Strolling the lanes of Kyoto’s Arashiyama neighborhood, one passes a number of souvenir stores selling incense, pottery and the like. Then, there is one store that looks different from the rest, with a wooden and leather studded sign that reads “Anomaly Structure” and a bicycle parked in front.

This is the atelier and shop for fashion and accessory designer Koichiro Aikawa. Actually the building interior, marked by whitewashed walls, raw wooden beams, and handmade racks is also the designer’s work as well. Like his showroom, all the items featured inside are one of a kind. This is a principle on which Aikawa refuses to compromise, though it makes him ineligible to fill orders and requests for other boutiques which he has accepted though on occasion turned down others. Yet one gets the sense from talking with the thirty-something Kyoto-born designer that he isn’t bothered by what others might consider a missed opportunity. “I’m pretty stubborn,” Aikawa offers as an excuse. Aikawa also offers a different perspective on the things we wear, and how we wear them: “People take too much care of their clothes these days, taking things to the dry cleaner. Real clothes are clothes that get worn,” he says, proudly showing off a decidedly worn 70-year-old leather military jacket (that isn’t for sale).

Aikawa’s own designs, infinitely wearable, possess some traditional Japanese elements like a wrapping effect reminiscent of a kimono. Yet the pieces are also fitted for function- pants are roomy in the seat for bicycle riding while flattering long coats have subtle darts that add shape. With only one assistant, he sources and dyes all the fabric himself. The inspiration, Aikawa says comes from his surroundings, citing for example, “the color of the temple steps in the morning light.”

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