Four brands with shops at Isetan Shinjuku - BASILE 28 VENTOTTO, β, ARTISAN, and Gabardine K.T - will sell a variety of items that incorporate Aomori's traditional Kogin embroidery technique into modern fashion. The sale will run from October 15th to October 21st, and will be located on Stage #4 on the 4th floor of the main building.
This initiative is part of a promotion with Isetan JAPAN SENSES, which focuses on Japanese traditions and culture.
"Kogin embroidery" was born in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture long ago, when cotton cultivation was difficult and farmers were restricted in their clothing by the Agricultural Frugality Order, farmers came up with the ingenuity of inserting linen thread into kimonos (kogin/small cloth) made from coarse linen cloth to reinforce the weave and increase heat retention.
As the Meiji period began, not only did cotton thread begin to be used for embroidery, but women's aesthetic sense also grew, and a variety of patterns were born. Then, in the Showa period, the Mingei movement led by Yanagi Muneyoshi and others led to the use of colorful threads and fabrics in Kogin embroidery, and it developed into something that still fascinates people today. This promotion features innovative items such as a wool-blend dress with silver Kogin embroidery on the chest (Artisan, ¥72,000), a skirt with asymmetrical fabric changes and foil pleats (Artisan, ¥48,000), and a duffle coat with Kogin embroidery (Basile Ventotto, ¥180,000). Some items mix different materials, offering a glimpse into the new appeal of Kogin embroidery. Additionally, Kogin embroidery items will be on display at Y's on the fourth floor of the main building. Stylish items include a long jacket (¥160,000) that skillfully combines traditional Japanese techniques with Y's's sensibility by embroidering white thread on a black background. Because the long jacket is made of double gauze, it requires considerable skill to count the stitches while stitching the Kogin. We hope you will come to the store to see the highly skilled craftsmanship of the artisans. In addition, all of Wise's Kogin embroidery items, including items other than the long jacket, will also be sold online.
