Maekake by Anything

Content : Maekake are traditional Japanese work clothes that have been in use for over 200 years. By tying the strap around the waist, workers can protect their backs. "Anything" is an apron brand that has revived the old-fashioned way of making them. It still uses looms over 100 years old to weave the richly textured indigo fabric of its Maekake. With its retro feel, the company has recently gained in popularity. Maekake is used as a uniform in some restaurants in Europe and the US, or as kitchen and outdoor clothing.

The book traces the history of the Maekake, from the arrival of the looms in the 19th century, by the TOYODA company (ancestor of TOYOTA) to sales in the boutique in the new factory (created in 2000) by Kazuhiro Nishimura.

The book is fascinating because it tells the story of an object that we would like to own. It is both a story and a mine of information about the history of Japan (in parallel). The book is richly illustrated with 90 colour photos taken from the Japanese factory's own archives. We discover the origin of the apron, how it was made, the different protagonists who succeeded in giving it a new lease of life (the former owner of the looms, the craftsman who makes the right thread, the one who cuts the stencils to print on the canvas and the silkscreen printer). At the end of the chain is Kazuhiro, creator of the Anything brand.

More information on Anything : https://maekake.myshopify.com/