UNIFORM | Kiriko


Here is a new brand to take note of, in permanent marker, or tattoo ink. Kiriko started in Portland in December of 2012 making scarves ($48-$129), pocket squares ($27), ties ($78) and backpacks ($375). The company's creative director, Dawn Yanagihara, is a fifth generation Japanese-American who grew up in Hawaii. After college in L.A. she went to Japan to teach English and fell in love with Japan's fashion heritage. She moved to Portland recently to start the company where she imports Japanese textiles, especially vintage boro fabric up to 100 years old (and if you're wondering, she won't tell her source). All the items are then cut and sewn by hand in Oregon in the tradition of the fabric. Yanagihara admits she is definitely influenced by big Japanese heritage brands like Kapital, but Kiriko's mission is to create new items that utilize traditional and vintage materials that honor timeless craftsmanship while still providing its customer with an accessible price point. How can you argue with that?



Comments

Sue said…
I was going to say the second scarf definitely had a touch of the Japanese influence about them but that's now understandable. I love the weave and textures of the scarves and the price points are so reasonable. I guess they're not available in the UK?
Jana Lee Miller said…
The scarves look really comfortable! And cute :)
Lizzie said…
@Sue: They are only in a few Portland stores right now but will be growing bigger in the future. Their online store has a huge selection and ships internationally.
Zinzi said…
Shut up. This is awesome.
Gwendolyn said…
dude those are some awesome scarves!!
Amanda said…
I bought one of the boro scarfs a few weeks ago, and it's extremely beautiful - perfect for spring. Highly recommended.

Popular Posts