Photos: mamemamemame.com
Most of us probably have heard of Japanese word mame meaning “bean” but this time it is not about food at all. Taking it as a nickname designer Maiko Kurogouchi created her own line and was recognized as an outstanding young artist in Japan.
Starting her career at Issey Miyake’s studio Kurogouchi learnt to approach fabrics in a very neat and precise way, which could be noticed especially in her design of bags. The most striking thing about her clothing style is stories behind them. Her work is fraught with personal associations and idyllic countryside lifestyle, that also inspired S/S 2014 collection. Moved by the traditional gestures of her grandmother the designer presented hip and young works at Japan Fashion Week in 2013.
Mame used deep colors with a variety of wonderful textiles, which created a very smooth and soft look. Her work is all about intricate details that make a ready-to-wear piece of cloth look sophisticated and fashionable.
Using a countryside scenery Kurogouchi took pictures of a model during different times of a day and told a story about women, who uses magic beans to create wonders with her outfit. It is meaningful, powerful and eye-catching!
