Emi Matsushima: Embracing the Wilderness with Oakley’s Field Gear Line

Emi Matsushima, a multifaceted creative known for her work as a model, photographer, and art director, embodies a spirit of constant exploration. Her upbringing, marked by a peripatetic childhood across Europe and Japan, has instilled in her a profound sense of wanderlust that continues to define her nomadic lifestyle. Currently based in Ojai, California, Matsushima’s journey is a testament to finding one’s place through movement and cultural immersion. "I grew up moving between cultures, and I think that restlessness stayed with me until I landed here," she shares, reflecting on the formative years that shaped her current perspective.

This inherent restlessness has propelled Matsushima to carve a distinctive niche within the outdoor and adventure sphere, leveraging her artistic talents to capture the raw beauty of natural landscapes. Her photography consistently features her immersed in mountainous terrains, expansive fields, or serene bodies of water, projecting an image of profound connection with the natural world. While her evident comfort and mastery in outdoor settings might suggest a lifelong passion, Matsushima’s philosophy for newcomers to outdoor pursuits is refreshingly accessible: simply begin, regardless of perceived limitations.

In an era where the "gorpcore" aesthetic can create an impression that extensive, specialized gear is a prerequisite for engaging with nature, Matsushima emphasizes a more functional approach. For her, the right equipment is about enabling success and comfort on the trail, rather than adhering to a trend. This philosophy recently led her to seek new gear to enhance her wilderness adventures, a quest that brought her to Oakley. During a visit to the brand’s Santa Monica store, Matsushima discovered the Field Gear Line Collection, a range designed for optimal comfort and durability across diverse environmental conditions. The collection’s engineering prioritizes functionality, making it suitable for a wide spectrum of outdoor activities.

The Roots of an Adventurous Spirit

Matsushima’s earliest encounters with the outdoors were formative. "I think my earliest outdoor-related memories are of living in Spain and going to the rocky mountains called La Pedriza, and absolutely loving to scramble up and down the rocks there while the rest of my family were walking on the trails," she recalls. This early inclination towards active engagement with natural landscapes foreshadowed her future path. "Being outdoors and adventurous has felt so natural from very early on," she notes, underscoring a deeply ingrained affinity for exploration.

Her artistic endeavors are inextricably linked to her passion for the outdoors. "My camera," she states when asked what she always brings on an adventure. "I love shooting photos and find so much inspiration from the landscapes I’m in." This symbiotic relationship between her creative output and her environmental experiences is central to her work.

Embracing the Field: The Oakley Field Gear Line

The recent collaboration with Oakley highlights Matsushima’s continued commitment to equipping herself for her explorations. She was particularly drawn to the Field Gear Line Collection, appreciating its blend of style and performance. "They are all great, but I do love the jacket," she enthuses. "The hood is super cool (love a good hood!), and it’s a super cool layer that I can move freely in. It has a very protective feel to it and I love that it’s water-repellent so I find comfort in that especially in the various conditions out in the wild."

The innovative in-store display at the Santa Monica Oakley store, which showcased the durability of the Field Gear Line products in simulated real-life environments, further solidified her interest. "When I went into the Santa Monica store, I saw that they built this installation to showcase the durability of the products within real life environments and knew I had to get a few pieces myself," she explains. This tangible demonstration of the gear’s resilience resonated with her practical needs as an adventurer.

Finding Grounding in the Extremes

Matsushima’s sense of equilibrium is found in seemingly contrasting experiences. "Funnily enough, I have two totally opposing answers," she reveals. "One is when I am just totally relaxed at home or by a river somewhere on a day off, and the other is when I am outside pushing myself at a moderate level hiking, or ski touring in breathtaking mountains. Feeling really small and insignificant gives me a grounded and at peace sense of feeling." This duality suggests that her connection to nature provides both solace in stillness and invigoration in challenge.

Future Expeditions and Inspiring Others

The allure of new horizons remains strong for Matsushima. Her current bucket list features a significant aspiration: "I want to spend real time in the Japanese Alps, not a trip, but a proper season, maybe." This desire is driven by both the extraordinary natural beauty of the region and a personal quest for connection. "Part of that is the terrain, which is genuinely extraordinary. Part of it is something more personal. I’d like to experience that side of Japan since I have not experienced much of it when I used to live there, and wasn’t a very outdoorsy person." This reflects a journey of rediscovery, reconnecting with her heritage through the lens of her adult passions.

When presented with the hypothetical of a free plane ticket anywhere in the world, her choice is immediate: "Probably Iceland! I’ve been there multiple times and just adore the country." This repeated affinity for Iceland underscores its enduring appeal, likely stemming from its dramatic landscapes and opportunities for adventure.

Matsushima’s advice for those looking to embrace the outdoors is a powerful antidote to hesitation: "Stop waiting until you have the right gear, the right fitness level, the right weather window. Go with what you have, somewhere close, for less time than you think you need. The relationship builds from there. Really." This pragmatic encouragement prioritizes action over perfection, emphasizing that the journey of engagement with nature is built through consistent, albeit perhaps small, steps.

Defining "Field Mode"

For Matsushima, "going into the field" is a concept that encompasses both mental preparation and logistical execution. "It’s a headspace and a checklist at the same time," she explains. "You know your gear, you’ve scouted the trail, you’ve thought through the logistics, so when you’re actually out there, you can stop managing and start being present and open to receiving whatever comes your way." This approach highlights the importance of thorough planning as a means to achieve genuine presence and receptivity in the natural environment. It’s about creating the conditions for serendipity and deep connection.

The Oakley Field Gear Line Collection, therefore, represents more than just apparel; it is a tool that facilitates this transition into a state of mindful engagement with the outdoors. By providing reliable and functional gear, it allows individuals like Matsushima to focus on the experience itself, rather than being encumbered by practical concerns.

The Broader Context: Outdoor Engagement and the Role of Brands

Matsushima’s story resonates with a growing global trend of individuals seeking deeper connections with nature. In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in outdoor recreation, driven by a desire for physical activity, mental well-being, and a respite from urbanized life. This has, in turn, spurred increased interest in brands that cater to this market, such as Oakley. The Field Gear Line Collection appears to be positioned to meet the demands of this expanding demographic, offering products that blend performance with a contemporary aesthetic.

The brand’s approach, as exemplified by their in-store displays, suggests a strategy of connecting with consumers on a practical and experiential level. By demonstrating the durability and functionality of their gear in realistic scenarios, Oakley aims to build trust and credibility with outdoor enthusiasts. This aligns with a broader industry trend where brands are increasingly emphasizing authenticity and the ability of their products to support genuine outdoor experiences, moving beyond purely aspirational marketing.

The implications of this trend are manifold. For individuals, it represents an opportunity to enhance their well-being and explore the natural world. For the outdoor industry, it signifies continued growth and innovation. However, it also raises important considerations regarding accessibility, environmental stewardship, and the potential for commercialization to overshadow the intrinsic value of nature. Matsushima’s advice to "go with what you have" serves as a valuable reminder that the core of outdoor engagement lies not in expensive gear, but in the willingness to step outside and experience the world.

For those interested in learning more about the Oakley Field Gear Line Collection, further information is available at local Oakley stores or online at oakley.com. This collection, embraced by creatives like Emi Matsushima, signifies a commitment to functional design that supports a life lived in motion, both in the wild and in the pursuit of personal passions.