SEUVAS has been researching how to use our pattern-making and sewing techniques to create comfortable, durable, and breathable clothing from our unique "hampu" canvas, which has traditionally been considered unsuitable for clothing. For us it makes compelte sense to preserve the rawness and the natural aspect of the canvas, by dyeing it with natural pigments. - Tatsuhiro Akashi
What is the name of the founder, and how many people are in the company?
I am Tatsuhiro Akashi the founder of SEUVAS. Our company has three board members and fifteen staff.
When and where did SEUVAS begin, what was the motivation?
SEUVAS was established in 2021 in Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. My family had been running a school uniform sewing factory since my grandfather's generation, but price competition was fierce, making it difficult to sustain the factory and pass on the techniques. in result, we established a casual shirt sewing company to pass this know-how on to future generations.
How would you describe Kurashiki, Okayama? Does the special terrain of Kurashiki along with the Setto inland sea play a significant role in shaping the identity of SEUVAS?
Kurashiki is a wonderful town blessed with a mild climate, greenery, and the sea. SEUVAS fulfills its responsibility with a sense of mission to preserve this precious sea and greenery for future generations. We also believe it's important to preserve local traditional industries and act accordingly.
Us at TDS MG are committed to selecting garments made from raw/natural materials, when and why did you decide to focus only on natural canvas?
SEUVAS has been researching how to use our pattern-making and sewing techniques to create comfortable, durable, and breathable clothing from our unique "hampu" canvas, which has traditionally been considered unsuitable for clothing. For us it makes compelte sense to preserve the rawness and the natural aspect of the canvas, by dyeing it with natural pigments.
We also love natural pigments / natural dyes, each colour having different characteristics and personality. We have seen you are currently producing garments with Sumi Ink, Indigo, Coffee and Matcha natural pigments, do you plan to keep expanding into other types of natural dyes?
Yes, we have also dyed small batches of clothing with kakishibu which is persimmon skin tanning, and we plan to expand our natural dyeing options in the future. Everything is still made in small batches, but we have many pleasant surprises awaiting.
What is the process of dyeing garments with matcha, is it a cold or hot process and do you need a mordant? Is it a similar process for dyeing with coffee?
Both matcha and coffee use a hot process. For mordants, we use alum for matcha and iron for coffee. Iron tends to darken and oxidize the pigment.
Are SEUVAS garments made in small batches?
Yes, we produce only the minimum necessary quantities to create unique one of a kind, limited batches. In turn, this approach minimizes waste, taking advantage of our in-house production capabilities.
Do you have a repair service or re-dye service at SEUVAS?
We currently don't offer repair or re-dyeing services, but we believe it will be necessary to do so in the future. This way customers can enjoy a prolonged second life to the garments.
What is your message you would like to leave for our readers?
SEUVAS offers timeless basic items using production methods that minimize waste as much as possible. We will continue our efforts to create SEUVAS products that can be worn for a long time. Thank you for your support.
For our readers when visiting Kurashiki, could you recommend 4 places for them to visit?
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Kojima Jeans Street, Seto Ohashi Bridge, and the Former Nozaki Residence. Also, the seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and udon noodles are delicious and popular.
