"Masaru Suzuki's Textiles: Umbrellas, Rugs, and Towels" will be held at the galleries "Le Bain" and "MITATE" in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, from May 12th to 24th.
Masaru Suzuki is the textile designer behind the textile brand "OTTAIPNU." His collections include towels, bath mats, handkerchiefs, and umbrellas, centered around vibrant handprints. Since 2010, he has presented textiles for numerous brands, including the long-established Finnish brands "Marimekko," "Lapu Ankankurit," and "Moomin Tribute Works." He has participated in projects with various manufacturers and brands both in Japan and overseas, providing textiles for a variety of uses, including furniture, products, and apparel.
This exhibition is an evolution of the "Masaru Suzuki Umbrella Exhibition," which Suzuki has been running for three years since 2012. The venue will display and sell a variety of textile products used in everyday life, including umbrellas and parasols, as well as rugs, towels, and speaker covers. One of these, the "OTTAIPNU Umbrella & Parasol Collection," is an umbrella collection based on the concept of "lifting your spirits and making you want to go out even on gloomy rainy days or sunny days." Four new umbrella designs and three colors will be unveiled at the venue. Also on display will be the "Suzuki Masaru × NEXT HOME COLLABORATION DESIGN RUG," a rug series debuting in 2014. The series is woven using dyed yarn in original colors, stitched one stitch at a time into the base fabric like embroidery, and new round and oval models were added in 2015. The lineup also includes new pieces from the "OTTAIPNU TWOEL COLLECTION," featuring unique folds and textures such as "puchipuchi" and "ishi koro." The bath towels, face towels, and mini towels feature grayish animal designs.

Regarding the works to be exhibited this time, Suzuki said, "Rather than being cool or modern and stylish, I think they are something that will appeal to people's 'mood' or 'feelings' and have an effect on those vague things. When you see them, you'll say 'Wow' or 'Ahhh'. When you use them, you'll say 'Wow' or 'I feel great' - something that doesn't have such a tangible effect. I hope that the textile products created with the aim of achieving that 'something' will be able to become a part of someone's life, somewhere."

[Event Information]
Masaru Suzuki's Textiles: Umbrellas, Rugs and Towels
Venue: Gallery "Le Bain", "MITATE"
Address: 3-16-28 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: May 12th to 24th
Time: 11:00 to 19:00 (from 15:00 on the 12th)
Closed: 18th
Admission: Free