Keep it long, treasure it long.

From the creation of a single thread

Formal wear for occasions such as graduation ceremonies and other events where you want to present yourself well. Since these moments are captured in photographs, you want to look polished while also blending in with the atmosphere of the occasion. On the other hand, if you limit yourself to an outfit that is only for "that day," it tends to end up sitting in your closet, rarely worn. Instead, you want to choose something that you can wear not only for commemorative dinners and work gatherings but also for casual meet-ups with close friends, without compromising on elegance or style. The "sumi" series from hatsutoki fulfills this desire.

A Formal Wear That Seems Unlikely

Hatsutoki, a brand known for Banshu textiles, starts by creating a single thread that aligns with the vision of the clothing they want to make. The fabric development for the sumi series was carefully constructed based on the requirements for formal wear. While it is relatively easy to create functional fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant and have a glossy finish by blending polyester, achieving "easy care," "wrinkle resistance," and "all-season usability" solely with natural fibers was a challenging task.

To address this, they used strong-twisted wool yarn for the weft against cotton warp. The finely twisted worsted wool is a thread used in high-end suits, known for its excellent moisture absorption and release. The strong twist creates a smooth texture, resulting in a fabric that is less prone to wrinkling. This makes it an ideal choice for long days of travel, ensuring you look your best without hesitation when you need it. In summer, it can be worn lightly on its own, while in winter, layering with a turtleneck or thin knit allows 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 necessary, regardless of the season, provides peace of mind.

Available in two colors: sumi black and sumi gray. The sumi black, woven with a deep black that doesn’t overpower the pattern, and the sumi gray, which expresses a soft ink color using multi-colored threads, both convey a sense of elegance and calm. By subtly blending the colors of the threads rather than using a single hue, depth is created, and the texture of the threads adds a unique three-dimensional quality that is a charm of this fabric.

The sumi bolero jacket is designed with the image of a dignified and beautiful woman in mind. With a desire to subtly incorporate elements of Japanese aesthetics into what can often lean towards a Western impression in formal wear, delicate cuts inspired by the intricate designs of shrines and temples are layered, focusing on the beauty of lines rather than embellishments. When worn, you can feel the thoughtful design that ensures your posture looks graceful whether standing, sitting, or reaching out in a quiet space. The design strikes a perfect balance between a bolero and a jacket, making it versatile enough to pair beautifully with both dresses and pants. Pleats at the front and back create a distinctive silhouette that flares gently. The collar is kept low, allowing accessories like necklaces to stand out. It also looks wonderful when styled as a set with other pieces from the same sumi series.

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. Characterized by the "pre-dyed" method, where the threads are dyed before weaving, this region holds an 80% share of the national market for pre-dyed textiles. Textile-producing areas often have large rivers that provide abundant water, which contributes to the beautiful colors of the fabrics, bringing out hues that can only be expressed in that region.

Hatsutoki was born from the desire to convey the excitement of touching Banshu textiles for the first time. In a market flooded with trend-driven, homogenized clothing where the origins of production are often unclear, they aim to share the story of how and where their products are made while showcasing the comfort and beauty of Banshu textiles.

Fully Utilizing Techniques Cultivated in the Region

Hatsutoki’s approach to craftsmanship begins with creating a single thread, which means "I want to create clothing with this image, texture, and design, so I will make the fabric (thread) accordingly." This means that the design is not dictated by the fabric; rather, the design, fabric, and texture are in harmony. This is where hatsutoki’s strength lies, as they can advance the design and fabric development simultaneously.

They engage in the production of wonderful basics, designed with the premise of being universal and long-lasting, and feel a sense of infinite possibilities in designs inspired by the surrounding natural landscapes, colors, sounds, and everything that can be perceived through the senses.