The "kata kata x Komiya Shoten" folding umbrella for both rain and shine is on sale from today!
This umbrella for both rain and shine is a collaboration between Komiya Shoten and the husband-and-wife unit "kata kata," consisting of Takeshi Matsunaga and Tomoe Takai, who create original dyed fabrics using stencil dyeing and chusen dyeing techniques. Please take a look.
Click here for the product page
In this third installment of our special feature, we will introduce how umbrellas are made and provide details about the products.
Setting by Iedokoro / Movie & Photo by Orita / Photo & text by Tagawa
Click here for the first episode, "-The thoughts of the kata kata duo and Komiya Shoten-"
Click here for the second installment, "Leaf designs on umbrella fabric"
katakata Leaf Folding Umbrella for Sunny and Rainy Days
Color: (from left) Tin blue, Moegi, Yellow, Light orange Price: 22,000 yen (tax included)
In the second session, a fabric was created using katakata's "leaf" design with Yamanashi's traditional "hogushi weaving" technique, and this time, an umbrella maker will make it into an umbrella.
This process is handled by Tanaka, a craftsman in our manufacturing department.
The key to making an umbrella is creating a wooden mold.
These are made anew for each type of umbrella, so with this product we start by making a wooden mold.
After many adjustments, the wooden mold is finally completed and then the next steps in the process include cutting the fabric and then sewing it together.
As this is our first time working with a polyester and cotton blend, we are proceeding with extra care and caution, checking the degree of stretchability.
After sewing the ribs and fabric together and finally completing the prototype umbrella, I realized that the fabric was more stretchy than I had expected.
It is believed that the difference in appearance between the different materials, natural cotton thread and synthetic polyester thread, affects the stretch of the fabric, so a plane is used to make adjustments to the wooden mold in millimeters.
The umbrella was made using a wooden mold that was carefully refined over time, and has a beautiful curve, making it a product that we are proud to introduce.
When it comes to fabrics that you're using for the first time, there are many things you won't know until you actually try them out, and it takes many adjustments before the optimal shape is finally completed.
That's why the joy he feels when it's finished is all the more intense, and this is what makes his job rewarding.
We have created a video that shows the actual process of making these umbrellas, so please take a look.
Next, we will introduce the features of the umbrella.
One of the charms of this umbrella is that the umbrella cover can be transformed into a vertical "eco bag."
It is a great item that can hold an umbrella both folded and unfolded, and can also be used as a bag.
When not in use, you can roll it up and fasten it with a button so it doesn't take up much space in your bag.
The second is the name band attached to the inside and outside.
It has a 2-way design that allows it to be closed like a long umbrella even with the ribs extended.
Although it is a folding umbrella, it can be carried like a long umbrella and can also be stored in an umbrella bag.
The third is a ring-shaped bamboo handle that your arm fits into.
The feel of the bamboo matches the natural texture of the fabric to create a stylish and elegant look.
The "kata kata leaf folding umbrella" is an umbrella that combines design, tradition and functionality.
You can also see the actual product at our Higashi-Nihonbashi store, so please come and take a look.
Click here for the product page
For more information on kata, click here
