In 1988 the Japanese Keizo Shimizu founded the distribution company Nepenthes that shortly after gave birth to the popular store in Tokyo under the same name. By now, Nepenthes has transformed into the umbrella company that houses both Engineered Garments and Needles as of 1997. While all garments are made in Japan, the inspiration comes from American classics found in mostly sport and military wear. Needles creatively plays with shapes and juxtaposes textiles to breathe new life into iconic garments ever since its first release, which was the reinterpretation of a jacket worn by Miles Davis in the 60’s.