The Elegant Simplicity of Sou Sou

Sou Sou might sounds more like a children’s television show than a brand to watch, but I assure you they add a touch of the playfulness of the former to the gravity of the later.  They’re based in Kyoto, Japan, and while they also make an array of tabi shoes and kimono sleeve shirts, I’m going to skip over those and focus on the handkerchiefs.

One of those great mixes of tradition and innovation, Sou Sou blends craft and design all while putting their own spin on things.  Sou Sou was founded in 2002 by a textile designer, a producer, and an architect, with the intent of using traditional Japanese materials and techniques to create something that felt new but was rooted in the past.

The handkerchiefs and scarves are made from a type of cotton dating back to the fourteenth-century, called Ise.  Ise cotton used to be woven all over Japan, and was traditionally used in Kimono for its lightweight, wrinkle-resistant properties.  It is made by twisting cotton yarn in starch, and allowing the starch to be naturally released throughout the weaving and wearing process.  The result is cotton that gets “more natural” as it wears in.  There is sadly only one mill left making Ise, and Sou Sou has chosen to breathe new life into the traditional cloth.

Each handkerchief starts with Katsuji Wakisaka taking a walk through Kyoto looking for inspiration.  He then paints a design on a card, mails it to his wife, and then it goes on textile.  The designs are mostly drawn from nature, and have a light, playful feel to them.  Cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and Japanese characters in a variety of vibrant colors are the norm, but even the conservative black and white squares have a jaunty kick to them.  The whole affair, from the prints to the slightly fraying edges feels very organic and natural.

You might have seen those stylish gents Mark, Alan, and Ethan at The Armoury sporting Sou Sou handkerchiefs alongside their Drakes ties in the pockets of their Liverano coats, so I can’t claim having “discovered” Sou Sou.  You can order their handkerchiefs from The Armoury, or if you need something stateside you can also check out Sou Sou’s online store.

And at $8, yes I said EIGHT DOLLARS, they’re a steal if there ever was one.