As a Tokyo-based editorial photographer, I’m often drawn to assignments that blend fashion, storytelling, and a strong sense of place. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to photograph Ichijiku, a luxury sustainable fashion brand based in Tokyo, for the spring issue of Violet Magazine.
Ichijiku, founded by Aaron Mollin, specializes in transforming vintage kimono fabrics into contemporary, wearable pieces. Each garment is unique, repurposed from hand-dyed or handwoven kimono — many of them 50 to 100 years old — and cut into modern silhouettes that honor both the material and its cultural roots. Photographing ethical fashion in Tokyo often means working with brands that value slow processes and careful craftsmanship, and Ichijiku is a perfect example of that ethos.
Luckily, Ichijiku’s founder Aaron Mollin on site during the assignment. With Aaron on site, I was able to learn in depth about Ichijiku’s goals and ambitions. More, I was excited to be able to make some portraits of the driving force behind the brand. It was important to me that the portrait work felt as intentional and rooted as the clothing itself. Aaron’s approach to design is deeply personal — his understanding of the materials, their origins, and their histories brings a rare depth to Ichijiku.
When photographing fashion and craftsmanship in Japan, I aim to highlight not just the aesthetics, but the choices behind them. In this case, that meant focusing on details: the texture of antique silk, the character of visible mending, the precise tailoring that turns traditional garments into something contemporary.
Shooting in the Ichijiku showroom allowed me to work closely with the garments and take my time — a luxury in editorial photography that mirrors the brand’s own commitment to slow fashion. Whether photographing in Tokyo or elsewhere, I’ve found that the most compelling fashion stories often come from brands like Ichijiku — where history, sustainability, and modern design align.
If you’re a brand looking for a Tokyo-based photographer with experience in sustainable fashion and founder portraiture, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re simply curious about the ways fashion can carry culture forward, I highly recommend learning more about what Aaron Mollin and his team are creating at Ichijiku.
