"Seed" a sewing factory that specializes in prêt-à-porter and sewing technology accumulated over more than half a century since its establishment.
Seed is the sewing factory specializing in prêt-a-porter today, has been taking advantage of sewing techniques accumulated over more than half a century since its establishment in 1953. Surprisingly, the company started out with children's wear and worked on school uniforms, then shifted to women's wear over time, and has received orders from several manufacturers for such items as long-fleece winter coats made of 100% wool, which were popular at the time.
In 1970, based on its superior sewing techniques and know-how, the company began doing business with prêt-a-porter companies, which led to the handling of many imported materials. Later, as the factory expanded, it began full-fledged operation as a prêt-a-porter sewing factory, and at the same time, its accumulated technical skills have been praised, and it is still producing front-line clothing for various brands.
Why did Seed specialize in prêt-a-porter?
Seed's gradual shift from children's wear to women's wear was largely due to the period of rapid economic growth at the time. He says that department stores gradually began to penetrate into people's lives as a distribution channel for goods, and the demand for women's wear increased, which naturally led to the company receiving many orders.
Another reason why the factory became a prêt-à-porter factory, which is now the mainstay of the company, is that many apparel makers and brands were starting up at that time, and as a result of deliberation on how to differentiate themselves from others, each brand was asked to sew products that incorporated high fashion and were different from ordinary ready-to-wear clothing. The company was asked to sew high-fashion products that differed from ordinary ready-to-wear garments. The company's specialization in sewing prêt-a-porter garments, which require advanced sewing techniques, is said to be an added value that other sewing factories do not have.
It can be said that the flexible adaptability gained through continued growth by accurately grasping the changes of the times and the sewing techniques accumulated through years of challenges in new fields have made Seed what it is today.
”Seed Quality" is created by bringing out the best in professionals.
Seed's high technical capabilities are woven together from highly skilled human resources. Seed has an attitude, technique, and culture in which every craftsman and staff member puts meticulous care into manufacturing when creating a single item. Therefore, to create an environment that nurtures technically skilled professionals, we focus on technical skills training that maximizes individuality and ability.
Seed's factories are organized by subdividing processes and operations. By establishing departments such as the Atelier Room, Pattern Room, Cutting Department, Sewing Department, and Shipping Management Department, we are able to improve the skills and techniques of personnel in each department and pursue perfection in each and every item.
Seed has worked on a lot of sewing for various luxury brands, including Christian Dior. Among them, we were able to hear a memorable episode from the representative Mr. Masahiro Shiki. When Shiki had just joined SEED, he was surprised to find out that the pattern makers of Christian Dior at the time were using normal outer fabric instead of sheeting fabric for samples when assembling basting samples. That's what I was talking about.
Shiki says that he felt first-hand the attitude of aiming for a highly complete pattern even at a high cost and the secret of "manufacturing".
Because we have seen the commitment and passion for manufacturing in so many ways, we put our thoughts into each piece that Seed creates.
New ideas and initiatives that break out of old habits and think outside the box
Mr. Shiki said he expects that Japan, with its world-class manufacturing capabilities, will be able to revitalize its domestic industry by focusing more on self-production. He believes that the apparel industry is in need of a new business model, breaking old habits and approaches.
In the future, he would like to train manufacturing professionals by first conveying the fun of manufacturing to young people and students who are interested in fashion and clothing through sewing workshops.
future efforts
Seed believes that it is important to expand our vision to new ideas and initiatives that are not bound by industry boundaries, and to constantly pursue better manufacturing that can only be done by Seed. Seed will continue to create products that will delight the people who hold them in their hands.