Thursday, October 1st 2026

“We believe that by creating a design that does not interfere with the characteristics of the material or silhouette, we can make the most of the inherent good qualities. We hope that if we can convey the skills of the artisans involved in our work in the best possible way, it will lead to the creation of products that will enrich the wearer's life and allow them to enjoy them for a long time.”

Translated from its original Japanese, this is the mantra according to the world of Tokyo-based label Yoko Sakamoto; a Colbo mainstay ever since becoming one of the brand’s first U.S. stockists. Yoko Sakamoto’s garments speak for themselves, carrying stories of the natural origins of their fibers—leathers, high density cottons, wools, hemps, ramie, and linens, and the innate structures of their silhouettes. 

The story doesn’t end at manufacturing. Wearing a Yoko Sakamoto piece is a continued process of evolution that imbues the individual’s own wear into the fabric, further revealing its true expression. Certain pieces even contain a symbiotic element. Some fabrics are treated with natural dyes such as “Kakishibu (persimmon tannin)” which provides the skin with what Sakamoto shares are “natural antibacterial, odor-resistant, and even antiviral qualities.”

We were lucky enough to learn a bit more from the designer about the process behind the namesake brand’s unique, timeless, and nature-based approach to craftsmanship:

1. Material seems to play a large role in the garments you make. When you start the process of creating, do you begin with a material, a silhouette, or an idea? Does it ever occur that a material or something in nature inspires you to create from it?

Most of the time, I start with the material. Crafting the fabric is an immensely enjoyable process—I constantly think about which designs and silhouettes will best highlight the inherent beauty of the textile. That said, I occasionally start from the form of the garment itself, carefully selecting materials that won't disrupt the integrity of the shape.

My inspiration usually stems from the past. Objects that bear the marks of time possess an undeniable, captivating aura. Beyond that, I am continuously inspired by the raw textures of materials, Japanese landscapes, and the genuine dedication of the artisans.

2. Can you speak a bit about your relationship with the artisans and factories you work with? How has this changed over time?

When launching the brand, I had minimal experience in the apparel industry, meaning I had to start from absolute zero—beginning with finding manufacturing partners. Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to meet and be supported by countless weavers, garment factories, and artisans. Today, we collaborate closely with around 30 companies to bring our collections to life.

What once began as a student-teacher dynamic has evolved into an equal partnership grounded in mutual trust and a shared vision. Nowadays, we often approach artisans with ambitious design challenges, and they respond with extraordinary craftsmanship. This collaborative synergy is the true foundation behind the quality of YOKO SAKAMOTO.

3. How do you balance staying grounded and true to the use of the same natural materials and dyes while producing for a growing market or audience?

A garment may appear simple on the surface, yet contain an extraordinary depth of craftsmanship and nuance. Our guiding philosophy is to honor the natural character of the materials and silhouettes, never working against them. Traditional dyeing methods and natural textiles adapt to the temperature, humidity, and the hands of each artisan—there is never just one perfect standard.

Instead of forcing control over these unpredictable elements, we embrace the subtle variations and nuances created by nature as the unique personality of each piece. No matter how much our scale expands, our core compass will never shift: to craft long-lasting, comfortable garments that stand the test of time.

4. Your clothes are intended to get better with time. What is your vision for the garments, for example, when someone buys a YS T shirt? How do you envision the life cycle of the shirt, and how do you hope it will be cared for to extend this?

We hope that purchasing a garment is only the beginning, and that wearing it over time transforms it into a piece that is uniquely yours. 

We want you to embrace the evolution—the way the fabric softens through repeated washes, acquiring natural creases, subtle wear patterns, and a gentle patina. Rather than overly cautious care, our clothes thrive on daily wear and routine washing. Pieces crafted with natural dyes especially build a deep emotional attachment through their age and character over time. We aim to create garments deeply embedded in your daily lifestyle—items built tough enough that even when worn down and distressed, they only look cooler.

5. I’ve read that certain dyes and materials you use actually hold reciprocal skin and health benefits for the wearer. Can you speak a bit about this sort of symbiotic relationship?

Kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dyeing perfectly encapsulates this belief. Fabrics treated with pure, 100% Kakishibu juice are gentle on the skin, benefiting from the rich tannins that provide natural antibacterial, odor-resistant, and even antiviral qualities. 

Our affinity for natural materials goes beyond aesthetics—we value the intrinsic functionalities embedded in nature that nurture both the body and sensory experience of the wearer. Since clothing sits directly against the skin, we view safety and natural utility as essential pillars for a harmonious coexistence between garment and wearer.

6. What's on your mind or mood board as of late as you look ahead to the next season?

Today, our focus centers on engineering textiles responsive to dynamic modern lifestyles and evolving climate shifts. Simultaneously, we are refining our archive pieces to align with more contemporary silhouettes.

Rather than following traditional mood boards, we seek to capture the effortless yet meticulously crafted spirit of vintage workwear and everyday garments. Our objective is a functional, classic aesthetic—one that effortlessly transitions from daily walks to light active pursuits.