Hello everyone,
we’re excited to open this new blog by introducing something that immediately captured our attention.
The newest addition to the Loft/33 family is Bunzaburo, a very special bag created using the traditional Japanese shibori technique.
But what exactly is shibori?
What is Shibori?
Shibori is a traditional Japanese textile dyeing technique. The basic principle is simple yet fascinating: the fabric is immersed in a dye bath, but certain areas are protected so that they do not absorb the color.
This process creates the distinctive decorative patterns where the contrast between dyed and undyed sections forms unique designs.
The most common method involves binding the fabric with thread, preventing the dye from reaching certain parts. Over centuries, skilled artisans developed increasingly sophisticated techniques to create more complex and refined patterns.
This craftsmanship is what makes shibori truly unique. It creates a beauty that cannot be replicated with printing or painting techniques.
These techniques have been refined and passed down from generation to generation and are still used today.
How Shibori Fabric Is Made
Creating shibori fabric involves several handcrafted steps:
Design
A preliminary sketch of the pattern is created and transferred onto the fabric.
Stitching
The fabric is stitched along the lines of the design to guide the shaping process.
Binding
Following the design marks, sections of the fabric are gathered and tightly bound with thread to protect specific areas from the dye.
Dyeing
The fabric is fully immersed in the dye bath. This stage requires great attention to ensure the dye does not penetrate the protected areas.
Unbinding
After dyeing, the threads are removed and the pattern is revealed, with the protected areas remaining white.
A Small Bag That Holds Much More Than You Expect
The Bunzaburo bag has been appearing more and more on fashion runways and in the hands of style-conscious women. It is often used as a second bag, easily carried inside a larger handbag.
At first glance it looks very small. But the surprise comes when you start using it: thanks to the shibori technique, the fabric expands and adapts to whatever you place inside.
The petite versions, which you can also find in our store, can hold far more than you might imagine — even a laptop.
A Bag Unlike Any Other
Colorful, original and incredibly versatile, the Bunzaburo bag is truly something different.
A bag that surprises, adapts, and — why not — is also extremely fun to use.