Discover the Timeless Art of Japanese Indigo Dyeing Aizome Workshop 2025 | April 12 & 13 at EL Canek Kurashiki Step into the rich world of Japanese indigo dyeing, or Aizome—a centuries-old tradition that originated from China and flourished during Japan’s Edo period as the “color of the people.” Known for its deep blue hue and natural antibacterial properties, indigo dyeing was historically used to prevent skin conditions and protect against poisonous insects. At our upcoming Aizome Workshop, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how we craft our SH-01 linen shirt in collaboration with TKD Works, a linen fabric maker from Shizuoka. Designed by EL Canek founder Masayuki Kanatani, the shirt features unique elements such as an asymmetrical front button closure and hidden buttonholes on the sleeves. Each piece is carefully hand-dyed by skilled artisans, making every shirt one-of-a-kind. The Indigo Dyeing Process Indigo dyeing uses the power of nature. The indigo plant leaves, when exposed to air or water, transform into a vibrant blue dye called indigo. The process of dyeing allows for creative expression—the more times you dye the fabric, the deeper the color, and the more variation in pattern you can achieve. For fresh leaf dyeing, known as 生葉染め (Namaha-zome), the leaves are blended with 10–20 times their volume in water, then strained to create a dye bath. Fabrics are gently soaked and aerated to trigger oxidation—the magical moment when the dye turns from green to deep blue. It’s essential to oxidize the fabric after dyeing, as indigo turns blue only when it reacts with air. We’ll also explore the traditional fermentation-based method called “Hondate” or “Hell Date” (本建て／地獄建て), where indigo is reduced into a water-soluble state using fermented Sukumo (composted indigo leaves). This ancient process uses enzymes and time to unlock the full power of indigo—a truly time-honored technique passed down through generations. Join Us for the Experience On April 12 (Sat) & 13 (Sun), we’ll be hosting a special indigo dyeing event at our EL Canek Kurashiki store. We’re honored to welcome natural dye artist Ms. Asayama, who will lead the workshop using both fresh-leaf and traditional fermentation techniques. We’ll provide items like T-shirts, handkerchiefs, and stoles to dye, but you’re also welcome to bring your own pieces (shirts, sneakers, scarves, etc.) to transform with your personal touch. Come feel the joy of hand-dyeing and immerse yourself in a piece of Japanese culture 🫶 Reserve Your Spot Now   🔗https://elcanekjeanslab.com/products/linen-sh-01?variant=40083523633223 📩Or DM us on instagram @elcanekjeanslab   藍の生葉染めの方法   伝統的な染色技術として日本でも古くから親しまれてきた藍染。 古来、中国から伝わり、江戸時代には庶民の色として親しまれました。殺菌作用が強く、染めた衣服で皮膚病や毒虫を防ぎました。 藍の持つ成分は、空気や水に触れることでインディゴ（青く染まる成分）に変化します 染める回数によって色の濃さを変えたり、模様をつけたり。工夫次第でオリジナリティを出すこともできます。 藍の生葉（葉のみ）に10〜20倍の水を加えてミキサーにかける。葉が多ければ、何回かに分けて繰り返す。ゴム手袋をして、漉し布で葉を漉し、染液をつくる。 染液に布を浸して、布全体に染み渡るように布をくゆらす。15分間浸す間に布を広げ、空中でなびかせ酸化させる。 ※ 藍の成分は空気に触れると酸化して青く発色します。発色した後では生地に色がつかないので、発色する前に、生地に染液を染み込ませるようにして下さい。 エルカネックリネンシャツ-藍染。TKD Works様とコラボさせていただいた人気商品。追加料金で職人の手により藍染もさせていただきます。リネン100%で通気性も手触りも良く、初夏のこの季節におすすめの商品です。🍃真夏が始まる今の時期に大活躍間違い無し。ぜひ一枚いかがですか？お店にお立寄りの際はお気軽にご試着くださいませ。   NEWS   4月12日(土)、13日(日)の2日間、EL Canek倉敷店にて草木染め作家の浅山様にお越しいただき藍染めのワークショップを行います。Tシャツ、ハンカチ、ストールをご用意しておりますのでお気軽に遊びにいらしてください！何か染めたい物(シャツ、ハンカチ等)などがあれば持ち込んでいただいても大丈夫です。是非手染めの楽しさを体感してください🫶  

Announcing EL Canek’s "Made-to-Order" system We are pleased to introduce our new pre-order system from AW 2024 at EL Canek. This initiative marks a significant advancement in our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability, and responsible consumption.The Rationale Behind Pre-OrderAt EL Canek, our guiding principle is clear: "Handmake and deliver only what is needed, to those who need it." By adopting a fully made-to-order model, we ensure that each piece in our collection is tailored specifically for you. This approach not only minimizes waste but also supports the preservation and continuation of artisanal craftsmanship. What You Can Expect Customization and Craftsmanship: Our made-to-order system allows for customization, enabling you to own a truly unique piece. Whether it involves a subtle design adjustment or a special request, each item is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards.Sustainable Practices: Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of our operations. By producing only what is necessary, we minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Each piece is created with a focus on quality, durability, and responsible production. Pre-Order Process Overview Delivery Timeline: Upon placing your order, you can expect to receive your item within approximately 4-10 weeks. We prioritize ensuring that each piece meets our rigorous quality standards, which may require additional time for completion.Order Changes: To maintain the integrity of our production process, we are unable to accept changes to a preorder after 48 hours. We encourage you to carefully review our sizing charts prior to placing your order to avoid any discrepancies.Delivery Information:- Delivery dates may vary depending on the item, and while we strive for accuracy, the estimated delivery date may be subject to slight adjustments.- For orders containing multiple items, delivery will be based on the latest item to be completed. We are unable to accommodate requests for individual deliveries within the same order number.- Additionally, we cannot accommodate specific delivery date and time requests for pre-ordered items.A New Chapter in Responsible Fashion Our pre-order system represents a commitment to fostering a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. By choosing EL Canek, you are not merely purchasing a product but investing in a piece that reflects exceptional craftsmanship and mindful production.We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to delivering pieces that you will value for years to come.For further inquiries regarding the pre-order process, please do not hesitate to contact us. info@elcanek.jp

Music and Productivity: Routine in our Jeans Making At EL Canek, our love for music goes hand in hand with our passion for handcrafting jeans. Our president, Mr. Canek, is a true music aficionado, indulging in genres ranging from jazz, R&B, vintage J-pop, to vintage soul music. According to Mr. Canek, listening to good music while working allows him to focus more and be more productive. In fact, we even have record music playing in our store to set the perfect ambiance.   The relationship between music and productivity is a fascinating one. Many studies have shown that listening to music can enhance concentration, improve mood, and boost creativity[^1][^2]. It serves as a powerful tool to create an immersive and inspiring work environment. For our team of skilled artisans, music has become an integral part of our jeans-making routine.   As we meticulously handcraft each pair of jeans, the rhythmic melodies and soulful harmonies guide our hands, infusing our work with passion and artistry. The soothing tunes create a sense of flow, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the creative process. Whether it's the smooth jazz melodies or the vibrant energy of vintage J-pop, the music fuels our imagination and enhances our craftsmanship. We believe that music not only enhances our productivity but also adds a touch of magic to the jeans we create. Just as every song tells a story, every pair of EL Canek jeans carries the essence of the music that accompanied its making. It becomes a harmonious blend of art forms, where the melodies in the air intertwine with the fabric in our hands.   Now, we invite you to be a part of this harmonious journey. We would love to hear your music recommendations for making jeans. Share with us the songs and artists that inspire you, that ignite your creativity, and that make your hands dance as you work on your own projects. Let's create a playlist that celebrates the union of music and craftsmanship.   At EL Canek, we believe that music has the power to elevate our work and enrich our lives. So, let the melodies fill the air as we continue to handcraft our jeans with love, dedication, and the perfect soundtrack.   Stay tuned for more enchanting updates from our brand. Follow us on social media to stay connected with our captivating world of Japanese handmade denim. Happy listening and happy jeans making!   Reference: [^1]:“Don’t Stop the Music,” Please: The Relationship between Music Use at Work, Satisfaction, and Performance Domenico Sanseverino, Andrea Caputo,* Claudio Giovanni Cortese, and Chiara Ghislieri Scott D. Lane, Academic Editor : [ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9855069/ ] [^2]: :The effect of music on creative cognition By Lama Issa [https://www.cornerstonelondon.com/2020/11/01/the-effect-of-music-on-creative-cognition/#:~:text=Ritter ]