Inspired by the extreme polarity of Tokyo culture: wild late nights in underground clubs juxtaposed against demure and respectful traditions.
Kimonos made from exquisite jacquard, embroidered and shibori silks.
The skill to create a full, kanoko shibori kimono, laboriously tying grains of rice in mesmerizing patterns.
Photos of spontaneous moments on the dancefloor by japanese photographers such as Watanabe Katsumi, who captured 1960s + 70’s subculture in Shinjuku.
Bold Japanese graphic design and the repetitive yet minimalist style of modern artists like Yayoi Kusama.
The capsule’s intent was to create no excess, so fabric needed to be deadstock and not created anew.
However, as the fabrics needed to be combined and mixed-and-matched, finding cohesive tones and patterns in deadstock and in quantities high enough to produce an order for retail, deadstock sourcing was very challenging.
In the end 3 fabrics were selected: 3 printed silks (two cdc, one chiffon)
Some of the initial sketches + final silhouettes selected for development.
Example of one initial handoff techpack.
Some add’l bom + follow-up 1st fitting pages omitted.
Samples were handed off to local NYC patternmakers and sample makers, with on-body fittings fit by myself.
Color + pattern mapping explorations playing with a variety of initial fabric selections. CAD mockups explored if a style should utilize 1-4 fabrics and piecing strategy.
Mockups were also used to estimate costing due to mixed material cutting and potential shibori technique.
Example of a linesheet provided to one of our retailers for their buying selection.
Capsule 001 was sold in stores in Puerto Rico and the Hamptons.
Social media feed featuring mix of concept imagery, product imagery, and on-brand Inspiration.
Inspo imagery derived from the capsule location’s best architects, style icons, and artists, as well as graphic design and core cultural tenets.
Brand website in beta launch, launched in simple, minimalist design with core information. Later, elaborated web design planned for larger assortment launch in capsule 002.
Capsule 001: an edit of resort essentials. 6 pieces that easily pack into a carryon and can be mixed-and-matched and worn in a variety of ways.
Design details like buttoned slits, open or closed wear and reversibility provide versatility.