Yoko's Atelier

I visited the atelier of Yoko-san, the first designer of REI in Yokohama.

It was a small, secret-base-like room with a large workbench, sewing machine, iron, and many rolls of fabric.
Soft sunlight streamed in from a window overlooking the distant sea, creating a gentle warmth that reflected Yoko-san's personality.

Yoko-san often spends her whole day in this comfortable atelier.

Yokohama is the birthplace of REI.

In 1940, Yoko-san's father began making lace blouses, a craft that has been passed down through three generations and led to the current REI.

Walking through the Yamate area, which flourished as a foreign settlement during the Meiji era and still retains historical churches and Western-style buildings, I strangely felt a connection to REI's fundamental worldview.

It was very exotic for Japan, yet also somewhat nostalgic.

Visiting Yoko-san's atelier and feeling the same nostalgia was, of course, because this place is probably the origin of REI.

Although she has passed on her designer duties to the next generation and rarely comes to the office, Yoko-san is still very active as a lace craftsman and dyeing craftsman.

Her unique world, which includes delicate hand-cut lace items and collage lace painstakingly assembled piece by piece, is still alive and well.

REI's popular item, "Petit Lace," is also handmade by Yoko-san.
Even the simple-looking yet difficult assortment is carefully crafted one by one.

"REI THE LACES CHAMBER" is REI's brand name, given by Yoko-san with the desire to "let lace lovers enjoy themselves in a small room of lace."

Never sparing effort in handcraft, doing everything with care.

Yoko-san's teachings are still deeply rooted as the foundation of the company.

⁡For 40 years, she has dedicated herself to lace, unchanging from past to present.
⁡
Yoko-san's meticulous craftsmanship continues to support our manufacturing today.