CREATING NEW SEASONS

For Japanese design duo Ena Kizawa and Taketo Nishino, travelling to worldwide destinations and exploring different cultures is at the heart of their brand

Where did the 5 Knot journey begin?

We went to the same fashion school in Tokyo, and then we started designing at different companies. We worked for a few years, then got married and started 5 Knot in 2013.

Why 5 Knot?

We live in a coastal area near Tokyo and we love to surf and spend time on the beach. A knot is the speed of a boat and then there are knots that you tie. The 5 represents Ena’s birthday, October 5. We’re actually showing on her birthday so it’s going to be a special day.

Tell us about the new collection

This collection is not just Spring/Summer 2019; it mixes all four seasons to make new seasons. It’s very vibrant. Our designs are inspired by travelling. Recently, we’ve been to Morocco, Portugal and Cuba, so it’s inspired by a lot of countries.

How do you create your collections?

First, we choose a country we want to visit and then we spend time there and take in the culture. We just talk to each other. We don’t draw or take pictures; we just keep talking to each other. When we get back home, we start drawing and choose fabrics — and a direction.

What is the 5 Knot aesthetic?

Vintage, prints, and mixed styling is important for us and part of the design of our brand.

Who is the 5 Knot woman?

Someone who loves fashion, of course, and who loves travelling and colour and patterns.

What are the big fashion trends for 2019?

Collections in New York and Paris seem to show that sportswear and street style is moving towards becoming cleaner and lighter.