One of the reasons why I love vintage so much is because I feel like, in many ways, it finds me. Although I am always on the hunt, finding the perfect dress in the perfect moment never feels like an accident. Rather, it always seems fated that we would meet. Like I was somehow cherry picked from the crowd to be her temporary guardian, before she gently passes to the next chapter of her story.
When I do venture away from true vintage, you know it’s going to be for a pretty special piece. And it is no less meaningful when they find me. Nearly four years ago, through my love of appliqué and a feverish hunt for a yellow Marjorie Montgomery dress that has thus far eluded me, a friend introduced me to the work of Maison Murasaki.
Well, my heart just about stopped, followed by frenetic palpitations that I don’t think have ever quite ceased. Based in New York City, Maison Murasaki is an environmentally conscious Demi-Couture fashion label, born from the creativity, love, and effervescent energy of one Maki Obara. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was going to save to acquire my first Maison Murasaki piece way back then (the most delicate, perfect daffodil skirt I have ever clapped eyes on), which would later make way for green gingham, cherry blossoms, and a dear friendship that I still marvel at (there will be much squealing if we ever get to meet in person. I’m telling you we will be those girls).
So when Maki’s started to share sneak peaks of her latest collection – which featured the Swingin’ Cherry Skirt, a full circle with handmade cherries dancing around its perimeter – I couldn’t wait to work together again. Just like that, another piece of art had found me.
Over the last few years, I think a lot of our eyes have been opened to the wastefulness inherent in fast fashion and the damage the industry has done to our planet. I know a lot of us love vintage for the history, but also for the fact that it’s kinder to the planet. While a lot of brands might talk about sustainability, trust me when I say that Maison Murasaki lives it.
This stunning skirt is made from 100% organic hemp that was grown organically and woven by Rawganique in Europe. There are these beautiful irregularities and textures to the hemp, which makes it truly one of a kind. It’s fully lined in cotton batiste and has pockets (!) for storing things I collect on my adventures. Because limiting waste is a huge focus of Maison Murasaki, the cherries themselves have been made from cotton textile waste in Maki’s studio, with added details of Japanese glass beads and Swarovski pearls.
I can’t tell you how much I love the idea of making beauty from cast-offs. From things others might deem unworthy. From finding art in what others would see as discards.
All of Maki’s pieces are made to order (with a current production time of 6-8 weeks). I sent her my measurements (28″ waist and 29″ length) and opted for the sculpted high waist band, with a delicate curve at the front center and supported with steel spiral boning. If a curved waistband isn’t your jam, Maki also offers this in a simple straight waistband as well. And then I waited in breathless anticipated for my fruit-speckled creation to make her way home.
As someone who sews and loves applique and detail, this piece almost brought tears to my eyes when I finally had it in my hands and could drink it in. There are more than 60 hand-sewn cherries, perfectly spaced around the entire skirt, moving as I walk and winking at me from every angle. She felt sculpted to my every curve and, right down to the vintage Victorian cherry-speckled buttons, it is absolute perfection. As with each Maison Murasaki piece I own, the attention to detail is breathtaking, but never sacrificing whimsy.
While my stunning skirt was going into production, I learned of something that made my blood boil (and still does, to be honest). While participating in a pop-up event, Maki discovered a large number of her pieces (and business materials) were stolen. I can only imagine how violating it is to have any of your property the subject of theft, but it brings tears to my eyes to know that this true couture – pieces Maki pours her heart and soul and countless hours into – were taken without a thought to the damage this would do.
While I was ready to unleash the kraken, there were unfortunately no suspects to direct my fury towards. I truly don’t know who would do such a despicable thing to a small business, especially in the middle of a global pandemic. This wasn’t a situation where standard store stock was stolen, but irreplaceable, one-of-a kind art. My heart was broken when she told me.
Among the pieces that were taken was the sample for the original Swingin’ Cherry Skirt, one of her Sakura Storm skirts (in navy), and the Sparkling Spiderweb skirt that I recall being one of the first skirts she ever released. Maki has several people on the case, but I am also hoping by posting here we can use our collective relentless searching of our favorite e-thrifting sites and spot them if anyone tries to sell them. As you can no doubt see here, these are not skirts that blend into the background. If you ever see these pieces for sale or auction, please email me or write to Maki directly to let her know. I still have hope we might bring these beautiful pieces back to their rightful owner.
I bring this up to firstly unleash the bloodhounds, but secondly to applaud Maki for her resilience. For being angry, straightening her spine, and not letting this stop her. For making me this perfect skirt without a sample, and pouring love and care into every stitch. That is an artist who loves what she does. Who makes beauty from despair.
If you have a look around the Maison Murasaki website, I have no doubt you will be as captivated as I am. They are absolutely investment pieces of unparalleled quality (this latest collection has matching masks as well!). They are definitely not impulse purchases, but ones you save for and keep for a lifetime. And if they are outside of your budget, Maki is amazing at setting up a payment plan to suit your budget. She also has plans to release additional pieces for the Swimming’ Cherry Collection at a range of price points – so keep an eye on her site.
I feel honored that this skirt cherry picked me and that Maki was able to produce this work without her sample garment. With her heart broken and her energy sapped. I plan to pull this piece out on those days when I need a little extra strength. When I need to be reminded of the good that can come from adversity. And the friends that we can make when we least expect too.
If you are as smitten with Maison Murasaki as I am, you can keep up with the incredible creations that pour out of Maki’s mind and sewing table by following along on on IG, Facebook, and Twitter, in addition to their website.
Now, for some reason, I’m in the mood for an ice cream sundae….
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Top: Heart of Haute
Skirt: Maison Murasaki
Necklace: Kashuen
Handbag: gift, Bluebird Vintage (similar)
Shoes: ReMix
Lip Color: Dior Rouge 634
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Any items marked with a “c/o” (courtesy of) a retailer mean I was provided with an item for free in exchange for a review and/or feature on my blog. I always provide my honest opinion of any item I’m reviewing, regardless of whether it was sent to me as a courtesy item or if I purchased it myself. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links or ads on this site, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase at no cost to you, which helps with the day-to-day running costs of my blog.