Portfolio Update: Bespoke Uniform for Japan House London
apan House is the cultural home of Japan in London. Alongside Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, the London location presents the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology, deepening the appreciation of all that Japan has to offer.
Studio 104 were selected to develop a bespoke uniform for Japan House’s visitor experience team as part of its launch in 2018. Led by Japanese designer Kenya Hara, art director for Muji since 2002, our brief began with his concept of ‘Negative space’, evident across every touchpoint within Japan House.
Only 3 pieces were created a crease-resistant shirt, trousers and an unstructured jacket. The influence of the jacket arrived from the popular style worn by Japanese architects, a blend of unlined sartorial blazers and soft-shouldered workwear.
Exploring the idea of creating negative space, Studio 104 brought this to life with detailing both on the shirting and trousers. The crisp white shirting has long slits on each side to reveal the black trousers underneath, allowing the cut to be longer and the wearer to access pockets. Alongside the key design attribute of negative space, three other attributes were referenced for the uniform collection - ‘Perfect Simplicity’, ‘Gender Neutrality’ & ‘Dark Indigo’.
The interior architecture at Japan House is a feast of minimal design, from the monochrome colour palette to the clean geometric lines used throughout. This simplicity became a strong influence and assisted with Hara’s intention of blending the team in with space, elevating the exhibited displays to be front and centre.
The next design attribute of gender neutrality continued to develop the desired simple and clean aesthetic by further suppressing the ego. By approaching both male and female uniform with the same oversized neutral silhouette enabled the company to achieve bespoke quantities with such a small team.
Japan has an incredible history of high quality, unique fabrics. For this project Studio 104 wanted to promote this by exploring the colour indigo, a fabric dye colour used in Japan since the 10th century. A dark indigo featured on the bound seams of the jacket, complementing the durable black exterior.
Overall Studio 104 has designed an easy to wear, modern and durable uniform for Japan House, that will endure over time and beautifully completes this temple of iconic minimal design. To discover move Studio 104's bespoke projects head to our portfolio page.
Studio 104 creates the best bespoke and custom uniforms for some of the world's most respected luxury retail brands. Complementing our vast global client portfolio,we are proud to have worked extensively with De Beers Jewellers, and we are equally thrilled about our collaboration with Fortnum & Mason.
Written by Stephen - Brand & Marketing Manager
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