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

和柄: Wagara

Wagara literally means Japanese patterns or design. These patterns were created by combining elements of painting and Chinese calligraphy in the Heian Period (795-1185). To this day, there are patterns that are still being created for Wagara. It is a design found only in Japan and is very traditional.

There are ten common and basic Wagara designs. Seigaiha (青海波), which is a big wave of the blue ocean; Tatewaku (立涌); Kikkou (亀甲), which is the shell of a turtle, and is a common design representing the intellect and bliss throughout China and Korea; Kagome (籠目); Hishi (菱); Sankuzushi (三崩し); Ten (点); Shima (縞); Uroko (鱗), which is a mixture of equilateral or isosceles triangles; and Ichimatu (市松). Additional designs include Kacho-huugetu (花鳥風月) and Huujin-raijin (風神雷神). We decided to use the Seigaiha (青海波) pattern for Faburiq's packaging.

Today’s designers make new Wagara by mixing contemporary patterns with old ones. For example, patterns that resemble nature such as seasonal flowers, pine, bamboo, plum, cherry blossoms, running water, moon, waves, mountains, plants, and creatures like the butterfly, goldfish, crane, and rabbit, are used. There are also some patterns that originate from Sanskrit characters.

In the past, the Japanese wore kimono as a form of casual wear. But of late, they no longer wear the kimono, only for formal and special occasions. The kimono industry and makers begin to decline and to bring back it's appeal, they started making other products that incorporated traditional Japanese designs such as bags, pouches, and clothes. The perception of Wagara has since evolved and has notably improved. It was once considered to be old-fashioned but now it is considered unique and elegant. Faburiq strives to retain a lost art that originated from ancient traditions while keeping the need to create modern, wearable and classic designs.

Author: Aruña Quiroga

Kiku-no-hana or The Chrysanthemum Flower

If you haven't already noticed, the Chrysanthemum, or Kiku in Japanese, is a recurring flower on many of Faburiq's pieces. Why is this particular flower so prominent on Japanese fabrics? I want to share with you some of the symbolism behind this unique flower that makes up so many of our designs.

The Chrysanthemum is a symbol that represents longevity, endurance and integrity. It is the most celebrated of all Japanese fall-flowering plants. It was first introduced to Japan from China as medicine during the Nara period (710 - 793 AC), when the Japanese Royal Family became fascinated with the Chrysanthemum. Eventually it became the Imperial Family's Emblem in the Kamakura period (1192-1333). But it was only in 1869, in the Meiji period (1868-1912) that Kiku with 16 petals was officially adopted as the symbol of the Japanese royal family.

There are more than 150 seals or mon featuring this wonderful flower. The Imperial Seal of Japan is the most famous of them. The Imperial Seal of Japan feature 16 petals on the front and 16 petals on the back (only the tip of the petals can be seen on the back). The Japanese government uses the 16 petals seal for official documents such as passports. The Chrysanthemum was also used as symbol of the Throne of the Emperor of Japan. There is also the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum – the highest Japanese honor order awarded by the Emperor. We can also find the Chrysanthemum on 50 yen coins, kimono cloths, wallets, bags, and many other accessories in Japan. It is important to notice that white Chrysanthemum is used for funerals and graves in Japan and China. On the other hand, red Chrysanthemums are given to the people you love or, at least, are very fond of.  Therefore, be careful with the meaning of each color. 

Some of our most popular pieces that feature the Chrysanthemum flower are shown below. These pieces are made to be fun or formal but always evoking elegance and beauty.

Red Chrysanthemum Pocket Square

Orange Flower Pocket Square

Chrysanthemum and Diamond Pocket Square

White Chrysanthemum Pocket Square

Chrysanthemum and Cherry Blossom Pocket Square

Light Blue Chrysanthemum Pocket Square

Author: Aruña Quiroga