Keep it long, treasure it long.

Embrace the uniqueness of silk.

Many situations arise where you want to step out in slightly more polished attire, an extension of your everyday wear. Whether dining at a nice restaurant, attending a concert, or simply wanting to avoid being too casual while not being overly formal, finding that "just right" outfit can be a challenge. The dress made from hatsutoki's textile "incense" fulfills that need perfectly. It combines a sense of lightness with depth in its material, adding a touch of elegance to your look.

Embracing the Variations of Silk

The textile "incense," which means "the fragrance of incense," features cotton silk made from wild silk (yasan) raised in the mountains. Compared to the domesticated silk produced indoors, wild silk has a more robust texture and a natural irregularity in the thickness of the threads. This unique character of the threads creates a natural waviness on the fabric's surface, resulting in distinctive patterns that are hard to define. Additionally, the way light hits the fabric creates subtle shadows, evoking the essence of a drifting fragrance. Rather than a uniform sheen, this textile allows the individuality of the material to quietly seep through.

The light jacket is designed as a single layer that can be easily layered over your outfit, similar to a kimono haori. It features no buttons or fasteners at the front, instead, it is worn by tying a slender cord, ensuring that even when worn over a dress, it maintains a light impression while still feeling polished. By intentionally stripping away embellishments, the unique shadows and expressions of the incense fabric are highlighted, allowing you to enjoy the fabric's intriguing qualities. The back is designed with tucks to provide mobility, minimizing any sense of constriction when you move. Additionally, deep side slits enhance ease of movement whether you're walking or sitting. This light jacket is easy to layer over other clothing, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe. Pairing it with the incense dress will create an even more refined look.

In recent years, there has been an increase in people choosing "elegant and light outfits designed for versatility" for ceremonies such as graduations and entrance ceremonies, while many seem unsure about how far they can deviate from traditional styles. The incense series is a reliable choice for those days when you want to look polished while still feeling like yourself. For formal occasions, we recommend pairing it with a jacket and elegant shoes or bags to align with the atmosphere of the event. It strikes a balance that is not as rigid as a dedicated formal outfit but still meets the needs of special moments that extend from everyday life.

New Possibilities of Banshu Textiles

hatsutoki is a brand that specializes in Banshu textiles. Banshu textiles are lightweight fabrics primarily made from cotton, with a history of over 200 years in the northern Harima region of Hyogo Prefecture. They are characterized by the "pre-dyed" method, where the threads are dyed before weaving, and this region holds an 80% share of the national market for pre-dyed textiles. Textile-producing areas are often blessed with abundant water from large rivers, which contributes to the beautiful colors of the fabrics that can only be expressed in that region.

hatsutoki was born from the desire to convey the excitement of experiencing Banshu textiles for the first time. In a market flooded with trend-driven, homogenized clothing where the origins of production are often unclear, hatsutoki aims to share the story of how and where their garments are made, highlighting the comfort and beauty of Banshu textiles.

Fully Utilizing Techniques Cultivated in the Region

hatsutoki's production begins with the creation of a single thread, driven by the vision of "wanting to create clothing with a specific image, texture, and design, and making the fabric (thread) to match." This approach ensures that the design and fabric are in harmony, as the design is not dictated by the fabric but rather developed alongside it. This is a key strength of hatsutoki, allowing for simultaneous progress in both garment design and fabric development.

With a focus on creating "wonderful basics" that are universal and meant to be cherished for a long time, hatsutoki finds infinite possibilities in designs inspired by the surrounding natural landscapes, colors, sounds, and all sensory experiences.