For better or worse, consumerism and mass production have dictated our spending habits for over half a century.  We are bombarded by dozens, if not hundreds, of advertisements throughout the course of a day. Between television, radio, billboards, magazines, and of course the internet, we are constantly told what to buy. Economies are predicated on buying new, buying often, and buying more. And consequentially, mass production of inexpensive items is the most effective way to reach the average consumer.

Clothing is no exception; many conspicuous retailers have achieved worldwide success thanks in no small part to rock-bottom prices and cheap, efficient production. But unknown to the general public, there are a small number of Japanese companies dedicated to using fabrics, machines, and techniques – no matter what the cost in time and labor – that were long ago declared obsolete by companies only interested in the bottom line.

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