Mame Kurogouchi

Japanese label Mame Kurogouchi rings with sincerity. Founded by Maiko Kurogouchi in 2010, the ready-to-wear brand is an ode to Japanese craftsmanship. Working alongside rural artisans, the Nagano-born designer harnesses arcane techniques to craft elaborate designs inspired by vintage Japanese clothes, paintings, and ceramics. Recipient of the 2017 Fashion Prize of Tokyo, Kurogouchi has received numerous accolades for her ability to seamlessly fuse tradition with contemporaneity. Best known for her long and lean silhouettes, Kurogouchi’s fluid-yet-tailored designs embrace nonchalant elegance. Flowing mid-length dresses, subtly flared trousers, and slightly oversized blazers are constructed from handwoven silks and traditional kimono textiles. Cut-out detailing, Kiryu embroidery, and the label’s signature PVC shoulder bag add unexpected touches to an otherwise subdued collection. Painstakingly researched, each Mame Kurogouchi collection is as rich in narrative as it is in craft.