This is how Meisen patterns are reborn into modern fabrics.

When you hold a MEISENNE product, you might feel that "this pattern is modern, yet somehow a little nostalgic." And that's because MEISENNE's textiles are the patterns of "Isesaki Meisen" that actually existed from the Taisho to early Showa periods, reborn through modern technology.

The process of creating MEISENNE textiles consists of three steps.

① High-resolution recording of authentic Meisen

The starting point is actual Meisen kimonos and rolls of fabric. Items sourced from "Hanabana" (an Isesaki Meisen store) and those independently collected by staff are photographed and recorded in high resolution. The purpose of this process is to preserve the colors and patterns of the fabric, which have survived through the ages, as accurately as possible in digital data.

② Graphic designers faithfully reproduce the patterns digitally

Based on the captured data, graphic designers reproduce the patterns as digital data. At this stage, the greatest attention is paid to reproducing the characteristic "blurring" (kasure) unique to Meisen's ikat patterns. Ikat patterns have a blurriness and fluctuation in their outlines that are inherent to handcrafted items. If these are straightened into clear lines, the essence of Meisen is lost. The key to MEISENNE's textiles is to deliberately "not make them too clean," despite being digital.

Another important task in this process is the reconstruction of the pattern size and width. Meisen kimono patterns are designed with the assumption of being tailored into kimonos, so the patterns are drawn larger. If used as-is for bags or clothing, only a part of the pattern might be visible, or the overall balance could be disrupted. Therefore, the patterns are redrawn to a size suitable for modern accessories and Western-style clothing, while retaining their original charm.

Furthermore, patterns that were drawn to fit the width of a bolt of fabric (approximately 40 cm) are reconstructed to accommodate modern fabric widths (approximately 150 cm). Missing parts are filled in by drawing additional patterns, carefully ensuring that the pattern unfolds beautifully across the entire wide fabric. This process allows MEISENNE to be developed into a wide range of items, including bags, apparel, and accessories.

③ Weaving the fabric using jacquard weaving

Based on the completed digital data, the fabric is created using jacquard weaving. Jacquard weaving is a technique that can express complex patterns with high precision. The digital data, imbued with the blurring and fluctuation of Meisen, is reborn here as a "touchable fabric" for the first time.

Thus, the patterns of Meisen worn by women in the Taisho era transform into modern bags and skirts. While "reproducing" them, they are carefully "redesigned" to blend into modern life—MEISENNE's textiles are completed through the accumulation of such careful and delicate work.