Traditional Japanese tie dye goes beyond fashion

Kazuhiko Takakura may have the fashion world at his feet at only 32 years old but his passion for creating distinctive tie dye items stems from his family’s trade that dates back almost 400 years.

The Japanese designer — who was recently in town for a short visit — comes from a long line of tie dye artisans from the culturally-rich city of Kyoto, known for its impressive shrines, ancient customs and textile production.

Time-honoured traditions aside, Takakura has one facet to his artistic style that is quite unlike any we have seen or heard of: kendo — which in Japanese means the way of the sword. Takakura, who has been practising the art of kendo since he was 8-years-old, incorporates this modern Japanese martial arts philosophy into his designs.

"Kendo teaches you to focus and concentrate," he said during our interview session.

photo: formal dresses sydney

Known for his bright colours and distinct designs, Takakura uses a technique called shibuki which means splash in Japanese, along with the principles of kendo to create the famous Takakurazome Tokyo splatter.

Takakurazome Kyoto is the name of his family business that was started back in 1897 when his forefathers specialised in silk crepe manufacturing. Today, the brand is synonymous with Takakura’s dynamic ability to transition the ancient art form into modern, wearable art.

In Japan and most parts of the world, traditional techniques and skills are on a steady decline, making one wonder if the only way to preserve them is to adapt and evolve the art form itself. In the case of Takakura’s family tradition, it seems to be heading in that direction.

"I want to keep it alive through reinvention," expressed Takakura, who created a new technique that can be applied to various types of textiles.

His creativity has enabled him to collaborate with some of the fashion world’s most iconic designers such as Issey Miyake, Comme des Garcons, Nike and All Stars.

Beyond fashion collaborations, the ultimate goal is to pass down the art of fabric tie-dyeing to a successor.

"It’s a problem finding an apprentice to continue our art," said Takakura.

Although Takakura was exposed to the family’s heritage of tie dyeing since he was a child, it was only after he left university that he started working for his family.

He was 22-years-old at the time and had just completed a degree in Sociology.

"My parents had hopes for me to be a corporate leader because I went to university but I feel that it is my responsibility to continue this tradition," he laughs.

The friendly designer — who was clad in his own designs from head to toe — added that "the Japanese government is very supportive" of his efforts in helping keep the tradition alive.

In his home country, Takakurazome Kyoto is worn and loved by teenagers and octogenarians alike.

"Japan’s scope of fashion is so advanced," he exclaimed, adding that his clothes have a universal appeal and is best worn with a non-rigid, carefree approach.

"If you have a very busy top, pair it with a plain bottom so that it will enhance the design."

"This is a universal art so it can always suit and match various environments."

Nature remains his biggest inspiration "because it’s very easy to express the colours and techniques," he shared.

Some of his favourite motifs are swirls and dots, even more so right now as his latest collection is inspired by the galaxy.

But the beauty of his work — be it apparels, shoes, tote bags or scarves — clearly lies in the time-consuming process of completing a single piece which can take up to five hours.

"I first create a basic design on paper before transferring my final design onto a T-shirt, fabric or shoes," he explained.

Once a basic design is completed, Takakura fine-tunes his art work on the piece of garment until it meets his expectations.

"Every single garment I create is a masterpiece because shibuki cannot be controlled or recreated," he said, referring to his signature splashes.

He finishes off each item using the shibuki technique and the results of each and every item becomes a one-of-a-kind artwork, hence the term wearable art.

Besides apparels, Takakura also caters to individual orders. Last April, a customer from Singapore commissioned a large piece of painting from him.

While the brand has gained international recognition and handles orders from all over the world, Takakura still keeps his production line intimate and humble.

He works out of his studio in Kyoto which he shuts during his work travels as "no one takes care of it."

Aside from Japan, Malaysia is the only country where one is able to find his brand, located at the quirky Japanese-inspired store, Parkamaya.

But beneath it all, Takakura "wants to create something that will create an impact not only marketing-wise" but also to inspire happiness regardless of age.

"I want people to wear my work and be happy and liberated," he smiled.

see more: formal dresses brisbane

Share the latest fashion news,beauty tips,celebrity styles.View now.