21 Nov 2008
Article - 10.01.2007
Japanese designers breathe new life into fashion cast-offs and sentimental favourites in their Museum workshop.
“I am sending you this garment that I have treasured these past years,” says Mother to her son Hyoma, a tailor. Hyoma and his mother are characters in the Hyoma recycle story, written and illustrated by Masahiro Nakagawa, leader of the group of fashion recyclers known as Nakagawa Sochi.
The Hyoma recycle story explains the philosophy underpinning this complex and exciting project, recently seen in its entirety at the Powerhouse Museum. From 24 September to 9 October 2005 the Nakagawa Sochi team – Masahiro Nakagawa, Rika Koiwa, Jun Koiwa and Eri Takahashi, supported by volunteer students from the Sydney Institute of TAFE’s fashion design school – created a unique design studio called Tokyo Recycle Project #15.
The project aimed to break the fashion cycle by taking old clothes and textiles – along with the stories and sentiments attached to them by their owners – and transforming them into something new.
Visitors could also take part in this unique creative experience by watching the team at work and chatting with them during special daily sessions. The project culminated in a spectacular fashion parade showcasing the outcome of two weeks of intense design work.
The Museum was especially interested in the project because it brought to life the exhibition The cutting edge: fashion from Japan (on show from 26 September 2005 – 29 January 2006) and also tackles an issue very close to the Museum’s heart and history – that of sustainable design.
The Project had already been a huge hit in New York, Hong Kong and Japan, before coming to the Powerhouse. Participants came from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra to claim 50 places, available at three levels of transformation:
Level 1: a minor transformation in the form of a screen print or other topical application.
Level 2: cutting, shaping, and reassembling, into something suitable for everyday wear.
Level 3: a haute-couture garment.
To begin the project, participants came to the Museum for a one-on-one consultation with Masahiro Nakagawa. The conversation, forms, letters and a Polaroid shot then served as a reminder to the designer throughout the process.
This article was first published in Powerline, summer 05/06, the magazine of the Powerhouse Museum.
Toyko Recycle Project #15
The cutting edge: fashion from Japan
Sydney Institute of TAFE Fashion Design
TAGS
+ Fashion design
+ Sustainable design
+ Haute-couture
+ Recycling
+ The cutting edge: fashion from Japan
The Hyoma recycle story explains the philosophy underpinning this complex and exciting project, recently seen in its entirety at the Powerhouse Museum. From 24 September to 9 October 2005 the Nakagawa Sochi team – Masahiro Nakagawa, Rika Koiwa, Jun Koiwa and Eri Takahashi, supported by volunteer students from the Sydney Institute of TAFE’s fashion design school – created a unique design studio called Tokyo Recycle Project #15.
The project aimed to break the fashion cycle by taking old clothes and textiles – along with the stories and sentiments attached to them by their owners – and transforming them into something new.
Visitors could also take part in this unique creative experience by watching the team at work and chatting with them during special daily sessions. The project culminated in a spectacular fashion parade showcasing the outcome of two weeks of intense design work.
The Museum was especially interested in the project because it brought to life the exhibition The cutting edge: fashion from Japan (on show from 26 September 2005 – 29 January 2006) and also tackles an issue very close to the Museum’s heart and history – that of sustainable design.
The Project had already been a huge hit in New York, Hong Kong and Japan, before coming to the Powerhouse. Participants came from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra to claim 50 places, available at three levels of transformation:
Level 1: a minor transformation in the form of a screen print or other topical application.
Level 2: cutting, shaping, and reassembling, into something suitable for everyday wear.
Level 3: a haute-couture garment.
To begin the project, participants came to the Museum for a one-on-one consultation with Masahiro Nakagawa. The conversation, forms, letters and a Polaroid shot then served as a reminder to the designer throughout the process.
This article was first published in Powerline, summer 05/06, the magazine of the Powerhouse Museum.
Toyko Recycle Project #15The cutting edge: fashion from JapanSydney Institute of TAFE Fashion Design
TAGS
+ Fashion design
+ Sustainable design
+ Haute-couture
+ Recycling
+ The cutting edge: fashion from Japan