kuska fabric flagship shop

1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyodacity, Tokyo, The Imperial Hotel TOKYO Underground Arcade

A new directly managed company store has opened at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, where you can see the machines used by craftsmen used to create the whole hand-woven lineup. Please drop in and check out “kuska atelier” to get a real feel for the textile manufacturing of Tango/Kyoto.

Imperial Hotel Tokyo: Established in 1983 with the completion of the Imperial Hotel, this commercial facility is operated by this prestigious hotel itself.

A One-of-a-Kind Texture

The first thing most people notice about a Kuska Atelier tie is its texture.

Because every fabric is handwoven, air is naturally incorporated into the weave, creating a soft, relaxed structure that cannot be replicated by modern machinery.

The handweaving that occurs is like a dialogue between artisan and silk, and the process is continuously adjusted according to the characteristics of the yarn, the humidity, and even the day's temperature. Every movement is carefully controlled to preserve the integrity and avoid placing unnecessary stress on the silk.

This meticulous approach means that even an experienced artisan can produce only a small amount of fabric each day, making every Kuska Atelier silk tie a genuinely rare piece of craftsmanship.

A Unique Handweaving Method

Kuska Atelier continues to use traditional looms that have been part of Kyoto's textile culture for generations.

Each artisan contributes their expertise to the creation of the fabric. Every stage is completed by hand and with extraordinary attention to detail.

The three-dimensional surface created through handweaving interacts beautifully with light. As the angle of light changes, the silk reveals different expressions, subtle highlights, rich shadows, and a depth that machine-woven fabrics cannot easily achieve.

The result is a distinctive lustre and visual richness unique to handwoven Japanese silk.

Advanced Silk Dyeing Techniques

The artisans of Tango, Kyoto have long been renowned for their expertise in silk dyeing, particularly for traditional kimono textiles.

Silk yarns are slowly immersed in carefully prepared dye baths, with temperature and timing controlled through years of accumulated experience and craftsmanship. This slow process allows the silk to develop exceptional colour depth, lustre, and suppleness.

Using dye materials traditionally used for premium kimono fabrics, Kuska Atelier develops original colours exclusively for its own textiles. After dyeing, the silk is slowly dried and rested, allowing the colour to fully penetrate and stabilise within the fibres.

This careful approach produces the rich, nuanced shades that distinguish Kuska Atelier's premium silk ties.

Enhancing the Natural Beauty of Silk

The silk used in Kuska Atelier fabrics undergoes a specialised treatment that further elevates its performance and appearance.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced surface fuzz and pilling
  • Greater volume and fullness
  • Richer, deeper colour expression
  • Improved resistance to shrinkage when exposed to moisture
  • Enhanced wrinkle resistance
  • A smoother, more refined finish

This process helps preserve the beauty of the silk while maintaining the distinctive texture of Kuska's handwoven fabrics.

Finished by Hand, in Kyoto

Because Kuska Atelier's handwoven fabric is highly specialised, conventional machine sewing to create the finished product is not suitable.

Instead, skilled craftsmen carefully cut the fabric, wrap the interlining by hand, and slowly assemble each tie using traditional hand-sewing techniques. Throughout the process, the fabric is gently shaped by hand to preserve its texture and structure.

This is especially important for Kuska Atelier's fresco weaves, whose open structure makes them among the most challenging tie fabrics to construct. Achieving a flawless finish requires exceptional skill, patience, and precision.

Even the inner lining is carefully selected, featuring a subtle nep texture that complements the character of the outer fabric.

Each Kuska Atelier tie is ultimately finished by experienced tie makers in Kyoto Prefecture, ensuring that every piece reflects the same commitment to craftsmanship that defines the fabric itself.