Hanae Mori 100th Anniversary Event Report & Guest Appearance on 'Tetsuko no Heya'

## Izumi Mori Holds Special Talk Event at the National Art Center, Tokyo

On May 20, a talk event titled 'Discussing Grandmother Hanae Mori's True Self and Aesthetic' was held at the National Art Center, Tokyo, in conjunction with the ongoing 'Hanae Mori: Vital Type – Celebrating 100 Years' exhibition. The event featured Izumi Mori, granddaughter of Hanae Mori and a model and television personality.

Izumi Mori, wearing a yellow crane-patterned dress designed by Hanae Mori, appeared alongside Natsumi Onodera, a researcher at the museum who organized the exhibition. Moderated by TV Asahi announcer Sari Shimomura, the discussion centered on three themes: 'The True Self of Hanae Mori,' 'A Way of Life as a Woman,' and 'Fashion and Individuality.'

Commenting on the exhibition, Izumi Mori said, 'It is such a rich exhibition. You can learn about not just the work, but also the way of life of Mama Mori (Hanae Mori's nickname). Seeing all the vibrant colors in the exhibition makes the viewers feel happy.'

Reflecting on her grandmother, she shared, 'Mama Mori was powerful and energetic; I never heard her complain. She used to say, "I make beautiful things, so I don't want to utter complaints."' Recalling childhood memories, she revealed family anecdotes: 'When I would watch her work closely, she would give me scraps of beautiful fabric to play with.'

Regarding the iconic 'butterfly' symbol, Izumi Mori expressed, 'I imagine them flying freely and gracefully.' She added, 'Mama Mori's clothes gently wrap around the body and make you feel confident. She worked until the very end and remained curious about fashion trends. She was a flexible person who always worried about others more than herself, always asking people like myself and Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, "Are you doing well? Are you eating properly?"'

Exhibition organizer Onodera introduced Hanae Mori as a person who embodied the 'Vital Type'—a way of life for women who are lively and vibrant. Noting that the employment rate for women with higher education in Japan was only 0.7% in 1951 when Mori started her career, Onodera said, 'When she participated in the New York Collection in 1965, everyone around her opposed it, but only her husband, Ken, supported her. I believe the presence of family was vital for her success overseas.'

Onodera also explained that Mori's designs 'captured what was needed in the world at the time and embraced the wearer.' Touching on her broad license business, including items like washing machines and sheets, she noted, 'She designed not just clothes, but her entire life; one could almost live surrounded only by things designed by Mori.'

While the Paris Haute Couture Syndicate at the time was dominated by male designers, Hanae Mori created 'clothes for women, by women.' Onodera highlighted Mori's uniqueness: 'She was one of a kind, able to traverse the grand perspective of the world and the small perspective of everyday life. She elevated fashion to the realm of culture and art by launching magazines like "Ryuko Tsushin" and "STUDIO VOICE" to promote Japanese fashion.'

Approximately 240 attendees, chosen by lottery, listened intently. The hour-long event provided an opportunity for visitors to feel more deeply the character and essence of Hanae Mori's creations.

## Izumi Mori to Appear on 'Tetsuko no Heya' on June 8 (Mon)!

Since its start in 1976, the legendary talk show 'Tetsuko no Heya,' hosted by the legendary Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, has welcomed countless famous figures. Having renewed the world record for the most broadcasts of a talk show by the same host and celebrating its 50th anniversary this February, the show will feature Izumi Mori on the June 8 (Mon) episode. Izumi, who is also promoting the 'Hanae Mori: Vital Type' exhibition, will appear wearing a dress by Hanae Mori. She will look back on precious footage of Hanae with Kuroyanagi, who has already visited the exhibition. She will also present valuable items gifted by her grandmother and share lessons she learned.

[Program Info] 'Tetsuko no Heya' June 8 (Mon), 2026, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM

## Original Exhibition Goods Now on Sale

A wide range of original goods featuring dress and 'butterfly' motifs are available. Items are elegant and vibrant, allowing you to enjoy the Hanae Mori worldview in your daily life. The lineup includes exhibition catalogs, stationery, fashion accessories, and sweets—perfect as commemorative souvenirs or gifts for loved ones.