KUON

KUON

Founded in February 2016, led by designer Shinichiro Ishibashi, KUON has been praised for the way they approach the subject of sustainability from the perspective of fashion, art, and materials. KUON was honored with the Tokyo Fashion Award in 2018 and invited to show their collection at Shibuya Hikarie during Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO in 2018. KUON was also recognized at NHK WORLD “TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS,” and was the only Japanese brand represented at Isetan Shinjuku Men’s Hall with their boro jacket.

After graduating from Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, Ishibashi went on to work under a master tailor in the Marunouchi district of Tokyo, before beginning his collection in 2016. He often uses the techniques of boro patchwork, sashiko stitching, and sakiori weaving throughout his work.

The word KUON means eternity, or that which is everlasting, as well as the remembrance of the past as experienced in the present. The choice of this word is relevant to Ishibashi as the techniques he often uses are drawn from traditional Japanese clothing but combined with modern developments of fabrics and materials. KUON regularly collaborates with local manufacturers and craftsmen to create clothing that combines Ishibashi’s design work with its unique set of traditional skills. As a result, Ishibashi is able to share his knowledge about fashion, while simultaneously learning the history and expertise of his counterparts. This exchange has provided an edge for KUON, enabling the brand to rapidly gain recognition.

KUON is distributed in more than 40 stores including International Gallery Beams, IN and Bay Cruise in Japan, Jack Straw in Seattle, No Man Walks Alone (on-line), Piermarini in Houston, SKP in Beijing, Initial Gentleman in Hong Kong and China, Workshop in New Zealand and many more.