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 revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques
all images courtesy of Hana Mitsui

 

 

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. 

hana mitsui revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques
woven textiles made out of fabric waste

 

 

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.

hana mitsui revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques
intricate ‘Ikat’ patterns adorn the textiles

hana mitsui revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques
step 1: collecting waste textiles from the fashion industry, and cutting them finely into weft threads

hana mitsui revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques
step 2: these yarns can be used for both industrial and hand-weaving looms

hana mitsui revives textile waste using traditional japanese weaving techniques
step 3: weaving the yarn into fabric

the new value of waste
collaboration project with Toyota Tsusho Corporation

the new value of waste
collaboration project with Toyota Tsusho Corporation

the new value of waste
collaboration project with HAKATA ORI craftsman in Fukuoka, Japan

 

 

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The details of the woven textile made out of waste materials.
The details of the woven textile made out of waste materials.
The details of the woven textile made out of waste materials. Collaboration with HAKATA ORI craftsman in Fukuoka, Japan.
The details of the woven textile made out of waste materials. Collaboration with HAKATA ORI craftsman in Fukuoka, Japan.
The details of textile. Collaboration Project with Toyota Tsusho Corporation. I was successful in creating designs and producing fabrics in collaboration with OMI JOFU craftsman in Shiga, Japan.
The details of textile. Collaboration Project with Toyota Tsusho Corporation. I was successful in creating designs and producing fabrics in collaboration with OMI JOFU craftsman in Shiga, Japan.

project info:

 

name: The New Value of Waste
designer: Hana Mitsui

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom