CRAFT:
FACTORY
Nestled in the mountains of Yamagata and Established in the 1930s, the knitting mill carries generations of textile knowledge, evolving from its origins in wool spinning into an integrated practice of yarn development and knitwear production. Traditional techniques continue alongside an enduring pursuit of material innovation.
Situated just steps from the Mogami River, the factory draws from its natural surroundings, with river water used in the washing and dyeing of wool. Its history remains deeply connected to Yamagata, a region shaped by mountainous landscapes and heavy winter snow. Here, place, material and craft remain inseparable.
THE MOUNTAIN RANGE OF YAMAGATA
DESIGN
Borrowing cues from traditional forms and applying them through a contemporary aesthetic, each design seeks a harmonious balance between function and form. Minimal in appearance, the garments reveal a deeper level of consideration through proportions, construction and details that often remain unseen.
A defining element is the contrast between the softness of wool and the precision of Japanese industrial hardware. From engineered EXCELLA® zip fastening systems to Morita buttons, each component is thoughtfully integrated into knitwear.
Working closely with an almost century old knitting mill in Yamagata, FAIZ T.S. explores new design possibilities through the considered application of hardware.
KNIT DIGITIZATION AND ENGINEERING
MATERIAL
Raised in the Canadian Rockies, Rocky Mountain Merino carries a natural resilience and substantial character. Its distinctive bulk is balanced by a softness that brings comfort and structure to knitwear.
As the primary material of choice, Rocky Mountain Merino forms the foundation of FAIZ T.S. knitwear. Ongoing yarn research explores yak, alpaca and other distinctive natural fibre blends, developed and spun in collaboration with a knitting mill partner in Japan.
MACHINERY
At the knitting mill in Yamagata, mid century Toyoda and Suzuki knitting machines remain in active production. Relying on mechanical precision rather than modern automation, they require regular maintenance, careful adjustment and an intimate understanding of their mechanisms. Their deliberate pace keeps craftspeople closely involved in the knitting process.
Alongside these machines, wooden spinning machinery dating back to the 1930s continues to be operated by hand. Its continued use preserves the knowledge and discipline required to work with it, reflecting an approach to production shaped by patience, experience and human intervention.
MID CENTURY SPINNING MACHINERY
CRAFTSMANSHIP
At the knitting mill in Yamagata, each stage of production is entrusted to a master craftsman. From scouring, spinning and dyeing to knitting and handlinking, every process demands distinct skills and an intimate understanding of the material. Each stage prepares the work for the next through precision and collective expertise.
The final assembly is entrusted to handlinking. Stitch by stitch, individual panels are joined by hand with extraordinary accuracy. Craftsmen undergo up to six years of training to master this intricate process, where patience and precision are inseparable.
Through the harmonious collaboration of individual disciplines, material, design and machinery converge to bring each FAIZ T.S. garment to fruition.
HAND LINKING STITCH BY STITCH
