The era of Japanese traditional crafts becoming accessories! Accessories made from bamboo, lacquer, Kyoto braid, and bento boxes are gathered at Shinjuku Isetan [Pick Up Accessories vol.4]

Mar 4, 2016

This is a series of articles in FASHION HEADLINE introducing spring accessories recommended by Isetan Shinjuku, organized by theme. The fourth installment focuses on "ONLY MI," a Mitsukoshi Isetan exclusive.
Starting March 2nd, the accessories department will be introducing "ONLY MI_ACCESSORY meets JAPAN CRAFT," a collaboration between traditional Japanese crafts and popular accessory brands. Based on customer feedback, Isetan Mitsukoshi will be introducing a wide range of accessories infused with a new Japanese aesthetic.
Vendome Aoyama 1ere will be showcasing lacquered bamboo jewelry. Inspired by architect Kengo Kuma's signature work, the "Great Bamboo Wall" in Beijing, China, the jewelry features a bamboo motif and lacquer applied by Yamada Heiando, a long-established lacquerware manufacturer. This modern and lustrous jewelry piece features a linear bamboo motif and is finished with lacquer. The lineup includes asymmetrical earrings (¥20,000) and a necklace with beautiful modern lines (¥60,000).

MADAMA presents a bracelet that beautifully combines Kyoto braiding and pearls. This exquisite piece features Kyoto braiding, meticulously crafted by artisans in Nishijin, Kyoto, and adorned with freshwater pearls and lacquered mother-of-pearl. Its shape-memory wire makes it easy to wear without the hassle of tying. The lineup includes a subdued gray-based design (¥14,000) and a modern, elegant design (¥12,000) featuring deep green mother-of-pearl accenting citron-colored braiding. It's rare to find a bracelet that complements both traditional Japanese and sophisticated Western clothing, creating a refined style.

AYAMI has collaborated for the second time with Shibata Yoshinobu Shoten, a bento box craftsman from Odate, Akita. We have prepared a luxurious jewelry box (42,000 yen) made of lacquered bento box wood decorated with silver and Akoya pearl motifs. It is small and easy to use, and can hold rings, earrings, and other accessories. Numbers are limited, so after the sale ends, orders will be accepted and delivery will take approximately seven months.

These are artworks expressed in accessories that highlight the essence of Japanese culture. The harmony woven by these two parties, united by the same desire for craftsmanship, is bold yet delicate, modern yet elegant. We hope you will feel the arrival of a new season as the plants sprout, wearing traditional crafts that have continued to convey the beauty and wisdom of Japan.

--Next time, we will introduce items perfect for White Day that women will be happy to receive.
畑 麻衣子
  • Lacquerware, bamboo, Kyoto braids, and bento boxes are fused with modern accessories.
  • Vendome Aoyama Premiere's lacquered long jewelry
  • Madama releases a bracelet that combines Kyoto braided cord and pearls
  • A jewelry box created in collaboration between Ayami and a bento box artisan from Odate, Akita
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