Meeting Keiko
At the New York show a few weeks ago, I met Mrs. Keiko Iida, a Japanese fabric designer, who drawn up beautiful patterns for bags, hair pieces, tassels and home accessories. Her bold colored designs in traditional patterns make everything looked cheerfully luxurious ~ Japanese style.
Our store already carries a small line of her product from the San Francisco show early this year. At that time, I imagined the designer been a very high styled lady with an “artist look”, like some of the fashion designers seen on TV. In person, Mrs. Iida is a very sweet mom-like lady who dressed plain except a couple small accessories that she designed. She very kindly greeted me, introduced herself simply as Keiko with the Japanese politeness and accent. Although she spoke little English, I felt her warmth in personality and saw the bright colors of her design in her expressions.
Maybe because I have spent some time in Japan, I liked Keiko’s product at first sight. Now I’ve met her in person, I love her designs even more, especially the new line of chrysanthemum place-mats and runners in orange, purple, or green. I can just see them on a dark table with crisp white dishes. It is picture perfect for any holiday or special meal.
Some people think her hair pieces in bold colors are too hard to match clothing. The truth is, I have been using the hair clips and barrettes for more than half a year, and they seem to match most of my outfit because there are many colors working together.
I wished I snapped a picture with her at the show, but I didn’t have my camera. I did, however, ask for her autograph and she signed in both Japanese Kanji and English. From now on, I will think of pleasant Keiko San when I see her pieces in my dresser drawer or on our store shelves.
