Keep it long, treasure it long.

A Cotton Silk Dress Draped in Shadows

Many situations arise where you want to step out in slightly more polished attire, extending from your everyday wear. Whether dining at a nice restaurant, attending a concert, or simply wanting to avoid being too casual while not wanting to be overly formal, the "just right" solution for such days is the dress made from hatsutoki's textile "incense." It offers a sense of elegance while maintaining a lightness, adding depth to your outfit.

Embracing the Variations of Silk

The textile "incense," which means "the fragrance of incense," is crafted from wild silk (yasan) raised in the mountains, blended with cotton silk. Compared to the domesticated silk produced indoors, wild silk has a more pronounced texture and creates a unique irregularity in the thickness of the threads. This variation in the threads gives the fabric a natural waviness on its surface, resulting in a distinctive pattern that cannot be easily defined. Moreover, the way light hits the fabric creates subtle shadows, evoking the essence of a fragrance that seems to waft from nowhere. Instead of a uniform sheen, this textile quietly allows the individuality of the material to emerge.

The incense dress combines a relaxed feel with carefully layered elements that ensure a polished appearance. The raglan sleeves soften the shoulder line, creating a feminine impression. The free shoulder measurements make it adaptable to various body types and shoulder widths, which is a delightful feature. With a lightweight design that does not include a lining, it can be layered with outerwear or paired with different inner garments, making it versatile for various occasions. It’s a piece you can choose effortlessly for casual outings, meals, or slightly formal gatherings. Pairing it with a light jacket made from the same material expands its usability across a wider range of settings.

In recent years, more people have been opting for "stylish yet lightweight outfits that can be mixed and matched" for ceremonies such as graduations and entrance ceremonies, while many express uncertainty about how far they can deviate from traditional attire. The incense series strikes a balance, being less rigid than formal wear yet still appropriately responding to special moments that extend from everyday life. Enjoy adjusting your look with shoes, bags, and accessories to suit the occasion.

New Possibilities of Banshu Textiles

hatsutoki is a brand that specializes in Banshu textiles. Banshu textiles are lightweight fabrics centered around cotton, with over 200 years of history in the northern Harima region of Hyogo Prefecture. Characterized by the "pre-dyed" method, where threads are dyed before weaving, this region accounts for 80% of the national share of pre-dyed textiles. Textile-producing areas often benefit from large rivers that provide abundant water, which contributes to the beautiful colors of the fabrics, bringing out hues that cannot be expressed elsewhere.

hatsutoki was born from the desire to convey the excitement of experiencing Banshu textiles for the first time. In a market flooded with homogenized clothing that lacks transparency regarding its origins and production methods, hatsutoki aims to share the story behind how and where these garments are made, while showcasing the comfort and beauty of Banshu textiles against the skin.

Fully Utilizing Techniques Cultivated in the Region

hatsutoki's production begins with creating a single thread, driven by the vision of "wanting to create clothing with a specific image, texture, and design, and thus making the fabric (thread) to match." This approach ensures that the design is not dictated by the fabric, but rather that the design, fabric, and texture are in harmony. This is hatsutoki's strength, allowing the simultaneous progression of clothing design and fabric development.

The brand embraces the concept of "wonderful basics," focusing on creating products that are universal and meant to be cherished for a long time. Additionally, the designs are inspired by the surrounding natural landscapes, colors, sounds, and all sensory experiences, revealing infinite possibilities in their creations.