Crazy Wind, founded by designer Chiyo Takahashi, utilizes authentic kasuri textiles directly from Japan to produce modern clothing with a distinctly Japanese flair. Sourced from family-run factories in remote regions of Japan, kasuri textiles are a type of ikat fabric, dyed with indigo, that take about 2 months to create, all executed by skilled craftsmen and craftswomen. Chiyo, who was born in Japan but moved to America since she was a teenager, works with her mother to source the unique fabrics. The Crazy Wind name comes from a Japanese word “Fuukyo-“, which means insanity, a mad man or a person obsessed with his/her own art. The word “Fuukyo-“ is constructed with two characters, “Wind” and “Crazy”. Chiyo found a calligraphy drawing her late father made of “Fuukyo-“ while cleaning out a closet – and loved how he redrew the word “Wind” with an angry looking gorilla character. She writes that “It was as though [my father] was saying ‘Be crazy and go your own way!'”
You can purchase Crazy Wind clothing at a few select boutiques throughout the United States, or online at Portland’s Francis May or Mill Mercantile.
xo
Carly
I’ve always liked Chiyo Takahashi’s work.
Love discovering new designers who are transparent about where they source their textiles. Great find!
Letitia – The Fashion Editor recently posted…how to have style & save the environment like an it girl fashion blogger
Thanks Letitia – I love knowing that too! The patterned pants are just to-die-for and so perfect for Summer, too!