The Three of Us Were High School Classmates

—You were all friends before starting the brand, weren't you?

KanaYes, we were high school classmates. We went on to different paths for university and careers, but we stayed in touch by going out for meals, traveling together, and meeting up when we visited home. Then, when we turned 30, we decided to launch a brand that utilized our respective careers.

—Who suggested starting the brand?

YukariIt wasn't really one person; it just sort of happened. Kana was an editorial writer for women's magazines, Hozumi was in apparel planning and design, and I had experience as a model when I was younger before working in sales and PR for international fashion brands. We were all working in fields close to fashion. We were all interested in fashion from the start, and our tastes were similar, so it naturally led to us launching a brand.

KanaTurning 30 felt like a good milestone. We were reaching an age where we could stand on our own, and we shared a common desire to create something we could express ourselves through.

—We often hear that even close friends can have their relationships turn sour if they spend too much time together, like sharing an apartment. Did your relationship change after starting the brand?

YukariMany people around us expressed that concern, but our relationship hasn't really changed from how it was before.

KanaInitially, people around us were against us working together (laughs). But Hozumi and I had studied abroad in London together and even shared an apartment for nearly two years, so we were quite optimistic, thinking, 'It'll be fine.'

HozumiWe've been together since before we were adults, and we know each other's growth processes. It's like being siblings or family.

KanaWe've never had a single argument, and honestly, we'd be lost if one of us were missing. That's not just about work; it's simply because we'd miss each other (laughs).

—Do you divide the design work among yourselves?

HozumiEverything is collaborative. We brainstorm together to refine the idea of 'what we want to create.'

KanaWe often assert our opinions during the design process, but it's all about exchanging ideas to create something good, so it never gets heated. Because of our relationship, we understand each other without needing to spell everything out.

For Today's Busy Women, We Want Them to Feel Feminine at Home

—When "Velnica" debuted, loungewear wasn't particularly in vogue. Why did you decide to focus on loungewear for your brand?

HozumiIndeed, when we first started, there were hardly any loungewear brands. If you were looking for good quality bathrobes, you could only find white ones... Personally, we also wanted something more colorful, like pink or green, with cute details like pompoms.

KanaWhen we were younger, cheap and cute, almost junky, sleepwear was fine, but as we entered our 30s and became more mature, we felt a desire for something with better quality and a distinct worldview. That was the starting point.

—What are your design sources?

KanaWhen you travel abroad, things you took for granted might actually be different. We reflect those discoveries, which feel fresh to us, into our designs. Things like foreign wallpaper, interiors that are repainted and used over generations, vintage jewelry, or perfume bottles... We often draw inspiration from those.

YukariWe also often incorporate the vibrant colors and decorative nuances of Morocco.

HozumiThat's why most "Velnica" items are not single-colored. Every season, we pursue color combinations without compromise.

—When designing, do you consider trends?

KanaWe're quite out of touch with trends (laughs). It's more important for us to incorporate the sense of color we encountered through vintage items and our travels...

HozumiIf we made what's trending, the trend would be over by the time the product is ready.

KanaAs the brand has grown, what we unconsciously liked has become increasingly clear in terms of its taste among the three of us.

HozumiWe've also gotten faster at drawing design sketches than when we first started (laughs). Initially, even with the color pink, we each had different ideas about whether it should be reddish or bluish, but recently, our visions have become exactly the same. It feels like things are solidifying.

YukariWe can now quickly determine which material and color are best for "Velnica."