Suzusan

Airy leaves, bold plaid patterns and delicate lace-like waves – the unique and elegant tie-dye patterns of Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori are crafted by skilled artisans in Arimatsu (Nagoya). MURASE Hiroyuki (村瀬 弘行), a fifth-generation successor of the craft, founded ‘Suzusan’ to deliver inspired shibori fabrics to the world. As the creative director and CEO, he designs Suzusan’s products at his residence in Dusseldorf (Germany).
 
Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori first emerged in the early Edo period (1603-1867) in a village along the Old Tokaido Road connecting Kyoto and Tokyo. Travellers passing through this village bought a variety of Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori products such as hand towels and yukata (summer kimono) as souvenirs. As they created beautiful fabrics with new techniques, the humble craftsmen of the village thrived. At its peak, there were more than 100 innovative shibori methods in use.
 
Suzusan Shoten, the predecessor of Suzusan, was established about 100 years ago as a tie-dye craft shop to design, pattern, and cut-out the patterns to make shibori fabrics. The shop also assumed the role of shibori process coordinator for numerous highly-skilled craftsmen, which brought Suzusan a unique opportunity to acquire hundreds of designs and patterns, as well as techniques, that originated in various different shibori shops. This wealth of knowledge is reflected in the dynamic designs, patterns, and craftsmanship excellence presented by Suzusan today. Well respected around the world by global fashion brands such as Dior, Yohji Yamamoto requested Suzusan’s collaboration with their collections.
 
Traditional Japanese craft techniques tend to be behind the times, and are often thought of as outdated because of their emphasis on sustaining the original ways of doing things. Against this backdrop, Suzusan flexibly changes traditional crafts into products that fit modern lifestyles. With more than 80% of sales originating outside Japan, its allure is particularly well received overseas. In fact, Suzusan’s tie-dye products are sold in more than 120 stores in 23 countries including Biffi, a long-established boutique in Milan, and Leclaireur, a famous boutique in Paris.

Given its successful product image transformation from old-fashioned to modern and elegant, we hope to see Suzusan broaden its horizons and attain even greater success in the future.

links;
https://www.suzusan.com/

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