The future of fashion co-created with YUIMA NAKAZATO

In this season’s creations using Epson’s digital textile printing technology, the focus extended beyond visual effects such as reproducing colour and pattern. Instead, the collection explored new functional possibilities for inkjet printing.

By digitally printing transparent functional inks onto silk organdy fabrics, attention was given to the effect of preventing fraying when cut^*2. This innovation made it possible to eliminate the complex edge-finishing processes that were required in conventional production.

This resulted in combining the delicate textures of natural silk with a sharp visual aesthetic created by the raw, unhemmed edges, to achieve an unprecedented form of expression in Mr. Nakazato’s silk works.

“Printing is traditionally understood as a way to achieve visual decoration, but this time I redefined it as a means to transform the process of garment assembly and the production itself.” Mr. Nakazato explained, “The essence of this new approach lies in reversing the conventional logic: replacing many visible production steps with seamless, invisible printing. The transparent functional ink cannot be seen, yet it undeniably exists once the garment is complete. I find it particularly compelling that something unseen plays such an essential role in shaping the final appearance of the clothing. The collection title SILENT does not imply the absence of sound, but rather the presence of tranquility. I believe this nuance resonates strongly with the nature of the transparent ink used in this work.”

Alongside digital textile printing technology, Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology also played a vital role in this collection. Used garments collected by Mr. Nakazato during an earlier visit to Kenya, as well as leftover offcuts from sewing factories, were defibered using this technology and recycled into new non-woven fabric sheets.

For this collection, all footwear worn on the runway featured non-woven fabric sheets made using Dry Fiber Technology. Continuing from the previous collection, Mr. Nakazato explored expressions that apply Japanese traditional urushi lacquer. This time, by further adding gold and silver tin powder, the material expression has been elevated into a unique form that combines unprecedented beauty with a strong narrative.

"Together with Epson, we continue our challenge of transforming used clothing and mill ends into new value as couture through Dry Fiber Technology.” Mr. Nakazato said, “We believe that the future of fashion must evolve alongside technologies that enable creativity and sustainability to coexist at the same time."

Epson continues to collaborate with YUIMA NAKAZATO, exploring new possibilities in sustainable fashion by combining creativity with environmental responsibility.

¹ Epson’s proprietary technology for defibrating a wide variety of materials for functional applications using very little water. For details, please click the link to the Dry Fiber Technology website. Dry Fiber Technology
² The fray prevention effect achieved through ink printing is still under testing and is not available as a commercial product.