While VERDY is known worldwide for his iconic characters and high-profile fashion collaborations, his latest project feels distinctly personal. Born and raised in Osaka, the artist and designer has partnered with Patina Osaka—a newly opened hotel located just steps from his own Henry’s PIZZA—to reimagine his signature style in a new context. From a green-colored Vick inspired by Patina’s motif to insights drawn from actually staying in the hotel before finalizing his designs, the collaboration reflects not only VERDY’s creativity but also his deepening ties to his hometown. In this interview, he shares why Patina felt like the right fit, how Osaka continues to shape his perspective, and what kind of long-term partnership he hopes to build with the space.
What led to your collaboration with Patina Osaka? We heard you had previously received other offers from hotels.
I had received a few offers from hotels in the past, but none of them really clicked. I think it’s because when I’m in Tokyo, I rarely stay at hotels. But in Osaka, I run a pizza shop called Henry’s PIZZA, so I naturally end up staying overnight more often. The problem was, I never really found a place I loved—so I was always struggling to choose where to stay. Then one day, my pizza shop partner Hiroki (Hiroki Sarumaru) mentioned that a new luxury hotel was going up within walking distance. I looked into it and found out it was Patina Osaka. I already knew about Patina Hotels & Resorts and was excited to hear one was coming to Osaka. Not long after, I received a call from the Patina Osaka team, offering the opportunity to work together. That’s how it all started.
What aspects of Patina Osaka’s design or hospitality stood out to you the most?
It’s a type of hotel we haven’t had in Osaka—luxurious, but not in an over-the-top way. It feels just right. I really liked the wellness facilities, which make it easy to relax and recharge. The proximity to Osaka Castle is also a huge plus, especially if you like morning walks or runs.
I also love that it has a pool. Whenever I stay with my daughter, we always use it. I really liked the wellness facilities, and my favorite is a hyperbaric chamber, which make it easy to relax and recharge. A friend of mine was amazed by the gym, too—so I think anyone who works out will appreciate the space. And the listening room by Devon Turnbull (OJAS), the Brooklyn-based sound sculptor, was incredible. The sound environment was top-tier.
Did designing for a hotel setting feel different from your usual product work?
I didn’t really change anything—I approached it the same way I always do, sticking to what feels like “me.” I did take into account that Patina uses a butterfly as its motif and that its signature color is green. Normally, Vick is done in black and white, but for this, I created a green version.
When I started designing, the hotel hadn’t opened yet. But after staying there a few times, I refined the design to better reflect what I experienced. So the items we ended up releasing feel like hotel editions of my usual products.
What kind of ongoing relationship would you like to build with Patina Osaka?
Instead of just doing a one-time T-shirt drop and calling it a day, I wanted to build a meaningful partnership—one where we keep creating things that both sides find exciting. Patina Osaka was on board with that, and I hope we can keep building a strong connection.
I’d love to recommend it to friends visiting Japan from abroad, too. I want to be involved with it in a way that feels personal—as if it were partly my own space. The location is great, and I’m sure anyone who stays there will walk away thinking, “Wow, this hotel is amazing.” That’s exactly how I felt, which is why I wanted to collaborate in the first place.
How has Osaka’s atmosphere and energy influenced your mindset or creative work?
I don’t consciously try to make my work feel “Osaka,” but sometimes I think the positive vibe of my characters and messages may reflect the city’s energy—without me even realizing it.
When you return to Osaka from Tokyo or abroad, is there anything that makes you go, “Ah, I’m home”?
That feeling definitely hits when I see my hometown friends. In Tokyo, most of my relationships revolve around work or shared interests. But in Osaka, I catch up with people who have nothing to do with that. That’s something unique to being back home.
Are there any ideas you’d like to develop in or from Osaka going forward?
I don’t have anything specific in mind yet, but I’ve always had this desire to bring things to Osaka that are considered “normal” in Tokyo but don’t exist here yet. At the same time, there are things I can’t do in Tokyo that I’d love to try in Osaka.
Since Patina Osaka opened, I’ve been getting all kinds of ideas for new things I’d like to do. I want to keep creating experiences that everyone can enjoy—and find ways to bring them to life at Patina Osaka.
