4.Craftsmanship and ambition

Using the gentle colours of natural dyes on synthetic fibre / KOMATSU SEIREN Co., Ltd.

The commitment that artisans and engineers have toward manufacturing is one of the factors that overseas brands have wholeheartedly supported. KOMATSU SEIREN Co., Ltd.’s synthetically processed “Onibegie” that uses natural colouring pigments is a product created as a result of this commitment.

The product was developed by a mother of two. The fixation on applying natural colouring pigments to synthetic fibre began immediately after she began working at the company, and was the result of her interest in eco-friendliness. However, she encountered difficulties due to the fastness properties of the material, and faced constant setbacks in pursuit of this dream.

The road toward success opened up one day during a development consultation in the staff cafeteria. She was approached by a chef who was having trouble removing vegetable stains from his boots. After seeing how the chef’s boots were dyed beige from onions, she realised that there was potential in using onionskin.

By mixing quercetin, one of the polyphenols in onionskin, as a common element in both natural and chemical dyes, she succeeded in commercialising her idea by using the company’s modified synthetic fibre as the base.

Although the initial material used was nylon, as a result of repeated research processes, the company also succeeded in applying the technology to polyester last spring.

5.Updating traditional crafts

Elevating 400-year old technology to modern fashion / SUZUSAN

SUZUSAN is highly appraised for its new product development ability that adapts to modern fashion and lifestyles while retaining traditional elements. Of the 27 companies exhibiting at the Maison d’Exception held at the Première Vision Paris in February this year, eight were Japanese companies.

The exhibition brings together companies with traditional craft and artisanal skills, and is a special space that only certain buyers are allowed to enter. SUZUSAN, which participated in the exhibition for the first time, is engaged in the 400-year old art of tie-dye known as arimatsu narumi shibori.

The sophisticated designs, which incorporate unique wrinkling and uneven texture through manual work, won high acclaim at the exhibition. SUZUSAN has an affiliated company in Dusseldorf, Germany, which sells stoles and lighting in Europe, as well as collaborating with designers.