Isetan Shinjuku has kicked off the "Isetan Yukata Selection 2014" event, showcasing this season's new yukata collection, in the kimono department on the seventh floor of the main building. The event's catalog was directed by stylist Sota Yamaguchi. Additionally, ANREALAGE and mintdesigns will showcase innovative yukata designs incorporating their own brand icons and classic techniques. ANREALAGE, which continues to design yukata from last year, has incorporated the "katami-kawari" technique, where the right and left halves of a kimono have different patterns and colors on each side of the sleeve, and created the yukata using the brand's signature patchwork. The collection also features items that make full use of the brand's signature techniques, such as obi belts made from laser-cut materials.
In addition, while yukatas and kimonos have a section called "ohashiori" that allows for the length to be adjusted, the brand's yukatas do not have this section and instead propose a style where they are worn at a "tsuitake" length that is just the right size. The lack of an ohashiori means that they can be worn over other clothing. Both will be sold exclusively at this store.
"mintdesigns" will be making its debut this year. The yukata fabric uses the brand's iconic doll and zigzag patterns. Meanwhile, the obi sashes incorporate traditional techniques and have a unique design that resembles dropped silver foil. By incorporating patterns used in the clothing collection, the brand proposes yukatas that can be worn like regular clothing.
In addition, a new generation of yukata that combines traditional dyeing techniques with cutting-edge materials will be released as an original Mitsukoshi Isetan product. This yukata (¥58,000) is crafted using the "Setsubana Shibori" technique, a rare technique in Aichi Prefecture's Arimatsu Shibori, which is now rare and rare among artisans. It combines traditional techniques with vibrant colors for a trendy look. A collaboration with antique kimono collector Shigeko Ikeda also features a yukata reimagined in a modern style using textiles selected from Ikeda's archives. The material is "Wavelon," a synthetic fiber that is quick-drying, absorbs moisture, and feels cool to the touch. It's also thin and lightweight, and washable. This marks the first time apparel made with Wavelon has been sold. "While many customers were reluctant to wear yukata casually, in recent years, people have begun to casually enjoy coordinating them with Western clothing and heels. While yukatas are typically worn for special occasions like fireworks displays, we hope they'll be worn more on a daily basis," says a representative. On the same floor, from June 25th to July 8th, KORI-SHOW, a project in collaboration with stylist Sota Yamaguchi and traditional craft manufacturers from all over Japan, will introduce lifestyle goods that can be enjoyed for Tanabata. New "nightwear" that can be worn as one-mile wear into early autumn will also be introduced. In addition, a special event will be held on The Stage #1 on the first floor of the main building from July 9th to 15th. Yukata designs with a new interpretation will be sold, using fabric dyed with the traditional "nassen" printing technique by domestic and international brands such as Lucien Pellat-Finet and UNDERCOVER. Coordinating accessories will also be available, including drawstring bags made from PORTER's original materials. On July 27th, there will be a talk show with Sue from Rip Slyme, who has a deep knowledge of kimono, and his stylist Kawai Yoshirou, where they will talk about how to wear and coordinate yukata. In addition to this, various other events related to yukata are planned, including advice on how to wear kimono and makeup.
