Design a Diverse Range of Living Items, Not Just Japanese Ones

The opportunity to collaborate with Riko Takahashi of HIROCOLEDGE began with a bold phone call to her office.
"Please, let us work together on something for Isetan Living."

Only I, Isetan's bi-annual campaign.
A campaign where each floor proposes Isetan original products.
Last year, as the Isetan Shinjuku Living department buyers were deep in product planning meetings for the Spring 2009 Only I campaign, one day we pondered how we could collaborate with a designer on a broad range of living items.
While flipping through magazines and looking at materials, one buyer suggested, "What about HIROCOLEDGE?" At that moment, all the buyers unanimously agreed. With limited time, and worried if she would accept, we were propelled by sheer momentum to pick up the phone.

Riko Takahashi

And Riko came to us right away. My first impression was of a gentle woman with beautiful eyes. Her gestures and words conveyed her identity and unwavering principles, making me feel a sense of uprightness that I won't forget.

We had just one request for Riko: to design a diverse range of living items, not limited to Japanese ones.
Her designs, using only simple motifs of circles and lines, evoke various worlds and new possibilities—sometimes the modernity of Scandinavia, sometimes the delicacy of Western lace, and sometimes the elegance of Japanese tradition.

Looking at her kimono designs, I felt she wasn't confined to Japanese aesthetics; rather, the kimono was simply a motif to embody the worldview she wanted to express at that moment. That's why I truly wanted her to design a variety of living items, not limited to Japanese products, with her unique sensibility.

A Stance of Respectful Engagement with Each Object

The whirlwind that followed her immediate acceptance was, frankly, extraordinary.
Each buyer began by selecting items, followed by meetings with manufacturers and artisans, refining designs, and requesting samples. Amidst the tight schedule, as we all worked together, we realized something else important: what Riko cherishes. She delves into the production sites and factories, thoroughly understands the creation process, maximizes the available techniques, and sometimes proposes future possibilities, all while striving for minimalist design.
This design, born from this technique.
Her approach of engaging with each object meticulously felt like a wake-up call to us, who often tend to forget this crucial aspect amidst our busyness.

Thanks to Riko's dedication and drive, and the cooperation of the manufacturers and artisans, we've created the world of HIROCOLEDGE with a truly diverse selection of items. These include lacquerware bento boxes, tableware, bedding, towels, interior and kitchen fabrics, lighting, and stationery.
The unveiling will be on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, on the 5th floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Main Building – Living.

Starting today, for the next six weeks, the buyers in charge will delve into and introduce the new items. We'll share stories from our interactions with the cooperating manufacturers and artisans, and the processes of creation.
Please look forward to it!