Kintsugi and Fashion Renewal
Kintsugi and Fashion Renewal: Embracing Imperfection
The Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi teaches us that broken objects are not something to hide, but to celebrate. Translating to “golden joinery,” Kintsugi is the centuries-old art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The cracks are not concealed—they’re illuminated—turning the object into something more beautiful and valuable than before. It’s a powerful reminder that there is beauty in imperfection and the story of repair.
This philosophy resonates deeply with the message behind Fashion Revolution Week, a global movement calling for a more sustainable, transparent, and mindful fashion industry. Rather than discard the old or flawed, we’re encouraged to reimagine and renew.
Inspired by this idea, Wilcom has taken an old denim jacket—ripped and forgotten—and transformed it into a bespoke statement piece through embroidery. Using our world-renowned embroidery software, we upcycled the jacket with the transformative power of embroidery.
Deconstructed Cherry Blossom Design
Drawing from the delicate beauty of broken ceramics, we digitized intricate patterns that echo the fine lines and golden joins found in Kintsugi pottery. Every stitch reflects the spirit of repair and rebirth.
We blended this with luxurious scrap material such as checked silk fabric, repurposed to add depth and texture—accentuated with metallic gold thread.
The result? A unique garment with new life, new value, and a story to tell.
Rip the checked silk fabric into strips for a rustic look.
Place the fabric over the hole you want to repair. Flatten it with a cool to medium iron.
Align the embroidery design over fabric pieces and the hole in the denim jacket.
Pin in the hoop for stabilization and embroider with your best gold metallic thread.
Much like Kintsugi, this project highlights the beauty of transformation
Bespoke pieces embellished with embroidery carry an elevated and lasting emotional connection—meant to be cherished in wardrobes for years to come.
After all, like Kintsugi, true beauty often lies in the mended seams.
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