KIMONO KNIT SQUARE CAPE
The square cape that embodies the traditional Japanese beauty of the kimono while expressing modern sensibility and comfort.
COLLECTION
One of MIZEN's signature pieces, the Square Cape, seamlessly combines two seemingly incompatible elements—
kimono and knit—through a specialized technique. Each piece is meticulously crafted using a sewing method called "linking,"
which ensures that both elements blend together smoothly.
JGN05
KIMONO-KNIT SQUARE CAPE
HONBA OSHIMA TSUMUGI HANATATSUGO Ⅵ DORO
JSK03
KIMONO-KNIT ASYMMETRIC PLEATS SKIRT
HONBA OSHIMA TSUMUGI HANATATSUGO Ⅵ DORO
This process involves the delicate integration of knitting and weaving, as well as stretchy and non-stretchy materials.
Connecting these two completely different natures is no easy task.
If they fail to harmonize within the parameters of beautiful integration, undesirable "wrinkles" may appear on the fabric's surface,
detracting from its elegant silhouette. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in "high-gauge linking."
By carefully picking up tiny knit loops with machine needles and stitching them to the kimono, they are seamlessly fused.
In Japan, only a handful of knitting factories are capable of handling high gauge, and only the finest artisans can spend several days crafting such a masterpiece.
Moreover, the KIMONO knit series represents a challenge to break the industry's conventional wisdom surrounding machine knitting.
Standard machine knitting is designed for mass production, as it becomes more efficient with larger quantities once programmed.
Within this context of industry norms, MIZEN offers the ability to customize the colors of the kimono and knit, producing each piece individually.
This is a result of MIZEN's unwavering commitment to the philosophy that "artisan skills are paramount,"
which has taken approximately three years to convey, ultimately leading the factory to understand this passion.
The KIMONO knit series cannot exist solely on equipment and technology.
It is a product of a shared vision among individuals, brought to life by the connection of their hearts and aspirations.
In this fair, we will showcase the Square Cape, which embodies the beauty of Japanese tradition, paired with a variety of traditional textiles.
In addition to ready-made products, you can also experience the joy of custom orders, freely choosing the color combinations of kimono and knit.
We invite you to visit our store and experience this unique Square Cape, a blend of Japanese traditional beauty and MIZEN's craftsmanship.
*Please note that custom orders will take approximately three months to complete.
MIZEN
「余白を楽しむプロジェクト」
A Project to Interpret the Unseen
MIZENは 目に映る美しさの奥に広がる産地の風土や歴史 職人の技術 そして生き様といった『余白』こそが我々の作品の本質的な価値であると考えています。
現代のファッションは 瞬間的で視覚的な刺激が重視されるがあまり過度なスピードが求められています。
その加速された消費の世界では本来時間をかけて丁寧に仕上げられるべき手仕事が評価の舞台にすら立つことができません。
伝統技術の衰退は我々一人ひとりが無自覚に求めている『欲望の速度』によって引き起こされているのです。
だからこそ私たちはそのスピードを緩めたときに見えてくる新鮮で豊かな世界を作品を通じて提示したいと考えています。
MIZENが目指す道は現代の流れに逆行する 静的で悠然とした美の在り方への挑戦かもしれません。
しかし日本にはかつて「余白を楽しむ」という価値観が確かに存在していましたそれはものの奥に潜む物語や気配を自ら感じ取り想像し心を満たす行為であり日本人が長い歴史の中で培ってきた美意識でもあります。
私たちは 現代の人々が忘れかけているこの感性を日本各地に点在する伝統技術とともに再び呼び覚まし世界へと届けていきたいと考えています。
そしてその余白に自ら気づき 埋めていく過程に喜びや幸せを感じられることこそが物質的経済的なラグジュアリーとは異なる精神的な新たなラグジュアリーの在り方だと信じています。
MIZENは「余白を楽しむプロジェクト」として日本の伝統技術を「ブランド」として昇華させるために職人たちの手仕事とその奥に眠る物語を洋服という形にのせ新たなラグジュアリーの可能性を問い続けていきます。
