What is AineRy?
AineRy is a denim brand from Okinawa, specializing in denim products that are dyed with the traditional material called Ryukyuai. (the indigo leaves from Okinawa) Using special indigo leaves that are planted in Okinawa, the producers carefully extract indigo color and dye fabrics many times, which makes the color beautiful and intricate. Although natural indigo is less common these days with the emergence of cheap synthetic dye, AineRy has been successful to make Ryukyuai(traditional Okinawan indigo) popular again and bring it to life as a stylish fashion item. They handcraft high-quality rare denim products while discovering the traditional method to dye fabrics, planting the indigo leaves and cultivating the land for the leaves. AineRy is a brand that supports the conservation of the rich nature of Okinawa and its sustainable growth. They deliver denim lovers the darkest blue color, which is made possible by the Okinawan nature.
What is Ryukyuai?
Ryukyuai has been grown in Okinawa for centuries and used as dying material. These indigo leaves were essential to make traditional Okinawan textiles. However, as time passed, natural indigo became rare because its production decreased.
Then, AineRy was launched and they made a lot of effort to develop sustainable growth for the local industries in Okinawa basing on SDGs philosophy. As a result, they have been successful in reviving traditional Okinawan indigo, which was once said impossible to be used for commercial clothing.
Samurai blue comes to life again
Samurai wore dark blue-colored armor that was also known as Kachiiro(Winning color) in the hope of their victory. Shimazu clan, a feudal family from the Satsuma region(Today’s Kagoshima) had the interaction with the Ryukyu Kingdom and it is said that the indigo blue from Ryukyu(Okinawa) was used to dye the fabric of Samurai armor.
The material to dye Samurai armor in the past is now used for denim, still carrying the spirits of Samurai. AineRy, which handcrafts beautiful denim products, cherishes the Ryukyuai and Samurai Museum plays an important role to tell the world about their products.