FW25 picks by KUON novice

Hello, this is Nanako.
For a limited time, I’m delighted to be working with the KUON team as part of the store staff.

The past few months in Tokyo have been extremely hot, but we can finally feel a gentle autumn breeze. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who visited us despite the heat—it truly means a lot. Now that the weather is much nicer, we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

With last Friday’s 3rd drop, the full KUON FW25 collection "Shinobu" is now available both in-store and online. As the season changes, I’d love to share some of my personal picks from the collection.

Aizome Sashiko Kimono Collar Blazer

This blazer features KUON designer Ishibashi’s signature kimono collar, a design with a soft, elegant slope. Over the past four years, KUON has continued to refine this collar shape—born through a process of experimentation during draping and pattern-making.

In Western menswear, the area around the neck—whether it’s a tie, shirt, or yoke detail—often defines the look. By incorporating a Japanese element here, KUON has been able to propose a new kind of layering that bridges cultures.

For this season, the blazer is crafted from a fabric woven to express the look of sashiko stitching, making it a versatile piece that works across a wide range of styles. In the early days, when the deep indigo is still rich, you might pair it with a button-down shirt for a crisp semi-formal look. When the indigo begins to show its unique fading, the blazer transitions effortlessly into a more casual, vacation-ready piece.

Wearing it brings a pleasant surprise. Though designed as a tailored jacket, it carries the ease of a cardigan—or even the character of Japanese traditional workwear, noragi. The rich weave and deep indigo might suggest heaviness at first glance, but the open neckline of the kimono collar, the relaxed boxy silhouette, and the slightly shorter length all come together to create an unexpectedly fresh and airy feel.

Adding to its charm, the fabric is naturally dyed with indigo, ensuring it will develop a beautiful patina with time. It’s a piece that grows with you—one to enjoy for years to come.

Arimatsu Shibori Knit Jacket

This reversible bomber jacket offers two distinct looks. The A side showcases a soft knit treated with Arimatsu shibori, giving it a delicate, textured appearance, while the B side features quilted fabric—a detail that’s rarely seen on shorter jackets. Both sides bring a playful, characterful touch to your autumn and winter outfits.

I’m 5’4” and usually wear a size S at KUON, but I tried this jacket in M. (the smallest size this jacket comes in) The oversized cut feels comfortable yet stylish, with roomy sleeves that still fit neatly at the cuffs.

What makes this fit so effective is the specially knitted ribbing at the cuffs, hem and collar. Normally, ribbing is cut from larger sheets of fabric like other pattern pieces, but here each section is individually knitted. This three-dimensional ribbing supports the slightly relaxed body from neckline to hem, while keeping the sleeves snug and warm without any cinching. The result draws an intentional silhouette that’s both charming and functional.

If you look closely, you’ll also notice KUON’s original pattern subtly knitted into the fabric—another thoughtful touch.

Since the jacket looks great even slightly oversized, we highly recommend trying on different sizes in-store to find your perfect fit.

Sakiori Vest

This is, without a doubt, my favorite piece this season. Sakiori, or repurposed strip-woven textile, is one of KUON’s signature textile techniques. Historically, it hasn’t just been used in clothing—sometimes it was applied to furniture and other items as well.

At first glance, the fabric itself draws your attention—but once you try it on, the expertly crafted cut and the gently rounded hem leave an even stronger impression. The pattern and fabric work together so perfectly; it feels like each element is exactly where it's supposed to be.

The lining is made from vintage acetate in a subtle olive sheen. Combined with the warm tones of the sakiori, it creates a refined and understated elegance. The smooth texture makes layering effortless—the designer chose it carefully so the vest can glide easily over anything from fluffy sweaters to textured fabrics.

Of course, what’s truly captivating is the vintage sakiori fabric itself. Each vest is carefully cut from a single large piece of cloth, thoughtfully arranged to showcase its best qualities. Old textiles and kimonos are given a new life as garments we can wear today. Thinking about all the hands, care, and time involved at every stage, it’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder at being even a small part of this ongoing story.

Wearing this vest over the years allows you to add your own story to the fabric—turning it into a living piece of history you can cherish for decades.

In preparing this post, I tried on not only these pieces but also several other FW items, and was reminded once again just how different KUON garments feel on the body compared to when they’re simply hanging on a rack. That impression comes from KUON’s distinctive pattern work, created through a thoughtful blend of Japanese and Western elements.

Many people first discover KUON through sashiko, boro fabrics, or natural dyeing, as I once did. But I truly hope you’ll also experience the clothing by trying it on for yourself—there’s a special feeling that only comes through wearing it.

We’d be delighted to hear your thoughts as well. All of us on the staff look forward to welcoming you at the store!
Thank you so much for reading, and see you soon.