Over 1,000 Handkerchiefs in Possession! Insights from a Collector of "Chikazawa Lace" on its Irresistible Charm

"Chikazawa Lace" is a lace specialty store located in Motomachi, Yokohama. It is characterized by intricate lace featuring original designs and artisanal craftsmanship, and it boasts such popularity that new items sell out almost immediately upon release.

There are many passionate fans who often purchase multiple pieces at once, sometimes to collect all color variations of the same item, or for gifting purposes.

What kind of charm does "Chikazawa Lace" encapsulate that makes it so collectible? We asked collector Yukimaru to share its allure.

Chikazawa Lace was founded in 1901 as a silk export merchant before transitioning to a linen store. Initially, they made custom tablecloths, bed linens, handkerchiefs, and summer open-collar blouses for foreign customers. Eventually, items adorned with lace gained popularity and became their main offerings.

Today, they offer a wide array of original products, from handkerchiefs to towels and mats in home collections, as well as pouches, T-shirts, and baby products in the fashion category.

While lace comes in a diverse variety worldwide, the brand crafts and sells unique items that select and blend techniques and materials from various regions.

Especially distinctive are the handkerchiefs, which Yukimaru describes as having "the charm of thematic designs."

"New seasonal handkerchiefs are released every month, featuring designs that are sometimes cute and sometimes humorous. For example, this year in January, we had 'Haru Urara' and 'O-sake,' while in February we saw 'Mimosa Bouquet' and 'Hana Yori Dango,' and March introduced 'Shopping' and 'Tennis.'"

As these are limited-edition items, they are highly sought after, making it difficult to purchase them at the official stores or online without preordering.

Additionally, Chikazawa Lace frequently collaborates with other brands. For instance, the handkerchiefs created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of "Castella Honke Fukusaya" and the women’s magazine exclusive "Catwalk" generated significant buzz among fans, and each sold out instantly.

Among the collaboration items, the navy "London Lace Towel Handkerchief" created in partnership with LAURA ASHLEY was particularly popular, making it more difficult to acquire than other items, thus becoming a rare find among collectors.

Yukimaru aims to collect the entire lineup, including color variants and even sets aside pieces for gifting on occasions like graduations or retirements.

It’s astonishing that they possess at least 1,000 handkerchiefs alone.

The unique designs combine elegance and uniqueness. This is likely the reason people want to collect handkerchiefs from Chikazawa Lace.

Ease of Care & Functionality Are Also Factors in Its Popularity

Collectors differ in whether they use their collections in everyday life or keep them for display. Yukimaru leans towards the former, stating, "The handkerchiefs from Chikazawa Lace can be used frequently without worry. They are high quality and easy to care for."

"They hold up well to regular use, and even when washed in a mesh bag, the lace doesn’t tear, nor does the fabric shrink. Wrinkles can be smoothed out by hand, eliminating the need for special care like ironing."

The handkerchiefs are made from high-quality "Imabari Towel" fabric and feature a soft texture created through steam shirring, ensuring not just design excellence but also outstanding functionality needed for everyday items.

Yukimaru shared that they have had Chikazawa Lace items close at hand since childhood. Their mother was a fan of the store, incorporating lace into various items around the house. Yukimaru treasures some pieces collected by their mother, which include items from about 50 years ago.

Even after 50 years, the lace's beauty remains undiminished, which speaks to the high quality of the brand.

Enriching Daily Life with Items from Chikazawa Lace

The items beyond handkerchiefs are not to be overlooked. Yukimaru currently ensures they have all the newly released products, not just limited to handkerchiefs. Among the numerous items, they highlighted their favorites: the "Bag-in-Bag" and the "M Size Spring-picked Strawberry Travel Pouch."

"The 'Bag-in-Bag' is lightweight due to its mesh material and is easy to clean, making it perfect for daily use. I like to capture the food I eat during my travels along with the matching handkerchief. Since I carry dozens of handkerchiefs, the 'Travel Pouch' that allows me to store them without folding is incredibly convenient," they explained.

"Having items from Chikazawa Lace in my life adds a distinct touch to my ordinary daily routine, making it even more enjoyable.

"For instance, it prompts me to consider the places I visit or the food I eat based on the design of my handkerchiefs, and it also sparks conversations with my family. Moreover, while Mimosa is a representative design of Chikazawa Lace, owning this item made me realize that March 8 is 'Mimosa Day (International Women's Day).' It has broadened my horizons and made my life feel richer," they mentioned.

Since handkerchiefs, pouches, and bags are items we use almost daily, having favorites makes life more colorful. The notion upheld by Chikazawa Lace of providing products that delight both the customer and their loved ones clearly resonates through their items.

The Thrill of Connection with Items

Yukimaru began their serious collection in January 2023 with the seasonal handkerchief "Haru Ranman." The inspiration struck when they considered a gift for their daughter, who loves cherry blossoms, leading them to think of the handkerchiefs from Chikazawa Lace.

During that time, the relatively easier purchasing conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic made it accessible, but lately, as daily life has resumed, the demand for handkerchiefs has increased. They also feel a growing trend of high-design handkerchiefs that spark excitement just by holding them, along with an uptick in famous personalities using them.

"High-profile fans include beauty expert Megumi Kanzaki, announcer Rie Mochizuki, and singer Shiina Ringo. Once introduced, these items often gain explosive popularity and can sell out quickly.

"After Shiina Ringo was featured on TV with the 'Gas Lamp' handkerchief, the same design was sold out for a while. I've also noticed a rise in inbound demand lately," they shared.

All lace from Chikazawa Lace features original designs and is intricately crafted by skilled artisans. Since they are not mass-produced, even Yukimaru, who is always on the hunt for new information, sometimes cannot acquire them. As a collector, there must be some frustration when they can't get what they desire.

"Seasonal handkerchiefs can always be obtained by using the 'Distribution Club' option. This club operates twice a year, allowing members to receive seasonal handkerchiefs for spring/summer and autumn/winter every month upon pre-registration. In the physical stores, you can choose between single item purchases or an all-complete option, whereas online, only the all-complete reservation is available," they explained.

For handkerchiefs and other items, Yukimaru also explores the Distribution Club, physical stores, official sites, and e-commerce platforms. However, if they still can't find them, they maintain the attitude of "not forcing a purchase until the right opportunity arises."

"Even if I can't get them at the time of release, they sometimes come back as 'revivals.' Additionally, I occasionally receive offers from people I've met through Chikazawa Lace, offering to 'pass on' cherished pieces to me, which I'm truly grateful for."

Such encounters also add to the thrill of pursuing Chikazawa Lace, it seems.