Article: Looking back on 2024 – A message from Ay CEO Ay Murakami

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Dec 28, 2024

Looking back on 2024 – A message from Ay CEO Ay Murakami

Looking back on 2024 – A message from Ay CEO Ay Murakami

Hello. I am Ay Murakami, the representative of Ay. Thank you for your continued patronage of Ay.
As 2024 draws to a close, it is time to look back on the past year. This year has been filled with many new encounters and challenges.

January: Evolution of original textiles

The original textile that we have been developing since last spring is finally starting to take shape after a year. After much trial and error, we were able to create a new fabric that reinterprets the traditions of meisen with a modern sensibility, and it was an exciting moment for all of our staff. We would like to thank "Mitasho" in Kiryu City, who wove the fabric, for watching over our challenge.

Production has begun in earnest in preparation for the release of new items using this textile.

February: Release of " Ainonuno "

We digitally archived the patterns of Isesaki Meisen and developed original fabrics. The first product we released was a jacquard dress. It was featured on NHK's "Good Morning Japan" and "Hot Gunma," giving many people an opportunity to learn about our work.

Spring/Summer collection order meeting

From February to March, we held pre-order sales events for the 2024 Spring/Summer collection in Shibuya, Kyoto, Gunma, and Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. Many people were able to see the products in person, and we were able to convey Ay's worldview.

May: Sales event at Ikaho Onsen

During Golden Week, we held a sales event at the Usaburo Kokeshi Gallery in Ikaho Onsen. In addition to customers from inside and outside the prefecture, we also made new connections with people active in Ikaho Onsen.

June: Ay 4th Anniversary Event

We held an event to celebrate Ay's 4th anniversary in our hometown of Isesaki. We received warm congratulations and words of support from everyone involved, and we were once again grateful for everyone's support of Ay.

Production period and new releases

Summer is the time to focus on production. This year, I updated the Meisen tiered skirt for autumn and winter, and continued production of the gold thread ear accessories that have been on sale since last year. I also completed the long-awaited Meisen necktie.
( Click here for the story behind the birth of the necktie : Article link )

Autumn/Winter Events

September : Sales event in Isesaki
October : First event in 3 years at Takasaki Takashimaya, first store opening at Jomo marche in Maebashi
October ~: Opened a permanent store at "Ethical Living Lab" on the 6th floor of Yurakucho Marui
December : First Kyushu event held at Hakata Hankyu

Lectures and tours

From November to December, we had more opportunities to get people interested in Ay's activities through lectures and tour attendance, and more people from Tokyo and overseas are visiting Gunma. This is a very happy event.

Custom Made

This year, we have had more requests from customers saying, "I want to make original clothes!" or "I want to make clothes using my grandmother's kimono." We have been working with them. We are very happy that the costumes we have made can be worn on special occasions. We plan to start accepting custom orders from next year.

Outlook to 2025

I hope that 2025 will be a year of even greater progress for Ay. Early in the new year, I will finally be taking on the challenge of going to New York! I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but I want to be fully prepared.

We are also currently working on new designs for spring and summer. For the next project, we are planning a new way to enjoy the show, where we will create a piece together with everyone. We will continue to hold pop-ups in Japan, so please look forward to them!