The Isetan Shinjuku store's TOKYO Kaihoku (Knitting @TOKYO Kaihoku) on the second floor of the main building is hosting an event called "Knitting. @TOKYO Kaihoku," where young designers bring their unique worldviews to life in knitwear and sell it. The event focuses on five emerging brands, exhibiting and selling their works. It runs until January 13th. Chihiro Hasunuma's an/eddy line will showcase vibrant, bright, yet delicate knitwear, ranging from decorative sweatshirts (25,000 yen and 40,000 yen), tops (65,000 yen), and dresses (95,000 yen). Regarding her own knitwear, Hasunuma commented, "The brand name means a small whirlpool. Even if I can't draw many people in at once, I want to draw in everyone who comes into contact with me and my knitwear." She graduated from Bunka Fashion College's Knitwear Design Department in 2008 (receiving the school's president's award) and has been fully developing the brand since 2011, a project she began as a student. The brand is scheduled to have a storefront appearance on January 11th. "Malamute," founded by Mari Kodaka in 2012, primarily offers scarves and accessories. The event will feature a tapestry pendant (¥10,550) featuring the brand's popular rose pattern, a rose knit (¥34,580), a jacquard skirt (¥30,800), and a navy tote bag (¥20,000), a color exclusive to the store. Speaking of her passion for knitting, she said, "Knitwear is one of humanity's common languages. Anyone can incorporate symbols, fashion, and emotions into their work by varying the knitting technique, yarn, and needle thickness."
"MOTOHIRO TANJI" is a brand launched by Tanji Motohiro in 2013, offering a complete range of knitwear from clothing to accessories. Items on display at the venue include tops (28,000 yen), skirts (39,000 yen), and dresses (43,000 yen), showcasing the beautifully undulating three-dimensionality and patterns of knitwear.
"RYOTA MURAKAMI," the mother-son duo designers Ryota and Chiaki Murakami, are known for their knitwear with warm, pop designs and colors that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Mittens (15,000 yen), tote bags (15,000 yen), and stoles (30,000 yen) are available exclusively at the store. WRAPINKNOT, a knit factory brand launched by Umeda Daiki in 2011, is collaborating with two artists. A collaboration with illustrator Tonda Hayashi Ran has resulted in a pullover with a depiction of flesh (19,000 yen). In collaboration with twin illustrators Hip Born Twin, the brand has produced innovative works by combining elements from other dimensions, such as a pullover with a person's face peeking out from inside a box (19,000 yen).
