Jewelry designer Hiromi Kawakami conveys the preciousness of handicrafts

The act of putting on and taking off socks sometimes leads people to activity and invites them to rest. Its existence is likened to a switch in daily life, and the creator's creativity is revealed by turning it on and off. We spoke to Hiromi Kawakami of Hi-CORAZON, a jewelry brand that uses silver and brass, about the important messages she wants to convey through her jewelry at THE THREE ROBBERS in Asakusa, a valuable transition spot.

Hiromi Kawakami wore voluminous jewelry and a chic jacket, with voluminous silver jewelry shining around her ears, and chose silver lame socks to match her silver bag and Adidas micropacers. As soon as I arrived at the meeting place, I was greeted with a friendly smile that made me feel like an old friend.Hi-CORAZON, her brand, was born in 2006, about 18 years ago. "Hi" comes from his own name, and "CORAZON" means heart in Spanish. The impetus for starting the brand was a trip to Mexico in 2006. After watching the movie "Frida," I jumped into Latin America, a place I've always loved.

“I happened to be in a town called Oaxaca, Mexico, and encountered a strike. It was the beginning of a very shocking journey, with violent strikes where tear gas was thrown. I came across a woman making embroidery and selling it there.There were people crying and tear gas was thrown at her, and when I saw a glimpse of the strength of women to live in such an environment, I decided to sell what I had made. I was really impressed with how good it was."

The women had completely different cultures and lifestyles, and were unable to rest even in environments that threatened human dignity, and they gave the impression that they were determined to face life. The jewelry she creates using silver and brass exudes a unique ethnic and religious worldview, and at the same time has a warmth that speaks to the people she encounters. It almost feels as if the beliefs of Oaxaca's women have passed through Hiromi's hands and fingers, and are appealing to the importance of making things with one's hands = living.

"I put meaning into each piece I make. I like symbolic things and Indian jewelry. The swastika has the meaning of happiness among Native Americans, which is the combination of the four L's. Young People of my generation and people who like Indian jewelry may notice its positive meaning.When I want to categorize and express my work as art and culture rather than as a "jewelry brand" Now I feel that metal carving is the way I can express myself."

In 2018, I started attending metal engraving classes after my partner was transferred and I ended up living in Hokkaido for five years. Hiromi had no prior metal engraving experience, but now she is also making her own prototypes. After moving from Tokyo to Hokkaido, he now has a studio in Chiba where he works hard on his production. However, there seems to have been a change in his state of mind.

"When I had a child, my life changed completely.Everything went to zero, I was reset, and I couldn't work for a year and a half.I couldn't wear my favorite fashion or accessories, and I felt like I was far away.'' There were times when I felt that way. Creating something now is not so much about having fun as it is about finding a "gap".In today's world, where we are filled with things that we have seen somewhere before, I am sure that I have seen them somewhere before. I create things based on my ideas, but I don't want to imitate anyone else. I don't want to become a common brand, but trends are important. In this world of fashion, how can I break down, interpret, and express things in my own way? That's what production is for me."

On this day, I visited THE THREE ROBBERS in Asakusa, the place that gave Hiromi the opportunity to continue with her brand. It is a hidden gem that is open by appointment only and is visited by overseas designers and celebrities. It is a place where she can take a deep breath and face herself slowly, away from her busy daily life, and the presence of the owner, Tsukamoto, is an important switch for her.

"Since I had a child, people around me have told me that I might be able to create some good works, but I really can't think of anything. At times like that, Tsukamoto-san never fails to encourage me. He's an important person with a different level of sensibility.The first time I met him, I was 26 years old, and I was acting with baseless youthful confidence, but from that time I started thinking, ``Let's create a collaborative product!'' that would definitely sell. He said to me, ``Yo!'', and since then, he has been a mentor to me, pushing me forward.And the items in Suriraba are pieces that I will still be using 10 or 20 years from now. That's right. I want my own brand, Hi-CORAZON, to be like that."

For 27 years, we have been making one item from yarn every month and selling almost entirely to order. In the back of the store, the archives stand like works of art, and at the same time there are huge piles of the latest collections waiting to be picked up. We thoroughly unravel vintage, update the finest basics with modern technology, and express them stylishly. Using clothes as an entry point, he faces the lives of the people who wear them. People learn from, are impressed by, and encouraged by his ability to see things through, and eventually come to rely on him like a perch in life. It seems to embody the picture book "Suteki na Sanningumi'', which is the origin of THE THREE ROBBERS.

Currently, Hiromi not only creates jewelry, but also holds workshops on jewelry maintenance.

"Before I became a mother, there was a time when I was trying to brand myself as something edgy and not to do things like that, but now I enjoy it more than anything.When I see the jewelry that customers bring, It's great input, and above all, it's fun to share the moment of polishing and becoming beautiful, and the time passes quickly."

Jewelry is something that the more you put your hands on it, the more it becomes familiar to the person. The hands that wear ornaments are the same hands that wash dishes, fold clothes, and create things every day. I hope that you will take your time and create your own way of living.

"We want you to use it for a long time. Even if you get tired of it, you can keep it in your closet or display it like an object. It will not last for just one generation, but will become a piece of art that will be passed down to the next generation. I want it. It's difficult to dispose of metal, so I want to be responsible and create jewelry that will be loved forever."

 

Hiromi Kawakami

Jewelry designer behind the brand Hi-CORAZON. He is particular about handmade metal engraving and molding, and incorporates folk culture into his works. We also do a lot of pop-ups.

@hi_corazon Instagram

Photographer: Shota Kono Instagram
Production：Little Lights Instagram

Wearing Items

[MARCOMONDE]
glitter ribbed socks 20