THE STORY 20 SPRING SUMMER

Spring came with a rush of green, reminding Kurogouchi, who was previously preoccupied by silkworms and wrapping papers, that “I myself am wrapped by my surroundings.”

It was during this time, she visited Kakeroma-jima, in Amami Okinawa where the traditional mochi (rice cake) is served with shell ginger leaves wrapping. This was the most primitive “wrapping” she could experience. The moment, she bit into a piece of mochi, as if the rich nature of Amami surrounding Kurogouchi penetrated into her body.

Back in Tokyo, she found herself gazing vacantly at greens in the garden through a glass window, pondering “Do I look like I am wrapped in the building from plants?”.

This self-discourse was reflected onto the jacket and dress with the prints of plants that she culled and sketched in Amami. Kurogouchi attempted to peel away filters that exist in our daily life, such as windows, curtains and frosted glasses, and there appears obscure appearances of plants. She wanted to project the process onto a textile. A weaver in Kiryu helped her develop a sheet of textile that juxtaposes different elements of transparent, gloss and matte by weaving silk and nylon. Tactile interaction was achieved as a result; the textile brims both sensitive organdy feel and tangible touch similar to a swelling of leaves. By tucking and twisting a generous amount of textiles, Kurogouchi wanted to give the dress experience that mimics being wrapped in a cocoon.