The Armor (Tatami Gusoku)
Lacquaered iron, mail, silk, gilt copper
Edo period 17-18th century

The suit literally translates to “folding.” Tatami means folding. The reason why it’s named that is because it could be contained into a small box and easily transported by one person, unlike the European armour.  Usually, it was made for lower ranking officials but this one, in particular, was probably used by a samurai. This is because it is made out of gold and silk.

I liked this piece in particular because it was more compact than the others, I didn’t really enjoy how the other armours were so elaborate that it didn’t look functional.

The structure of this is made of square sheets of metal, I want to use labels to replicate that. I want to make a coat that is made with labels as it’s textile, and it will also be invertible. So that on one side it looks like a normal jacket but when inside out it is made with labels and all recycled materals.