Merlette Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Collaboration Pieces by Kyo-ai Artist Riku Matsuzaki

Merlette will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Spring 2026. A special collaboration has been realized, merging Merlette’s decade-long journey with the history of Japanese Kyo-ai (Kyoto Indigo) dyeing, which designer Marina Cortbawi deeply admires.

Riku Matsuzaki is an artist who encountered 'Japan Blue' in New York and decided to revive Kyo-ai, which had died out 100 years ago (Taisho era). He grows indigo plants using ancient Japanese methods in his hometown of Rakusai, Kyoto—the birthplace of indigo dyeing. Marina, the designer of the New York-based brand Merlette, has a sustainable production background, using natural materials such as OEKO-TEX® certified cotton and linen every season to reduce fabric waste.

This special collection was born from the resonance between two creators who value making things that connect to the future. Ten limited-edition styles of Merlette's white cotton items, dyed using a 700-year-old fermentation technique, will be sold as 10th-anniversary special pieces at Isetan Shinjuku (Re-Style) and Ron Herman Roppongi.

The deep, rich indigo hues created by microbial fermentation and the designs crafted by layering beeswax evoke a sense of serene yet powerful beauty. Enjoy these special art pieces where tradition meets sophistication, loved beyond time.

<Merlette POP UP STORE> April 22 (Wed) – April 28 (Tue) Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 3F Center Park / Promotion 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 03-3352-1111 (Main number) At this pop-up store, in addition to the one-of-a-kind special collaboration pieces, the Japan-exclusive 'CARON' with a flower print will be pre-released. The Merlette 26SS collection will also be on display.

- About 'Kyo-ai' - Matsuzaki used the original indigo species of Kyoto and revived it in its original production area (Rakusai, which happens to be his birthplace) using traditional cultivation methods. Feeling that 'transmitting Kyo-ai to the next generation is necessary for Japanese and Kyoto culture,' he works on everything from cultivation to product manufacturing, art creation, and education, aiming for indigo dyeing that will remain for 1,000 years.

In May 2025, designer Marina visited the workshop in Kyoto. They learned about Kyo-ai through precious documents, such as a 1700 haiku by a disciple of Matsuo Basho mentioning that 'outside Shimabara in Kyoto was full of indigo fields,' and a 1712 encyclopedia stating 'indigo from the outskirts of Kyoto is the highest quality in Japan.' Marina was deeply impressed by Matsuzaki's profound knowledge.

The collaboration pieces were created by melting beeswax, drawing designs to resist dyeing, layering the dye, redrawing with wax once dry, and repeating the process along with tie-dyeing. Each piece is unique, embodying the idea that 'indigo is a living thing.' The splash design, resembling outer space, is a 100% natural art piece from fabric to dye. Dyeing while monitoring the fermentation condition of microbes is a skill only possible for Matsuzaki, who faces indigo every day.

Marina's Kyo-ai experience and her journey in Kyoto are now available on the Merlette special site and Instagram!

<Merlette EVENT> May 9 (Sat) Ron Herman Roppongi Tokyo Midtown Garden Terrace B1F, 9-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 03-6447-0561 Designer in-store time: May 9 (Sat) 13:00–17:00 Designer Marina will visit Japan on the day! A styling advice event will be held to help you with your shopping. Special limited-time drinks embodying Merlette's world and various novelties will also be available.

[Artist Bio: Riku Matsuzaki] Born in 1990 in Rakusai, Kyoto. Encountered 'Japan Blue' in NYC at age 22 and decided to become an indigo artist. Studied sericulture and weaving at Nomura Silk Museum (2015). Apprenticed under Sachio Yoshioka, the 5th head of Somenotsukasa Yoshioka (2017). Involved in restoring Shosoin treasures (2018). Started cultivating Kyo-ai (2020). Opened his studio in Oharano, Kyoto (2022). Presented collaborations with Valextra and Kansai Yamamoto (2024).

[Designer Bio: Marina Cortbawi] Born in Sydney, Australia. Moved to New York in 2010 after working in fashion in Paris and London. Gained deep industry understanding working with Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Inspired by her travels, she conceived a collection made only of cotton. Studied at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. Started Merlette in the summer of 2016.