Description
This sleeveless jacquard long vest blends ancient craftsmanship with modern design, presenting a subtle and elegant Oriental charm. The delicately curved front placket folds gently, secured by handmade ceramic buttons on one side of the chest.
Each ceramic button is handcrafted by the designer, adding a unique charm with its intricate craftsmanship. The pitcher-shaped sleeve cuffs cleverly cover the shoulders, while the sleeveless design offers a practical and versatile layering style for everyday wear. The cotton blend fabric carries a warm and glossy finish reminiscent of porcelain glaze, delicately portraying the smooth texture of antique porcelain’s milky white glaze.
Through tie-dyeing, the fabric achieves a depth effect reminiscent of the accumulation of glaze on ceramics, offering a soft touch and rich layers. The streamlined cut from top to bottom accentuates a graceful silhouette, further enhancing the figure.
Inspired by the ancient ceramic-making techniques of Japan, a visit to Arita Town in Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island* led designer Maiko Kurogouchi to embark on an idea to “Transform porcelain into clothes.” The exquisite raised floral patterns on the fabric draw inspiration from Japan’s traditional ceramic engraving technique, while the motifs are inspired by the arabesque curves found on early Imari* ceramics in Japan. Through continuous research and experimentation, the designer ultimately presents the intricate embossed floral patterns on the silk fabric using a raised jacquard technique.
＊Each ceramic button is handmade, so there may be slight differences in glaze colour and shape, which are considered normal.
＊Due to the tie-dyeing process, there may be slight variations in colour depth and the appearance of spots on the fabric.
＊The white fabric uses undyed natural cotton thread and intentionally retains cotton plant residues (brown cottonseed fiber granules) to add texture.
One Size Only | Size 2
Length: 122.5cm, Shoulder Width: 41cm, Chest: 46.2cm, Waist: 41.9cm, Hip: 51.3cm, Hem: 58.6cm
＊Model height 164cm.
Material | Body: Cotton 67%, Viscose Rayon 33%; Partly: Polyester 100%
ー Made in Japan ー
Mame Kurogouchi, established in 2010 by Japanese designer Maiko Kurogouchi, is a renowned women’s ready-to-wear clothing brand. The name “Mame” derives from the designer’s childhood nickname, signifying a personal touch in every creation. For Maiko, the creative process resembles a tranquil journey, seamlessly blending fragments of daily inspiration with timeless design, traditional craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. By drawing from her own memories, identity, and diverse cultural influences such as artifacts, architecture, and literature, Mame Kurogouchi delves deep into the essence of contemporary femininity.
The brand’s designs harmonize feminine silhouettes with advanced technology and meticulous craftsmanship. Each collection showcases a rich variety of fabric textures, juxtaposing colors and streamlined designs rooted in Japanese rural handicrafts. Infused with elements inspired by life observations and a passion for cultural history, Mame Kurogouchi pieces emanate both delicacy and power. Through the fusion of delicate yet powerful designs with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Mame Kurogouchi creates timeless garments that transcend eras, exuding warmth and sophistication.
＊Yokoku Decoration Technique
Yokoku involves pressing patterned molds onto clay to make the patterns emerge. When clay is pressed against patterned molds, the designs appear three-dimensionally. It is a ceramic decoration technique that utilizes a reduction method to create three-dimensional patterns.
＊Imari-yaki
Imari-yaki is a general term for ceramics produced in the former Hizen Province, centered around Arita in present-day Saga Prefecture and Nagasaki Prefecture. The Imari region of Japan is renowned for its ceramic products, with Imari becoming one of the main production areas for Japanese ceramics since the 17th century. Early Imari patterns typically include traditional Japanese motifs, botanical patterns, and animal motifs, which were used to decorate ceramics and other crafts.
＊Arita Town, Saga Prefecture
Arita Town, located in Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island, is one of the oldest ceramic production sites in Japan. It is known as one of the famous Arita-yaki production areas, with Arita-yaki being a type of pottery produced in the former Hizen Province. In ancient times, Arita-yaki was exported in large quantities to Europe and was known as “Imari ware.” Imari-yaki is a pinnacle of craftsmanship and one of Japan’s most representative ceramics. Arita Town is renowned for its long history of ceramics and exquisite craftsmanship.
