Lauded for their sleek and stylish designs, Japanese fashion brands have been a formidable force to be reckoned with, with their items practically flying off the shelves. What is particularly impressive about these renowned brands is that the craftsmen inject traditional Japanese techniques into the making of their fashion products, thus imbuing them with a unique vibe where the ancient is seamlessly fused with the new. Here are some examples of Japanese brands that judiciously utilize traditional techniques:

Suminagashi Developed in the ninth century, suminagashi is a Japanese paper marbling technique that uses ink pigments that are blended with oil. Instead of paper, this technique has been adapted in the fashion industry to dye patterns onto textile via a simple two-step process. The ink-oil mixture is first floated on water. This results in the formation of intricate swirling patterns which can be manipulated to form the desired shape by using a straw or even human hair! It is then transferred onto textile so that beautiful ink images can be captured on it. As it brings about an elegant sense of aesthetics, suminagashi is now used to manufacture funky shoes by various labels such as Spingle Move and Onitsuka Tiger. For Onitsuka Tiger, customers are truly spoilt for choice as they can purchase suminagashi-incorporated Mexico 66 and the Appian shoes that come in pink, blue and slate grey ink swirls. The best part of suminagashi? This technique ensures that no two products will have the same imprinted design! This surely appeals to fashionistas who embrace one-of-a-kind products that will flaunt their unique style!

Washi garments
 Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage item, “washi” (Japanese paper) is made of fibers from the bark of three plants native to Japan, namely the mitsumata shrub, paper mulberry and gampi tree. These plant fibers are dissolved in water and then strained through a bamboo filter to yield a type of paper that is stronger, tougher and more durable than conventional paper. When washi paper is marbled and softened with dyes such as persimmon juice, it will not only be lighter than materials like cotton and hemp, but will also feel soft like linen. Such characteristics of washi make it ideal as a fabric to make clothing – an advantage that has already been seized by various fashion labels. Case in point: Kyoto-based brand Wazigen Shizukaya. It has launched its Opus.8 Goodspeed Parka line, in which its washi hakama (traditional men's skirt) and hooded parkas resemble the traditional battle surcoats worn by samurai many yons ago! Obi waist sashes are also thoughtfully provided, so wear them with your hakama or hooded parka to complete the samurai look and exude an air of masculinity! What better way is there to experience the amazing strength and softness of washi garments than this?

Mokume Gane
 An ancient sword-making technique, "mokume gane" (wood grain metal) involved the fusing of various layers of mild steel and carbon steel to yield a sandwich of alloys that boasted superior strength and durability. This sandwich of alloys would then be manipulated in such a way that the blade took on the appearance of rustic wood grain, hence the name. Nowadays, jewelry artisans engage "mokume gane" in their production of visually stunning rings. Several layers of alternating colors of precious metals will be fused and patterned together to create swirling and vibrant colored images. Similar to suminagashi, mokume gane will not produce any two rings that have identical designs. Hence for men who wish to propose to their girlfriends or pamper their wife-to-be, fret no more and hurry on down to Labo Mokume Gane Jewelry located in Kanagawa Prefecture to choose exclusive and exquisite engagement and wedding rings! Mokumeganeya, with its many branches strategically located in Kanto and Kansai, is yet another store you can bring your girlfriend or fiancée to select a pair of engagement or wedding rings that appeal to you!

Looking at techniques like suminagashi, washi making and mokume gane, there is no question that a spirit of craftsmanship flows through the veins of Japanese people. It is thanks to their dedication to preserving their traditional crafts that we are able to enjoy the fruits of their labors: timeless products that are equal parts modernly classy and anciently attractive.