles.jp |
What is NEEDLES?
NEEDLES is a Tokyo-based label launched in 1997 by Keizo Shimizu under NEPENTHES, the casualwear company he leads. Shimizu still designs the line, which combines American vintage references with unexpected patterns and finishes.
Products and positioning
The brand's signature item is its track pants, which Shimizu has developed for about fifteen years as the piece that represents the NEEDLES style. A glittery version worn by A$AP Rocky in 2017 drew wide attention and sold out quickly. The wider range includes:
- Track jackets and track pants
- Tie-dye hoodies
- Paint-splattered denim jackets and jeans
- Cotton flannel shirts spliced together from different checks
The butterfly logo references Steve McQueen's tattoo in the 1973 film Papillon, which Shimizu admires.
Distribution
NEEDLES is sold in NEPENTHES stores in Japan, the United States and London, and through international retailers such as MR PORTER, which has offered exclusive capsules.
Why it matters
NEEDLES has become one of the most recognised Japanese labels in global menswear, showing how a single signature product can carry a brand from niche Americana to mainstream streetwear demand.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded NEEDLES?
NEEDLES was founded in 1997 by Keizo Shimizu, who still designs the line, under the Nepenthes company.
What does the NEEDLES butterfly mean?
The butterfly logo references Steve McQueen's tattoo in the 1973 film Papillon.