The 26SS Summer Capsule Collection, "UNA PAUSA," takes its name from the Italian phrase for a “break” or “pause.”
This collection was created around the theme of taking a moment in daily life to refresh one's feelings.
We asked our Director and Creative Director to share their perspectives on the collection.
PART 1
Director AYA Interview
Q. From what perspective did you assemble the lineup for this collection?
When I received the "UNA PAUSA" concept and mood board from our Creative Director, the keyword "breathing room to keep from being consumed by daily life" left a deep impression on me.
This lineup is structured around these core elements:
• Comfortable, relaxed fit that doesn’t restrict the body
• Textures that serve as a trigger to reclaim your senses even in a busy daily life
• Simple designs that provide a sense of composure through the quality of materials and tailoring
• Items crafted with a "take a breath" image in mind, yet which do not look "sloppy"
• Providing a refined look without trying too hard
When you are busy every day, you end up putting yourself last and focusing only on checking off the to-do list in front of you. I personally have moments where I realize I am repeating the same thing every day.
In the midst of that, I wanted to create items that are "comfortable and relaxed to wear" and that you can look back on, sensing the quality and thinking, "I bought this for myself for working so hard."
When you buy clothes out of habit, you don’t really remember the moment you bought them. I wanted these pieces to have the kind of quality that, when you take a breather and look at yourself in them, gives you the courage to think, "Alright, one more push!"
The gilets, blouses, and stoles in this collection are made to feel high-quality in their material and tailoring while maintaining a sense of relaxation. While it is a collection for "taking a break," I would be happy if it also serves as a little bit of energy to help you face forward again.
Q. You have released scarves and stoles in various sizes before; could you tell us the reason for choosing an oversized design this time and the points you focused on?
The main reason I chose an oversized design this time was to cater to that specific summer feeling of "wanting to spend the day lightly but wanting to cover up a little bit of skin."
It’s hot, but I don’t really want to expose my upper arms. But wearing a cardigan can look too heavy.
In those moments, I wanted to create something that would naturally complete your styling just by wrapping it.
I was also very particular about the rectangular proportions. It doesn't slip off easily when tied, and stays stable whether you drape it over your shoulders or wrap it, so even though it's a stole, it feels like a part of your outfit.
For example:
"I want to take a short break at a café."
"I want to take a walk around the neighborhood."
Even in those casual moments,
just by throwing it on with what you’re already wearing,
it looks "relaxed yet properly put together."
I valued that balance.
I think there are so many moments in our busy daily lives where, before we know it, we end up choosing our clothes haphazardly.
In a world where wellness is valued as "time to take care of yourself," wearing clothes that make you feel polished is just as important to me as any other wellness practice.
Touching pleasant materials,
looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, "I look bright and good today"—the accumulation of these things.
Those small sensations are what lead to taking care of yourself.
Conversely, I feel that if you continue to wear clothes that don't feel right out of habit, it can actually tire you out more than you think. Your senses dull, and you start to feel like you’re slipping backward.
That is precisely why I chose bright color palettes this time that lift your mood the moment you wrap them on.
Q. Was there anything you consistently prioritized in the production of the entire collection?
It’s consistent every season, but what I value most is the texture of the materials.
Especially in summer, I believe it is a season where you cannot hide the quality of the material.
Because it’s hot, you want to choose easy things, and you often prioritize how easy they are to wash and wear.
But I don’t really like the feeling of repeating that process until, before you know it, your closet is filled with nothing but "disposable clothes."
Of course, practicality is important. But if you keep choosing only for convenience, I feel like your own senses begin to dull.
So this time, while keeping the premise of being comfortable to wear, I chose pieces that make you think "This is good" the moment you see or touch the material.
For summer clothes, I want to pursue a balance between clothing meant to be worn out and pieces you want to keep for a long time.
I turned the unease I’ve felt over the past few years into words to create this collection.
Q. Within this collection, could you recommend any particular combinations or stylings?
I personally highly recommend wearing the Marina gilet over the black silk-cotton sleeveless dress.
For some reason, I’ve been feeling like matching patterns with black this summer.
(I think these "vague feelings of attraction" are actually very important, so I live my days keeping them in mind.)
I also like the styling of the Aperitivo linen blouse in white with relaxed pants that have a nice drape.
I crafted this blouse by focusing on the natural luster and drape unique to rayon-linen material. Therefore, if you pair it with bottoms that also have a clean, falling silhouette, it retains the lightness characteristic of linen while achieving an elegant atmosphere.
"Rough but refined."
This is something I personally keep in mind as I want to continue enjoying fashion freely as I get older.
I want to enjoy that kind of summer balance.
Q. Lastly, do you have a message for those who will pick up the 26SS capsule collection "UNA PAUSA"?
When I look at our Creative Director, she often wears shirts without a single wrinkle even in summer, or clothes made of wonderful materials.
Watching her, I’ve started to think that putting time and effort into summer clothes might actually lead to keeping both mind and body in a good state, even if it seems busy or troublesome at first.
I am one of those people who can't stand the Japanese heat, and for the past year and the year before that, I was only thinking about how to be as comfortable as possible...
This year, thinking that "form follows function," I bought a nice steamer.
Use these items—relaxed pieces that still carry an air of refinement—to give yourself some breathing room.
I hope your summer is spent with a good balance of times when you want to relax and times when you want to feel composed....☀️
PART 2
CreativeDirector Cocco Interview
Q. Please tell us why you chose "UNA PAUSA" as the theme.
【UNA PAUSA】 is an Italian term for a "break" or "small pause."
However, what I wanted to express this time wasn't just resting or doing nothing, but something closer, like taking "a single breath."
In our daily lives, we live while responding to so many things—work, family, social roles, and our consideration for others. As we do so, I think there are moments when, before we realize it, the things we have to do or what is expected of us take precedence over our own feelings.
To stop that flow just for a moment. To bring back into our own hands what we are drawn to, what we find beautiful, and what we feel is comfortable.
【UNA PAUSA】 is not about escaping from daily life, but about having a small space to keep from being consumed by it.
Even if it’s not a special, perfectly curated moment, maybe it’s a café you sat in unexpectedly, an aperitivo enjoyed in the twilight breeze, or the city lights seen through a glass.
I chose this theme because I think there are hints for reclaiming yourself in those casual, everyday moments.
Q. Is there an item in this lineup that you were particularly conscious of regarding "the sense of distance from daily life"?
I think the gilet is a very symbolic item this time.
It’s not as stiff as a jacket, but not as deeply "everyday" as a cardigan.
That slightly ambiguous distance in between felt right for my mood right now.
Just layering it over your usual dress or shirt adds a little contour to your outfit.
Yet, it never drifts into something completely extraordinary.
It is an existence that is an extension of daily life, yet one that takes just your mood to a slightly different place.
The same goes for the stole; I thought of it not just as a practical item, but as something that changes the air around you when worn.
Wrap it around your neck, drape it over your shoulders, tuck it into your bag.
Through those small gestures, I hope these become items that allow you to touch upon your own senses again, which may have drifted a bit far in the business of life.
Q. What image did you have in mind when creating the patterns for the stoles and gilets to express the world of "UNA PAUSA"?
I created these patterns not to represent the travel destination itself, but to capture the moment when your senses open up while you are traveling.
For example, when you are bathed in the sunset on the beach of an unfamiliar city, or when you are tipping a glass at a terrace seat before the night begins. Even when nothing particularly special is happening, you can feel like you’ve become a little freer. I wanted to imbue that lightness and openness into the patterns.
However, rather than swinging toward the extraordinary in an obvious resort-like way, I prioritized ensuring that they blend in naturally when matched with your everyday clothes.
Gorgeous, but not too flashy. Changes your mood, but doesn't leave the wearer behind.
That balance, I believe, is what makes it "UNA PAUSA."
Q. What thoughts and roles did you intend for the original aLORS leather accessories?
I think leather accessories are very personal in a way that is different from clothing.
They are things that make you happy when you pick them up, rather than being for show to others.
The moment you take them out of your bag, the moment you set them on a chair, the moment you suddenly remember you have them with you.
I think those very small moments have the power to change your mood.
For these leather accessories, I included not just practicality, but the feeling of "having something you chose for yourself."
In daily life, efficiency and correctness are often prioritized. That is precisely why I believe there is meaning in having things that have a bit of playfulness, things you find beautiful, or things that feel pleasant to the touch.
That is not luxury so much as it is a small habit to ensure you don't treat your own senses carelessly.
Q. Lastly, do you have a message for those who will pick up the 26SS capsule collection "UNA PAUSA"?
【UNA PAUSA】 is not a collection just for special occasions.
Rather, they are items meant to bring a slightly different air into your usual everyday life.
In the busyness of every day, there are times when what you loved, or what moves your heart, feels a bit distant.
However, I believe choosing clothes or picking up accessories can be a trigger to remember those sensations once again.
You don't need to change your life in a grand way—just pause for a moment. Dress up a little. Spend a little time for yourself.
I hope that small pause becomes a strength that allows you to start tomorrow with your own senses once again.
