Teori Kobo Oriiro
/Show Day
April 09
/Social Media
Born in 1966, she married shortly after graduating from university and became a mother of three. Following her divorce, she sought to rebuild her life by advancing her career in the social welfare field. It was during a professional training placement that she encountered Saori weaving — a moment that would quietly transform her path.
Having long considered herself clumsy and lacking confidence, she was deeply moved by the philosophy of Saori: “Anyone can do it.” “There are no mistakes.” “Be free.” The liberating spirit of this practice resonated with her profoundly, becoming both a creative and personal turning point.
Nearly twenty years later, in 2019, she opened her studio in Kyoto under the concept:
“More freedom, more joy.” “Cherish what you love.”
Saori weaving is an intuitive process shaped by chance and necessity — a practice of “weaving oneself.” Even the same artist can never reproduce the same textile twice. Each piece exists as a singular expression of that moment in time.
Her materials range from conventional yarns to strips torn from vintage kimono and garments filled with personal memories. Even threads commonly regarded as leftovers or scraps are embraced as “treasure yarn,” woven carefully into each creation. Nothing is discarded; every element holds meaning.
Her tailoring process is equally distinctive. Working without conventional patterns and cutting as little as possible, she shapes each garment while “listening to the voice of the cloth.” Most designs are free-size and can be styled in multiple ways, allowing the wearer to adapt the piece according to their own individuality.
Five years after opening her studio, she reflects that she has simply continued forward with joy and sincerity. Along the way, a community of supporters has grown, and more people have come to cherish her work — making it possible for her to stand on stages such as this.
With deep gratitude, she remains committed to delivering one-of-a-kind woven works to as many people as possible, continuing her journey guided by freedom, intuition, and heart.
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What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I discovered Saori weaving after my divorce while training for a welfare qualification. Its philosophy that "there are no mistakes" gave me confidence and changed my life. Although I always saw myself as a weaver, participating in Vancouver Fashion Week helped me recognize myself as a fashion designer.
How would you describe your design style?
My design style is free, intuitive, and centered on handwoven textiles. I create one-of-a-kind garments using Saori weaving, combining handmade fabrics with other materials while celebrating individuality and imperfection.
What can people expect from your latest collection?
My Vancouver Fashion Week collection reflects OriirO's philosophy of "More freedom, more joy" and "Cherish what you love." Many garments are designed with minimal cutting and can be worn in multiple ways, allowing each person to express their individuality.
Why is the philosophy of "there are no mistakes" so important to your work?
The philosophy of Saori weaving freed me from perfectionism. Every irregular thread and every imperfection becomes part of the beauty of the fabric, making each piece completely unique.
Why do you avoid cutting your handwoven textiles as much as possible?
Each handwoven textile takes a great deal of time to create and has its own character. By minimizing cutting, I can preserve the beauty of the woven fabric while allowing each garment to be styled in different ways.