Goodfight x Kato “Preservice Line Up" Capsule Collection

launch event
sunday, april 30, 4-8pm
1685 beverly blvd 90026
rsvp info@gdfht.com

Just over a year ago, Michelin-star LA restaurant Kato packed its bags and made the gutsy move from their tiny Santa Monica strip-mall location to a daunting 4,500 square-foot space in the Arts District. In the process they expanded their staff, added a critically-acclaimed beverage program, and upgraded an already prodigious tasting menu in quality of ingredients & creativity of dishes. Each visit to Kato is an experience, and along with meticulously sourced furniture, serving elements, and custom artwork provided by artist James Jean and chef Jon Yao’s grandfather, Kato approached LA-based fashion label Goodfight to create uniforms that would reflect its commitment to quality and communicate its unique third-culture aesthetic—all while providing practical utility for its team in the kitchen & dining room. The result was a special collection of pieces with roots in some of the brand’s most popular archive styles, redesigned with input from Kato and cut in Japanese technical fabrics in a pairing of subtle, elevated aesthetic and performance qualities like COOLMAX® ventilation and quick-dry for constant work over a flame or unexpected spills during service.

It’s no secret that Kato has its cult following for their food and what they represent as a brand, and after a year of constant requests from customers to purchase elements of the uniform, Goodfight & Kato have teamed up to release their first collaboration available to the public. The five-piece capsule includes the signature double-collared Campus Jacket worn by front-of-house staff in a new wool-blend gabardine, an updated version of Kato’s reversible kitchen-issue apron, a technical Japanese seersucker “Washer” style camp collar shirt, a tonal embroidered six-panel hat, and printed souvenir tee. As always, all items are designed & made in Los Angeles in both organizations’ ongoing effort to support local manufacturing.

The name “Preservice Line Up” is a nod towards the special daily meeting that marks the only time when both front & back of house staff members can gather together to review menu changes, discuss potential service improvements, try new items, welcome incoming team members, etc. The capsule collection will be released April 30th at an exclusive event at Goodfight’s studio in LA’s Historic Filipinotown. Along with the apparel & accessories, Kato will also be serving chef Jon Yao’s rendition of lǔ ròu fàn, a longtime customer-request as one of the most beloved and iconic Taiwanese dishes, featuring braised pork in a special sauce made with soy sauce and various spices & aromatics over rice. Typically utilizing cuts or minced portions of pork belly, Yao’s recipe calls for heritage pork jowl for its high fat and collagen content which enriches the flavor and texture of the braising liquid, allowing the sauce to coat every grain of rice.

The collaboration launch will take place 4-8pm on Sunday, April 30th, with a digital release via Goodfight’s website following May 1st. Capsule items and food will be limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis while supplies last. Email info@gdfht.com to RSVP for attendance or for any further inquiries.