Mame Kurogouchi x TOD’S, when Made in Italy encounters with Japan
written by: Erika | Photo courtesy of TOD’s
Japan and Italy have always been linked by many things, the love for art and fashion is one of them, hence the new collaboration of Mame Kurogouchi with TOD’s.
TOD’s, historic Italian brand founded in the early 1900s by Filippo Della Valle, is today one of the most known brands in the world. The fashion house became famous for its iconic footwear, and today, under the guidance of Diego Della Valle, it holds a large slice of the Italian fashion market. With the always impeccable, classy, minimal, and chic design, TOD’s has always winked a little at what are also the characteristics of Japanese design. For this reason, we are not surprised by the collaboration with Maiko Kurogouchi, designer of the Mame Kurogouchi brand.
The designer is the new guest of T-Factory, a project launched by Diego Della Valle in 2018 that previously involved Alessandro Dell’Acqua and Alber Elbaz. A collection of 26 pieces of clothing and accessories launched online on March 27 which focuses on shades of white and blue navy. Along with this, we also find pure and architectural silhouettes for both clothes and footwear.
Maiko, aka Mame, Kurogouchi
Born in 1985, originally from Nagano, the designer founded the homonymous brand in 2010, combining minimal and clean aesthetics with the more traditional aesthetic of Japan. In fact, she draws a lot of inspiration from everything in her Japanese DNA, from hand sewing to the traditional way of wrapping foods and packages.
The connection with TOD’s started in Paris after a conversation with Mr. Della Valle. In fact, the two creatives discovered that they have a lot in common starting from their visions. A brand idea with a timeless elegance, which respects the traditional craftsmanship and an aesthetic linked to the concept of travel. These are also the basic elements of the collection designed for the brand.
“I am concerned that every woman can wear these pieces, and that in doing so she feels safe, at ease”
Acclaimed as one of the best emerging designers in Japan, Mame Kurogouchi has reworked the key garments of the brand, changing all the details to fully blend this meeting between Italy and Japan. With precision and passion, Kurogouchi has transformed everyday life into something elegant both for clothing and accessories. Mixing classic Japanese design with contemporary silhouettes and sporty fabrics, Mame Kurogouchi thinks about what is really necessary for a woman.
The collection
A 26-piece collection that draws and winks at Japan in many details. Among the key pieces, we find a single-breasted trench coat with shirt-style collar and leather pockets, trapeze pullover tunics with kimono sleeves and shirts with puffed sleeves and a belt that refers to the Samurai ensamble. In addition, practicality is the main focus of each garment together with the modernization of the brand’s iconic pieces. In fact, Mame Kurogouchi reinterprets the classic ring bag discovered by the brand archive, making it a perfect piece for all women on the go but also looking for elegance, lightness, and versatility.
Another element that recalls Japan are all the intricate embroideries that, according to the designer, recall the Kogin-Zashi sewing techniques. Furthermore, the designer found several similarities from the TOD’s archives with Japanese artisanal work, despite the geographical and cultural distance between Italy and Japan. In this regard, the straps on the accessories become a symbol of closeness even between the two nations and cultures. A perfect blend of old and new but also between Japan and Italy.
The Mame Kurogouchi x TOD’S collection, available on the e-commerce of the brand, is only the first step towards the international growth of this young and talented designer.
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