AUGUST BEGINNINGS
Notes from the founder:
As the new month begins, we’re invited to return to ourselves—to move with intention, dress with awareness, and embrace the quiet beauty of daily rituals. Inspired by Koyomi, the Japanese calendar rooted in nature’s rhythm, this reflection explores how intentional dressing, mindful morning rituals, and slow, grounded self-care can bring clarity and calm to our everyday routines.
From choosing a color that feels right to honoring the fabrics we wear, these simple practices help us reconnect—with our bodies, our spirit, and the deeper purpose of how we move through the world.
Our ancestors invented the calendar by observing the movements of the planets, the moon, and the sun. In the Western world, we call it a "calendar," but in Japan, it’s known as “Koyomi,” a term that originates from China. Today, as the first day of August begins, a quiet intention is set—not just for the month ahead, but for the daily rituals that ground and nourish us. I’d like to share how simple acts of care, mindful styling, and self-awareness can be woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Choosing what to wear each morning begins with a brief pause, a quiet reminder to “be in your body.” This moment of self-connection helps align the spirit with the physical world, setting the tone for the day. It’s a practice of mindful awareness, shifting from an automatic, task-driven approach to one that is intentional and present. The day no longer feels like a series of events to be managed; instead, it unfolds with each decision reflecting a deeper connection to the self.
This practice was inspired by something a friend once said: “Love yourself enough to do all things you do.” These words lingered with me, growing into a quiet mantra that has guided my daily rituals. Before choosing an outfit, I ask myself: “How can I care and listen to myself today?” It’s a reminder that caring for ourselves—whether through what we wear or how we move through the world—is an act of love and presence.
For example, one morning, the color red simply appeared—an instinctive choice, followed by a red t-shirt. This intuitive process of choosing what feels right in the moment creates a harmony between inner and outer expression. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about how we anchor ourselves, and the clothing we choose carries that energy forward. Setting this tone at the start of the day influences how we move through the rest of it.
This mindfulness extends beyond clothing to skincare. While meditation can be a challenging practice for many, skincare offers a simple, soothing alternative. The act of applying products becomes a moment of mindful connection—touching the face, massaging the skin, and acknowledging its needs. It’s a way of caring for oneself in small but meaningful ways, reinforcing a sense of calm and presence throughout the day.
The same awareness applies to the fabrics we work with. Every day, there’s a quiet check-in with the materials—feeling their texture, checking their condition, ensuring they’re being cared for. This isn’t just about maintaining garments; it’s about honoring them as integral parts of our daily lives. Fabrics respond to the way they’re treated, and their energy becomes part of the experience we have with them. This care, grounded in both intuition and expertise, is essential to creating designs that are meant to last and feel good over time.
Mindfulness in everyday routines isn’t just a personal practice—it’s a way of tuning in to the small, significant moments that shape our experience. Whether it’s the act of dressing or caring for the skin, each ritual offers an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, to listen, and to respond with intention. In this way, self-care isn’t just about the choices we make for our physical well-being—it’s about how we show up for ourselves each day, with respect, presence, and care.