JIL SANDER is proud to announce the launch of one-of-a-kind limited collection created in collaboration with Kyoto artisans. In the ancient capital of Kyoto, where history and innovation breathe, the brand’s creative spirit has deeply intertwined with the unparalleled local techniques of traditional crafts passed down through generations. 

An intimate dialogue with Kyoto’s four esteemed workshops – Nanjo Kobo, Shirushizome Kobo Sugishita, Miyawaki Baisenan and Somenotsukasa Yoshioka - has led to a special limited collection. The collection will be pre-launched on 1st August, at JJR Kyoto Isetan department store, located at Kyoto Station. It will also be available at JIL SANDER’s flagship store in Ginza from September. 

The ancestral craftsmanship, a reverence for nature, refined sincerity, and an inquisitive approach to making are deeply connected with the environment and materials – elements that are the essence of creating the highest quality products. These contemporary traditional craft workshops, which honour past wisdom while embracing a progressive, modern attitude, suggest immensely important values to modern creativity. Each collaboration is unique and is the culmination of the unwavering passion for craftsmanship, pure aesthetics, and profound dialogue – core values the workshops and JIL SANDER share.

Nanjo Kobo x JIL SANDER; Orin Charm

With over 200 years of history, Nanjo Kobo is a venerable workshop that has crafted Buddhist orin bells and the gongs for the Gion Matsuri. In this collaboration, five types of orin charms were created, inspired by the workshop's "LinNe Chibi" series technology and JIL SANDER's "Tangle" bag, unified with kumihimo braids in the latest collection colors. These pieces are entirely handmade using "Sahari," an alloy hardened by the workshop's unique blend, and traditional casting techniques employing firewood. Their clear resonance and beautiful lingering sound are the crystallisation of Nanjo Kobo's history and technology, honed over years in pursuit of the ultimate tone. For the kumihimo, genuine silk Karauchi is used, with vibrant colors that beautifully harmonise with the JIL SANDER collection. The kumihimo knots—Aioi Musubi, Niju-Kanae Musubi, and Odamaki—each carry wishes for good fortune and the fulfillment of desires.

Shirushizome Kobo Sugishita x JIL SANDER; Tenugui towel

Founded in 1936, Shirushizome Kobo Sugishita is a master of "Shirushizome" (dyeing with patterns), working with shrines, temples, and festivals to deliver "the heart of Japan through dyed patterns." They specialise in dyeing family crests and marks onto "noren (curtains), nobori (banners), and flags," as well as "hanten (short coats), happi (festival coats)," and "furoshiki (wrapping cloths), tenugui (hand towels)." This collaboration has resulted in three exquisite tenugui, each meticulously reproducing JIL SANDER's archive prints—"California Sunset," "American Vintage"—alongside "Wildflower," a design specially created for this project. Tenugui have been indispensable daily necessities in Japan since the Edo period, serving a multitude of purposes: as head coverings for sun protection, sashes, dust covers, masks, bath towels, or even improvised thongs for broken footwear. For this collection, the finest tenugui material, "Tokuoka," was used. Embracing tradition, the edges are left unstitched to enhance functionality. The combination of precise printing with the latest technology and traditional post-processing techniques achieves remarkably durable and vibrant colours.

Miyawaki Baisenan x JIL SANDER; Fabric folding Fan

Founded in 1823, Miyawaki Baisenan is a long-established Kyosensu (Kyoto fan) maker that has inherited the beauty and tradition of elegance for over 200 years. In this collaboration, three types of fabric folding fans were created using precious textiles preserved in JIL SANDER's archives. These beautiful fans are the result of artisans' decades of experience, refined skill, and intense concentration. Their light touch, graceful curve when opened, elegant presence when closed, and smooth operation represent a perfect functional beauty where utility and aesthetics harmonise, embodying unwavering dignity. The delicate handwork and dedication of Kyoto's fan artisans breathe life into each individual piece. For the tassels, a lavish 1,920 delicate silk threads are used, with an Awaji knot motif symbolising an eternal wish.

Somenotsukasa Yoshioka x JIL SANDER; Plant-Dyed Handkerchiefs

With over 200 years of history, Somenotsukasa Yoshioka has been dyeing Japan's ancient colours in Kyoto's Fushimi district, blessed with abundant water. In this collaboration, four types of plant-dyed linen handkerchief sets were created. Plant dyeing, performed without any chemical dyes, is a traditional dyeing method that involves simmering roots, leaves, and flowers such as gromwell, indigo, safflower, and madder, then extracting and fermenting the dye liquid over time. Working in harmony with nature, artisans adjust their techniques according to temperature, humidity, and the state of the plants, repeatedly dyeing and rinsing to bring out the deep hues provided by nature. Annually, through offerings to temples like Todai-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Iwashimizu Hachimangu, they transmit a thousand-year-old technique and spirit to the present day. This collection draws inspiration from "Kasane no Irome," the aesthetic of layered colours cherished by aristocrats in the Heian period. With beautiful tones reflecting Japan's unique four seasons—"Sakura no Kasane" for spring, "Rindō no Kasane" for summer, "Ochikuri-iro no Kasane" for autumn, and "Nibi-iro no Kasane" for winter—these pieces embody tranquility and elegance, subtly adding colour to daily life.