K ō h ō is a lightweight summer vest inspired by the twists and turns found in modern Japanese fashion. Using a unique one piece construction including knitting both bottom up and top down (indeed, Kōhō is Japanese for “backwards”) this knit will have you thinking about the way you knit garments in a whole new way.

Modern Japanese fashion, such as the designs of Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake or Junya Watanabe push our conceptions of garment construction, and I wanted to explore a new shape in this garment. Additionally, following a visit to the recent Yohji Yamamoto exhibit at the V&A museum I was inspired by his use of back detailing, layering around the shoulder seams and blending fabric textures in creation of this garment.

Bright colours and semi-solid, fingering weight yarn make this a striking yet delicate look perfect for summer.