NEW KIMONO Brand
紫藤尚世
HISAYO SHITO
Artist/Kimono Designer Hisayo Shito (紫藤尚世) has, thanks to your support, reached the age of 77 in 2024.
As a leading figure in the kimono industry and someone who has had a profound impact on society, she continues to be at the forefront of her field.
Now, Hisayo Shito has launched a new KIMONO Brand.
Her goal is to share the vibrant and delicate tradition of Japanese culture with as many people as possible...
And to energize the artisans who create these beautiful pieces...
This is the realization of a dream she has held for 38 years, since "DESIRE Passion" — the vision to make Japanese kimonos part of the global fashion world.
Kimono Designer「HISAYO SHITO」Highlights
1977：
Began working as a kimono designer under the name Hisayo SHITO,
given by the chief priest of Denzu-in Temple.
1987：
Designed the costume for Akina Nakamori’s hit “DESIRE - Passion”,
which won the Japan Record Award.
1991：
Launched her first kimono fashion show to promote kimono culture,
continuing annually for 33 years.
2005：
Received a kimono commission from Michael Jackson during his visit to Japan.
2016：
Showcased her work at Africa Zero Year, a Japan - Africa friendship event.
2017：
Featured on NHK World and interviewed by The New York Times.
2019：
Dubai’s Crown Prince Hamdan posted her kimono on Instagram,
reaching 16 million followers.
2022：
Her kimono was sold at Trump Tower in New York.
Melania Trump ordered three custom pieces.
Started her contemporary art project “AAAPARE”.
2024：
Seiryu and Kokaku from AAAPARE ART will be exhibited
at Kanda Myojin Shrine.
2025：
Hosted a major public unveiling event titled “Fusion of Master Craftsmanship
and Japanese Contemporary Beauty” at Tokyo Tower,
with ambassadors from 11 countries in attendance.
HISAYO SHITO's solo exhibition "AAAPARE-ART" was held
at Frederick Harris Gallery (inside the Tokyo American Club).
Brand Logo
The origin of AAAPARE comes from the Japanese word "Appare!" (天晴れ), which means:
"Impressively magnificent,"
"Splendid,"
"Wonderful."
AAA (Triple A) signifies the highest quality.
AAA （Triple A）conveys a meaning of Luxury.
Logo:
The key color of the logo is gold, representing noble radiance. Surrounding the gold letters is a line that symbolizes the global message Hisayo Shito sends from Japan, starting with the letter "J" for Japan, creating a sense of global outreach.
Commitment to SDGs
AAAPARE is addressing the issue of waste and "loss" in the apparel industry.
By creating new designs for kimono, a symbol of Japan's history and culture, and "recycling" them,
AAAPARE conveys a message in line with the SDGs and its commitment to "sustainability."
The kimono, a symbol of Japanese culture, was mainly worn during the Edo, Taisho, and Meiji periods. Many dignified works have been created by artists and kimono designers.
With the desire to share the love of kimonos to more people, we present to you this brand. This cutting-edge kimono brand employs the unique Japanese techniques of sewing and dyeing fabric,as well as employing exquisite embroidery, reaching new heights of kimono craftsmanship.
The luxury kimono brand AAAPARE is in tune with the current needs and trends in the apparel industry.
It addresses the problem of wasted materials.
The kimono, which embodies Japanese culture, is totally redesigned.
You too, can now WEAR A PART OF HISTORY.
That is the message of Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, that AAAPARE wishes to spread throughout the world.
A new brand is born - where one can enjoy all that kimonos offer, without the hassle of traditional kimono wearing etiquette.
AAAPARE 2022
The maru obi is a type of sash that was created in the mid-Edo period, and until before World War II, it was used as the most formal belt for kimono.
However, due to the post-World War II era's shift toward more "casual wear," it gradually fell out of fashion.
Today, the maru obi is worn only by special individuals, such as kabuki actors or maiko and geiko.
Along with the decline in demand for skilled craftsmanship that involves delicate weaving and vibrant embroidery, the production of high-quality maru obi has significantly decreased, and it is now rarely made.
We must not lose the craftsmanship, which is a symbol of Japan's precious culture, due to the changing trends of the times...
And we want to share these wonderful works with the world...
2023.5 at HISAYO SHITO atelier
On top of the craftsmanship of weaving and embroidery, Hisayo Shito adds her own design sensibility, bringing a new form of decorative art to life in the modern age.
Gold craftsmanship and gemstones created by artisans who work on shrines, temples, and national treasure-level structures decorate the maru obi, evoking a sense of history.
Manufacturer
AAAPARE Co.
Atelier / Sales office
#301 Grand Form Jingumae
3-14-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-Ku,
Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan
For inquiries: aaapare7575@gmail.com
