We are always inspired by Japan, everything from its art to its philosophies of design makes us want to keep creating. This month's Other Lives redesign workshop took inspiration from Kitsungi and Sashiko, two Japanese mending art forms.
Kintsugi is the art of highlighting an object's history and imperfections by mending it with gold. Flaws and areas that need mending are seen as an opportunity to create an element of beauty.
Sashiko and Boro also provided a tremendous fountain of reference for this workshop. Both are functional embroidery techniques that were created out of practicality to reinforce and mend old garments in the Edo Era in Japan. Designers such as Maison Margiela, Yohi Yamamoto, Haider Ackerman and Jil Sander have used similar embellishment techniques for hand stitching details on the runway.
Sashiko by Sashi.Co
19th Century Boro
Maison Margiela FW11 Couture
Yohji Yamamoto SS09
Haider Ackermann FW15
Dior Homme FW16
Jil Sander SS08
Embroidery repairs can be taken as far as the imagination will take you. We love these runway embroidery details from some of our favorite designers.
James T. Merry
James T. Merry: Metal Moth headpiece for Bjork
Maison Margiela FW14 Couture
Phillip Lim SS14
Don't know what to do with that torn tee or want to repair a pair of jeans? Sign up for the workshop here!
March 6, 2024
Learn how to repair your clothing through embellishment. In this workshop, we will teach you how to update and revive torn pieces in your wardrobe through hand embroidery. We will work on hand sewing backing, beading and handmade embroidery.
Bring what you have and your curiosity and we'll create something new together!