The SHIKAKU at ISSEY MIYAKE SHINJUKU presents an exhibition, “KYO CHIJIMI ITAJIME” by HaaT.

Twisted threads. A lightness to the touch, enriched with vivid tones.

KYO CHIJIMI, a much-loved textile from the fabric-inspired brand HaaT, originates from chijimi weaving and has been long-cherished in Kyoto as everyday attire, traditionally worn to keep people comfortable during the city’s humid summers. Reinterpreted through contemporary materials and design sensibilities, its evolution offers a fabric that rests lightly on the skin. The textured surface reduces contact with the body, allowing air to circulate, while the subtle shadows within the weave create a quiet sense of depth.

“KYO CHIJIMI ITAJIME” applies the traditional dyeing technique known as itajime. Each piece of cloth is meticulously folded by hand, placed between circular or rectangular boards, and firmly compressed with a clamp. This compression resists the penetration of dye, allowing patterns such as dots and stripes to emerge through the controlled interplay of pressure and pigment.

This exhibition presents an installation inspired by the itajime process, illuminating the layered structures that arise through its making. Within the softly defined edges and gentle gradations of colour, one may perceive the subtle hand of craftsmanship - a nurtured practice shaped by material, gesture, and time.