hana mitsui revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques

the new value of waste: repurposing discarded fabrics

Tradition meets modernity with Hana Mitsui’s The New Value of Waste as she embarks on a journey to rediscover the essence of Japanese design heritage for modern contexts. Known for her innovative textile methods inspired by Japan’s heritage, the designer has here developed the ‘ORIGINAL SAKIORI’ technique. Mitsui pays homage to the technical intricacies of the conventional Sakiori (裂織) methods and their deep cultural philosophy, to imbue fabric waste with new value. Through a process of upcycling, weaving, and wefting, she presents an original yarn form that has been crafted into intricate ‘Ikat’ patterns.

hana mitsui rediscover the essence of Japanese design heritage

Hana Mitsui’s textile creations transcend mere aesthetics and become a conduit for conveying a mindset of care for belongings — a philosophy she believes holds relevance in the current era of abundance. Sakiori, born in an era of scarcity, reflects a time when resources were treasured, and the Japanese, mindful of their surroundings, repurposed old kimonos. The designer delves into this historical practice where discarded garments found new life as weft threads, which were then woven into fabrics utilized for Haori (over-coat) and Zabuton (cushions over wood floors).

In response to the staggering waste generated by the fashion industry, Mitsui proposes the utilization of discarded fabric to create original yarns. These waste materials are finely and delicately cut into weft threads, then woven into fabrics to find applications on both industrial and hand-weaving. 

Beyond The New Value of Waste, Hana Mitsui has collaborated with various notable brands and companies such as doublet, Alexander McQueen, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation. Through the application of the ORIGINAL SAKIORI technique, her creations resonate in diverse fashion landscapes. In the next year’s Milano Salone and Satellite, she is planning to showcase new works alongiside her original KURUME Ikat and ORIGINAL SAKIORI.

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project info:

name: The New Value of Waste
designer: Hana Mitsui

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