Adam Lippes admits he treads lightly on inspiration with his collections but a recent trip to Japan helped fuel his creative impulses. “It is just a logical place where your mind is more open to absorbing the creativity that’s around you, so then we try to mix that with what we’re trying to say as a brand,” he said of the trip.

The collection notes mused about Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity, utility and decoration, and its ongoing dialogue with Western culture, particularly through Amekaji, or “American Casual.” But casual means more that just elevated basics with Lippes’ nuanced touch. His pieces are classic staples but imbued with incredible details and luxurious fabrications: Italian double-face satin, lacquered wools, brushed mohair, crinkled metallics.

Tailoring, his number-one category, is a strong point with jackets shown a bit longer with a nipped waist and slight shoulder pad. Pieces were lined in silk, a detail that underscores his point of difference in the market. “We’re the only U.S. brand to line in silk,” he said of the subtle and luxurious detail. Pair it with his crisp poplin shirting, fluid silk tops, and new “second-skin” cashmere foundations with knits, and a customer can live in.

Over a third of the fabrics were sourced from Japan, including a polished take on deep blue denim with a belted button down and supersized pant. The cultural exchange was seen throughout with balloon pants — a nod to Tokyo construction uniforms — or wrap shirts with yukata sleeves. A high V-neck gown was cut using a traditional Japanese pattern-making technique that shapes the body with a single seam.

The country is more than just on his mood board, with plans to open three new points of sale in Japan the next year. The time has come for his “elegant American sportswear” — already a hit at home — to make his mark internationally. Outside of Japan he shared that another “yet to be named city” will house his first boutique abroad. He did give a clue, sharing that he’s launched e-commerce platforms in the U.K. and Japan. Lippes is on the move, embarking on a fashion cultural exchange with room to grow.