"Kurume-gasuri Collection" Items that wear the tradition of Kurume Kasuri
"Kurume-gasuri Collection" is a special collection that uses "Kurume Kasuri", a cotton fabric produced mainly in the Chikugo region in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture.
The "Kurume-gasuri Collection" was born as the first line of a line that collaborates with weavers and craftsmen who inherit traditional crafts so that it will not be "discontinued" in the future.
The collaboration was with Shimokawa Orimono, a weaver who has inherited techniques that have been used for 200 years. Third-generation owner Kyozo Shimokawa says, "Every place has a history and a lot of feelings. I want to learn from the background of how Kurume Kasuri has spread over the years, and I want to respect it and do what I can do." I will tell you.
"Kurume-gasuri Collection" uses Kurume Kasuri woven with such thoughts. This time, we will introduce the charm, lineup, and our thoughts on the items.
"Kurume-gasuri Collection" with 200 years of traditional crafts in Kurume
"Kurume-gasuri Collection" is a special collection using "Kurume Kasuri", a cotton fabric from the Chikugo region of Fukuoka Prefecture.
Kurume Kasuri is a traditional craft with a history of 200 years since the Edo period. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which is unique to cotton.
The Kurume-gasuri Collection offers skirts and bags that combine Kurume Kasuri and Italian fabrics. Like the "dead stock collection" that represents Renacnatta, it is tailored to items that make use of the two personalities.
The dead stock collection used Japanese silk fabrics and Italian silk, but the Kurume-gasuri Collection uses Italian cotton as Kurume-gasuri is a cotton material.
A combination of Japanese and Italian ingredients. This is a combination that was born because of the background of Renac Natta's representative, Okochi, who was born and raised in Italy.
"Kurume-gasuri Collection (skirt)"
Currently, the “Kurume-gasuri Collection” has two types of reversible skirts.
・Reversible Skirt - Kurume-gasuri Maxi (length: about 75cn/85cm/95cm)
・Reversible Skirt - Kurume-gasuri Straight Long (length: about 80cm/88cm)
" Reversible Skirt - Kurume-gasuri Maxi " is a beautiful A-line skirt that spreads from the waist to the hem. Over 7m of Kurume Kasuri fabric is used.
The length is 75cm, 85cm or 95cm depending on the timing of the order. An adjustable one-size-fits-all wrap skirt that covers a waist of 50-80cm.
If Kurume Kasuri is used on the front side, it will be a simple skirt that is refreshing and fashionable. If you turn the Italian cotton on the front, you can enjoy it as a feminine skirt with plenty of gathers.
" Reversible Skirt - Kurume-gasuri Straight Long " is a tight straight type reversible skirt.
The length is 80cm or 88cm, and it makes the line from the waist to the legs look beautiful. This is also a one-size-fits-all wrap skirt with an adjustable waist.
In addition, both skirts have separate Italian cotton hem and kimono fabric. The length of the kimono fabric is slightly longer, and the kimono fabric is slightly peeking out from the hem when the Italian cotton is worn on the outside.
We have multiple patterns for both Kurume Kasuri and Italian cotton, and you can order your favorite combination. Enjoy the duality of a reversible skirt.
"Kurume-gasuri Collection" skirts can be purchased on a semi-order basis. The dyeing of the yarn starts after receiving the order at the order meeting or online. After that, we will produce the fabric, tailor it as a skirt, and ship it. It will take time to reach you, but I hope you will look forward to it.
We will inform you about the timing of product sales on Instagram , Twitter , official LINE , etc., so please follow us and register.
"Kurume-gasuri Sacco" where you can enjoy Kurume Kasuri in a bag
The "Kurume-gasuri Collection" also sells bags using Kurume Kasuri . “Kurume-gasuri Sacco” uses Kurume Kasuri woven from organic cotton. You can enjoy the color and texture of undyed organic cotton.
This item is sold as a bag and pocket set. The pocket uses the same Italian cotton as the skirt. Since the pocket can be removed, please use it as a storage bag when not in use.
How to care for "Kurume-gasuri Collection"
We recommend using a natural, neutral detergent to clean the cotton Kurume-gasuri Collection. Please refrain from using detergents containing bleach or fluorescent agents, or using a dryer as these may cause discoloration or damage.
The color may fade slightly at the beginning of use, so it is recommended to wash it separately. A gentle hand wash will make it last longer. After washing, it is recommended to dehydrate it thoroughly and hang it to dry in the shade. We also ask that you wash "Kurume-gasuriSacco" using the same cleaning method.
Please check out this fabric for details on how to care for it, such as how to iron it.
To prevent Kurume Kasuri from being discontinued
Renacnatta was born as a brand that makes items that are reborn into new shapes from materials that are no longer used. The reversible skirt of the “Dead Stock Collection”, which was born as the first item of the brand, is also made of the “no longer used” fabric used in Japan and Italy, which is the origin of the brand name “Lenacnatta”.
However, now that traditional crafts are in decline, we would like to contribute more directly to traditional industries, rather than focusing only on dead stock. This is how the "Kurume-gasuri Collection" was born.
In order to prevent traditional crafts from becoming discontinued in the future, we are working with weavers and craftsmen who have inherited the traditions.
Kurume-kasuri, the main part of the production, is a cotton fabric produced in the Chikugo region in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture. It is known as one of the three major kasuri patterns in Japan, along with ``Iyo Kasuri'' from Ehime Prefecture and ``Bingo Kasuri'' from Hiroshima Prefecture.
“Kasuri” is a textile that is characterized by its faded pattern. Kurume Kasuri dyes the threads using a technique called “tekukuri” to create white patterns.
Since the threads are tied and dyed, some parts are not dyed indigo, and the white pattern emerges when woven.
It is said that about 200 years ago, durable cotton fabrics were useful for everyday wear, and plain fabrics were common. The weaving method of Kurume Kasuri as we know it today was born in 1800 through an accidental discovery by Den Inoue, the daughter of a rice merchant.
The unique faint pattern created by hand-tied threads is a major feature and appeal of Kurume Kasuri. However, tekake requires skill and time and effort. The process of creating Kurume Kasuri is very precise, such as tying and dyeing the yarn bundles, unwinding the dyed yarn bundles and hand-weaving them one by one.
In 1957, the Kurume Kasuri technique devised by Mr. Inoue was designated as a national important intangible cultural property, and in 1976 as a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The spirit of Shimokawa Textile to take on new challenges while preserving tradition
"Shimokawa Orimono", which weaves the skirts of the "Kurume-gasuri Collection", is also a weaving company that has inherited the technique that has been used for 200 years. While paying homage to Mr. Den Inoue, who spread Kurume Kasuri to the world, we express the charm of Kurume Kasuri with modern techniques.
Shimokawa Orimono has been producing Kurume Kasuri for three generations since 1948 under the corporate philosophy of "Expressing the joy and splendor of manufacturing through Kurume Kasuri by continuing to challenge the succession and innovation of traditional craft techniques." I'm here.
“We don’t want to sell Kurume Kasuri because it’s a traditional craft,” says Kyozo Shimokawa, the company’s representative.
“Every place has a history, and there are accumulated thoughts. I am alive on top of that. Paying respect to history and expressing it with Kurume Kasuri is what I should do. ”
Mr. Shimokawa, who says so, has accepted interns from Germany and interacted with French people online without forgetting to look at the world even in the corona disaster.
About 200 years ago, Den Inoue was only 13 years old when he invented Kurume Kasuri. At that time, it is said that there were already 20 disciples. After that, he continued to teach, and by the time he turned 40, he had 1,000 disciples. About 400 of them were scattered all over the country and opened a weaving business.
“ I want to learn from the background of how Kurume Kasuri spread about 200 years ago, and do what I can to respect it.Using modern methods.”
With this in mind, Mr. Shimokawa continues to take on new challenges while cherishing 200-year-old traditional techniques. I can't help but think of Den Inoue, the founder of Kurume Kasuri, as it attracts so many people.
Kurume Kasuri is light and warm, and once you put it on, you will be convinced that it has been loved by people for 200 years. At the same time, I can't stand the craftsmen who have been protecting them for many years. We feel so strongly.
A new option to wear while feeling the culture and history
The "Kurume-gasuri Collection" is developed in collaboration with a textile manufacturer that has inherited the tradition of Kurume Kasuri so that it will not be "discontinued" in the future. The fabric used for the skirt is carefully woven one by one after receiving an order.
In today's world, which is overflowing with clothes and items, we have a variety of choices.
Under such circumstances , I want many people to know that there is a choice to wear while feeling the culture and history of materials and the craftsmen who make them. We want you to actually pick it up, put it on, and enjoy the unique charm of Kurume Kasuri.
With that in mind, Renacnatta will continue to make items together with the weavers and craftsmen.
Written by: Shiho Nagata
Editing: Eri Yoshida
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