Fashion often involves a kind of play-acting, and this extends beyond just personas to the materials and garments themselves. This is especially noticeable in menswear, where workwear and activewear have become popular in recent years. Turning practical clothing into fashion often means removing its original function. For example, an office worker doesn’t need steel-toed boots for protection, but might love the way they look.
Daisuke Obana’s N.Hoolywood Test Product Exchange Service (TPES) strikes a balance between function and fashion. The line aims to reinterpret military gear for city life, while also striving to be seen as authentic military wear—which is no small feat. What sets TPES apart is Obana’s deep expertise and passion. He and his team study the history, context, and purpose of the vintage pieces they reference. For the fall collection, they focused on British Special Forces, resulting in jackets and pants with plenty of zippers and utility pockets in muted shades like khaki, olive, navy, and black. Many pieces look sturdy and warm, though some are surprisingly lightweight. Obana explained via email that they’ve incorporated new synthetic fibers into active fabrics.
True to TPES’s style, this season’s imagery has a documentary feel. The photos were taken at a training facility unofficially used by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces special units—a place also known as a kind of holy ground for serious survival gamers. The models look like soldiers. This August marked 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which followed World War I, “the war to end all wars.” Yet global peace remains out of reach. Against the backdrop of constant news about groups like ICE, some models wearing face-covering masks can feel unsettling. (It’s easy to forget these items serve a practical purpose, like providing warmth.)
When I shared this reaction with Obana, he responded: “In Japan, such images are so common in media that people have become desensitized. Starting with masks, this numbness can extend to how we perceive war and crisis on the news—as if they’re just part of daily life. With these visuals, I wanted people to stop and reflect, to resist that normalization, and to hope for an end to this global situation.” He added, “Beyond politics, I believe it’s important for everyone to raise awareness so we can move toward resolution. Some may see my work as amplifying anxiety, but the truth is, people are risking their lives in conflict zones. By facing feelings of fear, urgency, or compassion, I hope we can take even a small step forward.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the NHoolywood Test Product Exchange Service for the Fall 2025 Menswear Collection
General Information
Q What is the NHoolywood Test Product Exchange Service
A Its a special program where you can exchange items from the Fall 2025 collection for a different size or color provided they are in unworn and resalable condition
Q How is this different from a standard return
A This is an exchangeonly service You cant get a refund you can only swap your item for another size or color from the same collection
Q When is the exchange period for the Fall 2025 collection
A The exact dates will be announced closer to the collections launch but it typically opens for a limited time shortly after items are delivered
The Exchange Process
Q How do I start an exchange
A Youll need to initiate the process through your account on the NHoolywood website or by contacting customer service directly using your original order number
Q What condition does my item need to be in for an exchange
A It must be completely unworn unwashed and have all original tags and packaging attached It should be in perfect resalable condition
Q What if the size or color I want is out of stock
A If your desired item is unavailable your exchange request will be canceled and your original item will be shipped back to you at no cost
Q Who pays for the shipping for an exchange
A Typically the customer is responsible for the cost of shipping the original item back to NHoolywood They will cover the shipping cost to send the new exchange item to you
Policies Limitations
Q Can I exchange an item I bought from a different retailer
A No this service is only valid for items purchased directly through official NHoolywood channels
Q Is there a time limit for requesting an exchange
A Yes Exchanges are only accepted within a specified period after the collections release This is usually a tighter window than a standard return policy
Q Can I exchange an item for something from a different season or collection
A No