Discovering Through Staff's Favorite Brand Lists: The Joy of Using, and the Reasons We Keep Coming Back

In your everyday life, is there something you find yourself using over and over, without even thinking about it? Items you reach for unconsciously, or ones where you feel "it just has to be this"—there's always a reason behind why we keep using them for so long. Among the ZUTTO staff, there are those who have used their favorite items from a particular brand for years, and before they knew it, found themselves surrounded by things from that same brand. This time, we introduce the brands our staff love and use continuously. We explore the appeal of these brands and items, reaffirmed through years of use.

The Favorite Brands of 4 ZUTTO Staff Members

• Planning Staff M: Relaxation Items from fog linen work
• Buyer N: Accessories from I. Ronni Kappos
• Buyer S: Flower Vases from Hakusan Toki
• Planning Staff U: Kitchen Items from Nousaku

Staff M's Favorite Brand: fog linen work

First, let's introduce Planning Staff M, whose favorite brand is fog linen work—a label that has long enjoyed great popularity at ZUTTO as well. Staff M has used various products from fog, as it's commonly known, for many years, and shared with us some relaxation items she recently acquired.

From left: Linen Cotton Women's Socks in Yellow, Linen Wide Pants in Navy, Linen Slippers "Claire" in size M

Yes, that's right. I chose fog linen work as relaxation items I could use without worry and wash easily, for spending time comfortably at home. The first fog linen work product I ever used was a kitchen cloth, and from there I went on to use kitchen items like tablecloths and aprons for many years. Through those, I came to know the goodness of linen, so I could reach for items in other categories without any hesitation.

I wear the linen wide pants after coming home from work on weekdays, and on weekends when I'm spending time at home. I also wear them when going out around the neighborhood. Since they're wide, there's no tightness at all, and I love how roomy they feel—even when sitting on the sofa, there's no pulling anywhere. If I put my smartphone in the pocket, the pants tend to slip down a bit from the weight, but since the elastic at the waist is on the thinner side, it's comfortable in that it never squeezes too tightly.

The roomy linen wide pants are pure comfort.

As for the linen cotton women's socks, I tried them on while preparing to feature them for ZUTTO, and I was so moved by their soft, enveloping feel that I ended up buying them myself. They use a thicker thread than you'd typically expect for socks, giving them a rustic texture, and I feel they pair nicely with sandals or dansko clogs. I love the distinctive linen texture and the cheerful yellow color, and I like to style them as a fashion accent, using the yellow as a pop of color when I go out.

These charming yellow socks are breathable and gently fit the foot.

I bought the linen slippers because I loved the navy checkered "Claire" fabric, which ZUTTO had made as a special order. I used to use them at home, but now I've bought a new pair and use them at the office instead. ZUTTO moved offices in July, so along with that move, I decided to refresh my slippers for a fresh start too. Compared to typical slippers, they have a relatively flat design and aren't especially cushioned, but since I mostly do desk work and don't move around much, I think they're just right for this kind of workplace.

The monochrome check "Claire" pattern is a special order design exclusive to ZUTTO.

Beyond the appeal of linen itself, I feel a real attention to craftsmanship in each product. For example, with the linen wide pants, the crisp, slightly rough texture of linen against bare skin feels wonderful—that's very fog linen work to me—and even though they use plenty of fabric, they're made to be lightweight, so they're easy to move around in.

The linen socks are so soft and fluffy that they don't even leave marks from the elastic. Since they're thick, I also find that wearing shoes directly over them doesn't cause my heels to hurt as easily. Linen shrinks when washed, but the socks seem to be made with that in mind, since I never feel any strange fit even after washing.

And with the linen slippers, I appreciate that the upper is deep enough that they don't slip off easily. That's a point I was especially glad about, since I wear slippers indoors all day.

fog linen work products that fully bring out the best qualities of linen.
 

The linen salon dress, right? I'd been wanting some linen wear, and this piece, which ZUTTO began selling last month, caught my eye as being really lovely. What I find appealing about the linen salon dress is that it works like an apron at home, but can also be worn as outerwear. I actually tried it on myself when we were preparing to sell it at ZUTTO, and it stuck with me. The product went on sale last month, but sold out shortly after launch. I'm imagining layering it over long-sleeve shirts, turtlenecks, and other autumn pieces, or thicker denim, while I wait for restock.

※The linen salon dress is expected to be restocked around September 20th.

The linen salon dress, which allows for a variety of styling depending on the wearer, will be restocked soon.

Staff Member N's Favorite Brand: I.Ronni Kappos

Next, we introduce a brand favored by our buyer N: I.Ronni Kappos. This brand creates jewelry that makes generous use of vintage German beads. Our staff was drawn to the distinctive, aesthetically striking jewelry of I.Ronni Kappos, which is how ZUTTO came to carry it.

From left: Necklace 1417, Necklace 1430, Necklace Black rectangle

It started when I saw someone from the agency that supplies ZUTTO and introduces I.Ronni Kappos in Japan wearing one. Through that person, I got to see the I.Ronni Kappos pieces for the first time, and I found them not just stylish, but almost overwhelming in a way—like the feeling you get when looking at a valuable piece of architecture that never goes out of style, no matter the era. It was love at first sight, in a sense.

The jewelry of I.Ronni Kappos, with its distinctive shapes and colors, radiates a one-of-a-kind presence.

I use all three pieces as a styling accent with simple T-shirts and knitwear. They add just the right touch to an outfit, so I often wear them to work as well. The I.Ronni Kappos necklaces aren't made with metal chains but with nylon cord, which gives them an understated, calming appeal rather than being too flashy. The cord seems to play a supporting role that lets the motif stand out.

Just adding one piece to your usual outfit becomes an accent that draws the eye upward.

Since the jewelry draws inspiration from modern art and architecture, the necklaces themselves feel like art—the shapes and colors are unique. And yet, when paired with clothing, everything comes together as if it were a single painting conceived from the start, blending naturally with the whole outfit. It becomes a proper styling accent without being too overpowering. It's also easy to layer with other accessories, can be worn regardless of season, and never feels dated no matter the era. Despite having such a distinctive design unlike anything else, it's remarkably easy to wear.

Each piece may look distinctive on its own, but pairing it with clothes lets you really feel how easy it is to wear.

Now that I've gathered necklaces, I'd like earrings next. I'm hoping for something that brightens up my face. But just like with the necklaces I already have, I might end up choosing something chic and easy to pair with outfits. It comes in handy since it adds color to my everyday styling.

The new collection, launched this autumn, is themed around greenhouse plants and architecture.

Staff Member S's Favorite Brand: Hakusan Toki

The brand favored by our buyer S is the flower vessels from Hakusan Toki, known for its Hasami-yaki ware. Hakusan Toki proposes simple tableware that's easy for anyone to use, and has the appeal of showing us what's truly necessary in everyday life.

From left: Trim Small, TOTTO

Both came about because I was looking for a flower vessel. With Trim, I liked how its shape, formed by three arcs, seemed well-balanced and easy to arrange flowers in. TOTTO was originally made as a toothpick holder, but I thought it might be just right for arranging flowers that had begun to wilt, cut short, or for displaying small blooms.

Trim is just the right size for arranging long-stemmed flowers or bouquets. Even taller flowers can be arranged in good balance. Simply placing it on the table gives the space a real presence. As for TOTTO, I use it as a casual vessel for flowers that are past their prime or whose stems have broken. Since it's palm-sized, it's easy to place not just on a table, but also in a small spot on a bookshelf or by the washbasin.

The tall, slender Trim Small brings out the beauty of flowers.

Since there are all sorts of things around the house, the background and atmosphere of the space differ depending on where you place something, but both Trim and TOTTO have the good quality of fitting in no matter where you put them. Trim also comes in a black version, but since the table color was dark, I tried the pale white porcelain one instead, and it created a nice contrast. Glass has an unmatched transparency and the advantage of letting you arrange even Japanese-style flowers in a Western style, while white porcelain pieces like Trim and TOTTO create a distinctive softness and warmth—so I'd like to use each depending on the occasion.

The adorable little bird-shaped TOTTO sits neatly in small spaces.

The Hira Chawan, one of Hakusan Toki's standard items. Its distinctive shape, flaring outward toward the top, lets you serve a generous amount of rice, and the way the rice looks when served is just so appetizing. With the season for delicious rice coming up, I'd love to enjoy some delicious white rice in this Hira Chawan.

Hakusan Toki's Hira Chawan is designed for both ease of eating and ease of use, and comes in a range of colors.

Staff U's favorite brand: Nousaku

And the last one to introduce is Nousaku, a brand favored by our planning staff member U. Made from the metal tin, Nousaku's products have qualities that go beyond their beautiful appearance. Their usability in everyday life is also something worth exploring.

From left: Beer Cup, Musubi Chopstick Rest

Both the beer cup and the chopstick rest were actually gifts I received. First, I was given the beer cup as a wedding present, and since I had always wanted to try Nousaku's tin products, I was really happy to receive it. The chopstick rest was a gift from a friend as an uchiiwai (a return gift for celebratory occasions). Tin is a metal, but it has a certain warmth to it, and since the Musubi series is also modeled after mizuhiki (ceremonial paper cords), a motif associated with celebrations, I thought it was perfect for such occasions.

I mainly use the beer cup as a drinkware item. Since I like my beer well chilled, I put the cup in the refrigerator for a bit just before drinking, then pour the beer in. Tin has high thermal conductivity, so it chills quickly all over, and that cool feeling lasts longer after pouring the beer than with other materials. Besides beer, it also suits drinks on the rocks or mizuwari (spirits diluted with water), and of course it works fine for soft drinks like tea or juice too. During the hot summer months, I'd fill this beer cup with a drink and ice and gulp it down.

Even your everyday drink tastes better when it stays chilled longer.

I use the chopstick rest at the table every day. I don't like placing cutlery directly on the table, so having a chopstick rest is really convenient. With one, your chopsticks won't roll around either. Tin is soft, so you can gently bend it by hand into whatever shape you like. The motif of the Musubi series is especially designed to make it easy to hold chopsticks in place. Since the motif is so charming, I always look forward to setting it out at the table.

Bending it slowly makes the tin chopstick rest hold chopsticks even more securely.

As I mentioned, I really feel how useful tin's characteristics are—chilling quickly and bending easily. I own a lot of ceramic and glass tableware, but tin can be used just the same way as those, and it can be cared for just as easily. At first glance it seems like a distinctive material, but through using it I've come to appreciate that it's actually something you can use in everyday life.

Another nice point is that it can be cared for just like other tableware.

It happened unexpectedly through gifts, but now that I have a nice collection of table items, I'd like to try Nousaku's tableware next. The Bowl Kuzushi looks really stylish to me. I imagine chilling the bowl itself and serving salad or cold pasta in it would be delicious. I also think it would surprisingly suit Japanese side dishes too. The beer cup and chopstick rest I use blend in surprisingly well with ceramic and glass tableware, so I'd love to get my hands on it to expand the range of dishes I can make.

The Bowl Kuzushi, whose gentle curves highlight the beauty of tin.

Looking closely at the favorite brands our staff have used over the years, both the story behind how they came to use them and the ways they use them are truly as varied as the people themselves. When you take another look at the items you cherish, you're sure to notice qualities unique to that particular item—qualities you might have missed simply because it's always there beside you. With a renewed appreciation for that kind of charm, I hope to keep enjoying my favorite things for a long time to come.

The brands featured here

▽fog linen work

A brand centered on the idea of using linen products, made in Lithuania—famous as a linen-producing country—in everyday life without hesitation. It proposes ways of incorporating quality linen goods into daily living in accessible forms.

▽I.Ronni Kappos

A brand that creates emotionally rich, designer-crafted jewelry using rare vintage German beads made by artisans in the Bohemia region during the 1920s–40s. The clean, geometric sensibility, meticulously precise bead arrangement, and distinctive coloring come together in exquisite harmony.

▽Hakusan Toki

A Hasami-yaki maker brand founded on the principle that "ease of use and harmony with everyday life matter above all else" in making things. They believe that truly beautiful tableware is neither flashy nor plain, but has a freshness that doesn't get swept up by passing trends, and a design that never grows tiresome with use.
 

▽Nousaku

Nousaku got its start making Buddhist altar fittings using casting techniques passed down in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture. Highly regarded for its casting technique—pouring molten metal into molds to create products—the company uses a wide variety of metals to make all kinds of tools for everyday life.