Roger OngThe fashion industry is one the worst polluters in the world, responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. One of the most effective ways to address this is to buy less. But how can we do it?
We can choose to use our products as long as possible. Prolonging the clothes and accessories we use is one the key ways to do so. Japan’s artisan industry can offer us a hint with grapevine bags. Value often depends on the quality of grapevines. The Japanese grape vines used command the greatest value, while imported materials are cheaper and less durable.
These bags are often sought after for their enduring quality, fans going out of their way to seek the existing few artisans in Japan to buy their craft or to repair them. Furthermore, as with leather products, the more you use them, the glossier the grapevine bags become. These bags also last for a century, so they can handled down to your children as time gives them their unique flavors.
EAST WORKS will be holding a series of workshops in Tokyo to teach anyone interested in making their own grapevine bags. The lecturer is from Salon de Kago. There will be four lessons in total, selected from dates 14, 20, 21 October, 11, 17, 18 November, every 10am-3pm. Lessons will be in Japanese (though the instructions will be guided), priced at 60,900 yen. A one-day lesson to make smaller accessories is available at 10,000 too.
Interested parties can find more details here (Japanese).
