Are you familiar with Piccolo Company from the Ghibli film "Porco Rosso"? The kindly old man Piccolo, faced with economic hardship and the absence of men who had gone to earn money elsewhere, rallies all the women in the family to keep the factory running. The scene where he encourages them with the line, 'Eat up and work hard!' and the women energetically going about their tasks is memorable.
As a workplace with many female staff, I often think of Piccolo Company as an ideal model for ONE KILN.
Last year, we received a wonderful proposal from Next Co., which handles apparel brands like nest Robe and CONFECT, focusing on natural materials. They wanted to base their next collection on ONE KILN's workwear.
With many fans among our staff, I eagerly agreed, seeing this as a chance to create a workplace that inspires vigorous work.
From the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, Next Co. introduced the 'UpcycleLino' series, utilizing the remnants from clothing production as materials for new garments. This project aims to recycle valuable natural resources. Next Co., resonating with our use of local materials such as volcanic ash in our ASH series, appreciated our craftsmanship. We are truly grateful.
Our staff brainstormed various ideas for this opportunity:
Clothes that can be quickly thrown on over dirty workshop attire for shopping or picking up kids, offering great mobility. Clothes that look good even when dirty in the workshop, suitable for wearing at exhibitions. Clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in, whether sitting or standing, without any tight spots. Clothes that allow for different styles of wear to ensure they don't overlap with what colleagues might wear. Without worrying about how to materialize these ideas, Next Co. beautifully transformed them into reality. Thank you!
Work 2way Wrap Dress
Designed for porcelain-making in ONE KILN's studio, this wrap-style dress is easy to put on and take off and has slash pockets that prevent porcelain dust from getting inside. It's a versatile piece that can be styled in various ways.
Work 2way Jacket
Inspired by the British work smock, this 2way shirt jacket can be worn with buttoned front and back pocket design or as a pullover with front pocket design.
Work Band Collar Shirt
This shirt features a placket front with hidden buttons for a clean look. The side pockets are like those found in Indian Kurtas, vertically accessible and designed to prevent bulging at the front.
Work Easy Pants
These are loose-fitting two-tuck tapered pants with a gusset at the crotch to increase mobility, especially when sitting and working.
We believe that creating a comfortable working environment leads to better products. By focusing on our immediate surroundings, we embrace the cycle 'born from the earth, grows, and returns to the earth,' a philosophy echoed by Next Co. and ONEKILN. Wearing comfortable clothes, we look forward to crafting excellent ceramics tomorrow.
Available at:
nest Robe / CONFECT shops nest Robe / CONFECT online store
https://store.nestrobe.com/nestrobe/customlist?id=377
