Keep it long, treasure it long.

A dress that highlights your elegance.

Formal wear for occasions such as graduation ceremonies and other formal events. Since these moments are captured in photographs, you want to look polished and also blend in with the atmosphere of the occasion. However, if you limit yourself to a piece that is only for "that day," it often ends up sitting in your closet with limited opportunities to wear it. Ideally, you want to choose something that can be worn not only for commemorative dinners and business meals but also for gatherings with close friends, without compromising on elegance or style. The "sumi" series from hatsutoki responds to such desires.

A Formal Wear That Seems Almost Nonexistent

hatsutoki, a brand known for Banshu textiles, starts from the creation of a single thread to match the image of the clothing they want to create. The fabric for the sumi series was carefully constructed based on the requirements for formal wear. While it is relatively easy to create a functional fabric that is wrinkle-resistant and has a glossy finish by blending polyester, achieving "easy care," "wrinkle resistance," and "suitable for all seasons" using only natural fibers was a challenging task.

To address this, they used strong twisted wool yarn for the weft against cotton warp yarn. The finely twisted worsted wool, which is also used in high-end suits, excels in moisture absorption and release. The strong twist creates a smooth texture, resulting in a fabric that is resistant to wrinkles. This makes it a reliable choice for long travel days, ensuring you look good without hesitation when you need it. In summer, it can be worn lightly on its own, while in winter, it can be layered with turtlenecks or thin knits for easy temperature control, making it versatile throughout the year. Since formal wear is not something you accumulate in multiples, the ability to wear it whenever needed, regardless of the season, provides peace of mind.

Available in two colors: sumi black and sumi gray. The sumi black, woven in a deep black that does not overpower the pattern, and the sumi gray, which expresses a light ink color using multi-colored threads, both convey a sense of elegance and calm. By subtly mixing the colors of the threads rather than using a single color, depth is created, and the texture of the threads manifests as fine expressions, adding a unique charm to this fabric.

The sumi black dress is a piece designed with the image of a dignified and beautiful woman in mind. With the desire to subtly incorporate elements of Japanese aesthetics into formal wear, which often leans towards a Western impression, delicate cuttings inspired by the intricate designs of shrines and temples have been layered, focusing on the beauty of lines rather than embellishments. When worn, you can feel the thoughtful details that ensure your posture looks beautiful whether standing, sitting, or reaching out in a quiet space. The dress comes with a removable waist cord, allowing for subtle changes in silhouette depending on how it is tied. Since it is a piece meant to be cherished over time, the ability to make small adjustments to your outfit is a delightful feature. It can be worn alone or styled with a bolero for added elegance.

New Possibilities of Banshu Textiles

hatsutoki is a brand of textiles known as Banshu textiles. Banshu textiles are lightweight fabrics centered around cotton, with a history of over 200 years in the northern Harima region of Hyogo Prefecture. They are characterized by the "yarn-dyed" method, where the yarn is dyed before weaving, and this region holds an 80% share of the national market for yarn-dyed textiles. Textile-producing areas often have large rivers that provide abundant water, which enhances the beauty of the fabric's colors, bringing out hues that cannot be expressed anywhere else.

hatsutoki was born from the desire to convey the excitement of touching Banshu textiles for the first time. In a market flooded with trend-chasing, homogenized clothing where it is unclear where and how it is made, they aim to communicate the thoughts behind the creation process, sharing the wonderful qualities of Banshu textiles that feel good against the skin.

Fully Utilizing Techniques Cultivated in the Region

hatsutoki's approach to creation begins with making a single thread, which means "I want to create clothing with this image, texture, and design, so I will create the fabric (yarn) to match." They do not design based on the fabric; rather, the design, fabric, and texture are in harmony. This is hatsutoki's strength, as they can advance the design and fabric development simultaneously.

They manufacture products with the premise of being universally appealing and long-lasting, feeling an infinite potential in designs inspired by the surrounding natural landscapes, colors, sounds, and everything that can be perceived through the senses.