collaboration with // "when in japan"
the challenge
How might we design an apparel line that is cohesive, trendy, and culturally representative?
my approach
Observe popular clothing designs, blend in my own illustration style, and test/iterate version on friends! This is what I came up with.
"su-shiba"
"su-shiba"
one of the more popular designs,
"su-shiba" is a play on sushi with cute shiba inus as the filling (not for eating purposes)! it was inspired by the many shiba inu themed items I saw while traveling in tokyo, and the recent surge in popularity of dog apparel.
(shown: su-shiba on hoodie)
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"thirsty?"
one of japan's most famed attractions and the one that I am most jealous of is the plethora of beautiful vending machines, containing tasty drinks ranging from melon soda, to peach water, and even hot coffee. I loved the sometimes vintage and colorful look the machines had, and it inspired me to make this design.
(shown: thirsty? on tote bag)
one of japan's most famed attractions and the one that I am most jealous of is the plethora of beautiful vending machines, containing tasty drinks ranging from melon soda, to peach water, and even hot coffee. I loved the sometimes vintage and colorful look the machines had, and it inspired me to make this design.
(shown: thirsty? on tote bag)
"oiishi!"
exclaimed when eaten something amazing, "oiishi" literally means delicious in japanese. the foods depicted in this illustration are some of the highlights I ate while on my trip, like golden tempura, crispy gyoza, and creamy cold matcha soft serve. Nothing compares to my happiness with food!
(shown: oiishi! on long sleeve)
"kyoto alleyways"
referenced directly from a photo I took while in Gion, kyoto alleyways first came to me as a pure color palette, then turned into a moody, mysterious illustration that I knew I wanted in the collection. I wanted to portay the feeling of fantasy and wonderment as I walked down those alleys at night, surrounded by glowing lanterns under a starry sky.
(shown: kyoto alleyways on mug)
referenced directly from a photo I took while in Gion, kyoto alleyways first came to me as a pure color palette, then turned into a moody, mysterious illustration that I knew I wanted in the collection. I wanted to portay the feeling of fantasy and wonderment as I walked down those alleys at night, surrounded by glowing lanterns under a starry sky.
(shown: kyoto alleyways on mug)
"mochi?"
asking if I want mochi is almost a trick question: the answer is always yes. while at the tsukiji fish market in tokyo, I splurged on a strawberry daifuku that was freshly prepared right in front of me, and the moment I bit into the soft, juicy dessert, I knew I wanted to make a design inspired by it. the cute face added with the retro text made for an interesting combination!
(shown: mochi? on crew socks)
asking if I want mochi is almost a trick question: the answer is always yes. while at the tsukiji fish market in tokyo, I splurged on a strawberry daifuku that was freshly prepared right in front of me, and the moment I bit into the soft, juicy dessert, I knew I wanted to make a design inspired by it. the cute face added with the retro text made for an interesting combination!
(shown: mochi? on crew socks)
it has always been a dream of mine to collaborate on apparel, so big thanks to Lea Sunshine Chen for letting me work with her on "when in japan!" check out her other lines on the lovelea website :) all credits for apparel/accessories to her! all designs illustrated by hand in paint tool sai.