What is Atelier KOGEDO? Kogechan Interviews Mikan

🦝 Kogechan: Mikan, are you telling me you got the idea to create modern haori out of frustration?

👘 Mikan: Exactly! I love traditional Japanese style, but with my petite Japanese frame, wearing a classic haori quickly became cumbersome in our modern Parisian life. The huge sleeves are beautiful, but not practical for everyday life.

🦝 Kogechan: Well, I'm curious now... How did you learn to sew?

👘 Mikan: Self-taught and passionate, I've been sewing for years. What I love most is creating unique pieces. Even though I designed a haori pattern that serves as a base, every jacket I make is different: the size, the collar thickness, the small details... All of this means no two haori are truly alike. Unique pieces made with rice power! (Yes, it's better than "a fortiori", we agree 😆)

🦝 Kogechan: And why Japanese cotton?

👘 Mikan: Because it's the perfect material! Comfortable, natural, pleasant to wear in summer, and most importantly, there are sublime traditional patterns. Impossible to choose a favorite... but if I had to try, I'd say:

Seigaiha (the waves) 🌊: My absolute favorite! Elegant, fluid, timeless.

Same komon (shark skin) 🦈: Subtle, discreet, but so classy.

Asanoha (star-shaped hemp leaves) ✨: Lucky charm, symbol of growth and protection.

Tombo (dragonflies) 🏆: They symbolize courage and victory, and they're also a super stylish pattern.

Well, in the end, I love all of them, impossible to rank!

🦝 Kogechan: Okay, so you created your own pattern... How do you make a haori from A to Z?

👘 Mikan: I was inspired by my traditional haori and adapted the design to my tastes. For each jacket, it takes me between half a day and a full day of work, from cutting the fabric to the finishing touches. I take the time to choose complementing fabrics, to see which one will be the centerpiece, which one will be perfect for the collar or sleeves to enhance the main fabric. It's a real textile puzzle, but that's what makes each creation unique!

🦝 Kogechan: So, who can wear a KOGEDO haori?

👘 Mikan: Well, everyone! Whether you're a Japan lover or just someone who wants to wear something stylish and original, the modern haori adapts to all styles. It's perfect for those who already have a strong look, but also for those who are looking for one (haha!). Today, kimono style is trendy, and it's easy to wear at any age. Personally, I wear my creations with jeans and sneakers most of the time and a plain t-shirt (it's kind of my uniform, actually 😆). But I've worn a KOGEDO haori to the opera. It's super adaptable as a style.

🦝 Kogechan: Honestly, that sounds great! And why did you launch Atelier KOGEDO?

👘 Mikan: Because it was obvious! For a long time, I've been wearing my creations and my friends kept telling me to go for it. One day, as I was cycling through Paris, a lady stopped at a red light to ask me where I bought my jacket. She found it "super stylish". I think that day, it made my day... no, my whole week! 😆

So, when we decided to create KOGEDO with Tôma, I absolutely wanted a place for the Atelier. It's my way of sharing my passion for Japanese fabrics with traditional patterns and introducing a modern, elegant, and easy-to-wear version of the haori.

🦝 Kogechan: Okay, and if I want to wear it, how do I wear this jacket?

👘 Mikan: But you're a tanuki! You're so small! I'd have to create a child's size for you. You could wear your KOGEDO haori over your traditional Japanese hakama pants. You'd be super duper cute!

🦝 Kogechan: Okay, I'm sold! Now everyone knows where to find the perfect haori!

👘 Mikan: Dare to wear the KOGEDO haori. 😉