OLD VISVIM NEVER DIES featuring WMV products

There is one thing you begin to realize as you collect vintage things.  That is the fact that you do not often come across women's pieces.

When compared to men's pieces, many women's pieces were originally very simple creations and seldomly were they designed to have utilitarian use.  Therefore, older pieces tended to get damaged where there is not much of it left.  Women's casual wear has become particularly more fashion oriented in recent years where it feels like there are fewer and fewer carefully crafted products out there.

Surely there are women out there seeking products that have an internal quality to them, resulting in garments and boots that are truly comfortable.  Personally, I feel that product as such is needed in the women's market now more than ever.

Here at visvim, we have thought a lot about creating and introducing products for women that--just like our men's products--can be cherished and used for a long time, giving everyone the chance to enjoy products that age and enhance over time.  This was the beginning of WMV, the women's brand that was started in the Fall of 2013.

 To align with the WMV POP UP Event "Clothing and Harmony" taking place this year, we reflect back on our work so far.  "OLD VISVIM NEVER DIES" is a retrospective that introduces visvim products that have aged beautifully over its many years of use.  This time we will feature products from WMV collections alongside items from designer Kelsi Nakamura's personal archive, which are accompanied by her commentary on each piece.

ROSEBUD BOOTS

DURATION: ー

These boots represent the very beginning of WMV. Long before there was any talk of launching a women's line at visvim, there were these vintage long boots that I used to wear all the time. These boots were truly a special pair that had been worn in over many years until they became so soft and supple that they had molded perfectly to my feet. When Hiroki saw those boots, he said to me, "Let's make a boot like these." He then went off and developed a new boot, which was the very first Rosebud Boots. The first version was made with a vegetable tanned cowhide upper, and the second version utilized a bison leather. Of course, they are both still in my possession as my cherished boots.

I literally have worn these boots everywhere I would go. Whether I was going to a restaurant, venturing out into the great outdoors, going horseback riding, or riding on the back of a motorcycle. When I was a child, I once burned my leg on the exhaust pipe of a motorcycle while riding with my dad and to this day I still feel a bit of fear, but wearing these boots provides me with a sense of security. I believe that the very concept of WMV lies within an idea that, "it can be used in any situation, and it will adapt or blend in naturally and pleasantly regardless of the context or setting."

MAII HAT (COYOTE FUR)

DURATION: 11 YEAR

I like fur hats because they keep me warm -and when my daughter Riko was younger, it doubled as a stuffed animal (after wrapping a rubber band around one end to create a head).  This hat is made from a natural-colored coyote.  My grandmother was the inspiration for this piece, and February in New York is a good time to wear it.  My grandma told me it's fashionable to wear a hat, gloves, and purse to the city.  I always enjoyed her stories and learning how her generation did things.  Her influence is evident in many of my pieces.  I focus on creating products that I can use -often and for a long time, and this hat is a piece that has been a part of many of my stories.

RUANA DRESS (YAK WOOL)

DURATION: 9 YEARS

I like this dress because it's timeless and it travels easily.  The silhouette is classic WMV and looks good with any shoes.  I always have a box dress when I am on a road trip because it folds and rolls into a tiny piece, allowing me to "travel light".  I can hand wash it at night and it's dry by the morning.  This dress is inspired by tribal peoples' and is made from handwoven yak wool (70%) and silk (30%).  The dye technique is called shiborizome, and it is done in Kyoto.  The yellow is added to the natural color of the fabric first, followed by the orange and brown.  I always focus on the high quality of the fabric -that is the foundation of everything I make.

RIVIERA DRESS DOTS(N.D.)

DURATION: 8 YEARS

I like this dress because it's natural dye bandana, which is made from cochineal and Kerria lacca bugs.  The insect dye creates a contrast with my skin that makes me feel beautiful.  I routinely wear this dress in the spring, summer, and fall -this dress is so versatile!  WMV one pieces are even better if you layer them with a jacket.  I was inspired by the creativity of Native American tribes and their ability to craft beautiful clothing, even with limited resources.  The fabric for the dress is linen printed with bleach dots, which is one traditional way of making bandanas.  It's a timeless piece that I will wear until I am 100 years old. 

P.T.U. TRAINER

DURATION: 9 YEARS

I like the look of my sneakers and wear them most days.  They make my feet and legs look long and pointy.  These shoes are inspired by soccer cleats.  The sneakers fit my style, regardless of what I am wearing -they are great with a dress and great with denim. 

SOCIAL SCULPTURESS PANT PRIME DMGD

DURATION: 8YEARS

This pair of denim was developed to replicate the twist seen in the fabric of a pair of vintage denim that had been worn for many years and undergone repeat cycles of washing and drying.  As they were not processed to prevent general twisting, they maintain the soft texture of the twill weave that breaks in very well with more wear.

2026.9.29 Republished with revisions
2024.10.1 Original work published