SOSEISOUDOU

In 2004, I was attracted to a life with sheep so I moved to Bifuka-cho, the Northern part of Hokkaido, Japan. The origin of the brand is that I grasped a large amount of sheep's hair that was being discarded from a farm nearby. I then began to create clothes in order to give life to this abandoned material. We use a rare technique of putting wool on a thin cloth to create light, soft, and warm clothes. With our technique, materials do not go to waste. Presently, we aim to harmonize nature and explore our creations with our seven sheep. We hope to face the material as one life, to keep the brilliance, native goodness, and to cherish the life we were born with. We will continue to create our collection like "hugging a sheep."

Excerpt from bio on Vancouver Fashion Week website.

SOSEISOUDOU

a review

Soseisoudou showed their collection on April 8th at Vancouver Fashion Week.

The media screen at the back of the runway showed tranquil scenes, sheep in a snowy field, a landscape, and a close-up of a sheep's face. The music played, soothing, calming, and a melodic female voice sang. As the lights rise, the first model appears, wearing a top and mini skirt made of wool. Raw-looking wool, not like a sweater or even a blanket, but like a sheep. "Our wool is primarily made from the wool of the sheep that live around us, and that we in turn look after. Some of the wool comes from across the ocean. Other main materials are cotton cloth, cotton yarn, hemp yarn, and natural leather " says designer and artist Kosei Kusado; speaking through a translator.

What follows is hard to put on the page and bring the beauty, serenity, and peace that overtook the room. One could hear a pin drop in the hall. The collection is nine ensembles of "sheep clothes" the garments vary in the amount of finishing. Some clothes are in a natural state, resembling the actual sheep, while others are more refined. It is hard to see a seam or detect how they are constructed. The clothing has simple lines and is almost primitive.

These are more than clothes, they are an embodiment of a philosophy whose "living with sheep" mantra sums up the brands "reverence for life". Challenging us all about our relationship to nature.

"We use the wool from our sheep as the main material for our felts. Everything is made of natural materials, and our values ​​are strongly aligned to connecting with people and nature. Our goal is to create clothing based on a "reverence for life" that respects all beings. No matter who you are, we wish that these clothes and lifestyle may inspire you and bring you peace."  Excerpt from the SOSEISOUDOU website

The process of making these "sheep clothes" is labor-intensive. The raw wool is processed through a method called felting. The wool is transformed by brushing, cleaning, and soaking in water and eventually added to a cotton backing. The colors are natural, dyes used are natural. "The dyes I use are from the plants that grow nearby. To avoid contaminating the water as much as possible, I use simple methods to dye the clothes without using chemicals."

The natural beauty of the wool was enhanced by the simplicity of the design. Silhouettes are clean, simple, and carry weight and volume. The palette is monochromatic, the shades and hues are subtle, and black and gray interrupt the dappled speckled beige neutrals. A standout piece is a long cream coat with a mane of curled wool as a collar. These clothes may require the wearer to share a similar respect for nature and sustainability. While not for everyone, SOSEISOUDOU is a brand that tells a story, has a focus, and has a rustic, earthy beauty.

SOSEISOUDOU website

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IN CONCLUSION

I was awed and enthralled by the presentation by Soseisoudou. My instincts and knowledge of fashion say I should not like this collection. However, I was awed not only by the presentation but by the actual clothes. This collection is calming in it's spirit. Kosei Kusado is not only a fashion designer but is a textile artist. Pure, simple design that stands for something is rare. This brand exemplifies the sustainable fashion movement. I will never wear a garment by Soseisoudou, and this does not matter. Whether a designer or label is to your taste does not mean you can't appreciate it. I refer to my recent post, " A casual Viewers Guide to a Fashion Show". I furthermore send out accolades to Soseisoudou for their commitment to their vision. Soseisoudou has an informative and insightful website. I encourage you to visit it. 

CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW