Japanese Brand Focus: Folk Made by Harumi Watanabe

Designed by Harumi Watanabe, Folk Made is a Japanese kid’s fashion brand, which focuses on timeless and unique designs.

Harumi joins us for our first Japanese brand focus, in this week’s Chit Chat Tuesday Interview series.

Designer Harumi Watanabe

JS: How long have you been designing children’s clothing?

HW: I was a knitwear designer for a Japanese label before my daughter Kokoro was born. Six years ago I started to make clothing for my daughter as I could not find the styles I liked available.

JS: When did you launch the first Folk Made collection?

HW: The first collection was launched two years ago in 2015.

JS: Where do you get the inspiration when designing?

HW: The design process starts with the collection of keywords that inspire me, then moves to the coordination of colour combinations that have caught my eyes in everyday life – for example, a children’s painting. I like natural products and textures. I am also inspired by ethnic costumes and local handicrafts.

Currently, from the beginning of the design process to the sampling, I carry out most of the work myself. My daughter Kokoro helps a lot and she even designed the logo. Kokoro models our styles too.

I want to put a smile on the child’s face when they wear Folk Made garment and in turn, the mothers face too. The designs are well made and can be passed on from generation to generation.