Faburiq In Art Basel Miami 2016

Faburiq was honored and thrilled to be part of Art Basel Miami 2016, in collaboration with Suntory Whisky Toki and Japanese artist and designer, Jay Shogo.

Using only Sharpie permanent markers, and 20 to 100 Sharpies per painting, Jay's art can be seen at “5POINTZ” in New York City, “Wynwood Walls” in Miami, and various locations across Tokyo.

Faburiq's pocket squares were carefully selected and curated for over a period of 2 months before the final pieces were determined for the artist to do a unique painting over. The artwork was then framed and displayed at Toki's event in Art Basel. In the spirit of the sterling and iconic whisky brand, the display was very Toki driven. Toki means "time" in Japanese and the vision is about old traditional luxury meeting the new and modern luxury.

As a men's clothing brand, we are proud to not only represent gentlemen's haberdashery but that the accessories we make are indeed wearable pieces of art. Needless to say, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be included in this elegant display that embodies timeless fashion, inspiring art, and an appreciation for tradition and history.

Photos by TOKI & Jay Shogo

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga

Exploring Arimatsu

Arimatsu village is one of Japan’s hidden treasures, whose history never seems too far from the past. The town is the birthplace and probably best known for its traditional textile craft, Shibori, used for kimono and various designer garments today. “The whole town is really beautiful. People here live and breath their Shibori craft,” explains Sebastian, whose textile affections inspired his trip. It’s like a living museum - people still live here, and the town is filled with contemporary designer boutiques and modern local bistro and cafes. You can also enjoy the scenery of the village’s serene Zen forest anytime of the day. 

Arimatsu (有松町 Arimatsu-chō) was a town located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Today, it is approximately three-and-a-half-hours by Shinkansen (新幹線) from Tokyo. It is now part of Nagoya, a town filled with Tokugawa and Edo treasures. Shibori, also known as “Japanese tie-dye”, is a form of resist dyeing in which fabric is folded, tied, twisted or wrapped to create patterns and various motifs. The variation of methodology and motifs it has created are given different names and each has symbolic significance. 

One of the main attractions to learn and experience Shibori in Arimatsu is the Shibori Kaikan Museum. The true treasure is on the second floor where you’ll see the Shibori Craftswomen from Arimatsu. “I was introduced to Okasan Aiko during my visit where she demonstrated the different Shibori techniques. She showed me the different processes of Shibori from Kanako (regular tie-dye), Kumo (wrapping), Nui (stitching), Arashi (pole wrapping and twisting), Itajime (shape resistant/clamping) and many more Shibori techniques. The Shibori collection displayed is breathtaking, most of them dyed with the natural and traditional dye – Indigo or Japanese Blue. Shibori fabric has an amazing texture. The tiny knots that are hand tied not only create a visual pattern, but also a raised texture. The tools and vintage technology varies within the different processes of Shibori. Workshops are held where various techniques are taught by the Master Shibori craftswomen,” explains Sebastian. 

"Shibori needs patience less than time and more than heart because it's a craft beyond words. Devote to such a craft only with love." Shibori Craftswomen of 有松町 Arimatsu-chō

As Master Aiko continued wrapping her Kumo Shibori, she talked about the Annual Shibori festival, a celebration of the Shibori art and the town itself, held the first weekend of June along the old Tokaido highway. The festival floats with performances of Dashi floats and Karakui mechanical puppet shows performed by Shibori Komachi and Fukuotoko (lucky men). Some of the old historical houses are open to public offering a peek into truly traditional homes.

Many old historical houses from the Edo period still line the Tokaido road. Shibori designer boutiques, cafes and serene local shrines could be found in the backyard of Arimatsu village. The vivid art of Shibori is truly a cultural experience beyond time and history, and today, placing its mark on contemporary fashion. Experience Shibori within Faburiq’s haberdasheries and shop the story!

*If you would like to know more about Kimono fabrics click here and if you would like to know more about Shibori fabrics click here.

Authors: Alexander Sebastianus and Aruña Chong Quiroga

CIRCUIT - MassArt Runway Show 2016

Massachusetts College of Art and Design showcases the work of Fashion Design students in its annual fashion show with designs from seniors, juniors and sophomores presented in a formal runway show. Now in it's third year, the goal is to provide a full-tuition scholarship to a deserving and exceptional Fashion Design student. This year, Faburiq is thrilled and honored to be involved in making the annual Pre-Fashion Show Party and runway show a tremendous success. The 2016 MassArt Fashion Show Party surpassed its goal and MassArt was able to award a full tuition scholarship to an exceptional and deserving Fashion Design student.

Founded in 1873, MassArt has a legacy of leadership as the only independent public college of art and design in the country and the nation’s first art school to grant a degree. Since 1907 MassArt’s Fashion Design Department has been devoted to the essence of educating fashion and textile designers with a unique message and compelling vision for the industry. The fashion we witnessed that evening exemplified artistic excellence, intellectual creativity and entrepreneurship. All the collections embodied a certain design viewpoint that was unique and visionary. Here are some of our favorite pieces of the night! 

From left to right: Designs by Naomi Fyhr, Zelda Flisiuk and Roshan Akbari (Class of 16)

By supporting an institution such as MassArt, we at Faburiq felt that it was a testament to the solid work of artists, designers and craftsmen the world over and that creative thinkers and makers are not only economic generators, their contributions to the creative economy continuously changes the world from past to the present.

Photo Credits: Massachusetts College of Art & Design and Kortenhaus Communications, Boston

Author: Aruña Chong Quiroga