Selvedge Magazine. Sakura Collection

Ikko Tanaka’s Enduring Influence on Textile Design

In Selvedge Magazine, designer Lauren Barfoot reflects on the visionary work of Japanese graphic designer Ikko Tanaka (1930–2002), whose crisp, abstract imagery and masterful use of colour continue to inspire creatives worldwide. Tanaka’s fusion of modernist principles with the Japanese ukiyo-e tradition created a timeless aesthetic that bridged East and West—most notably through his geometric interpretations of geishas, flowers, and landscapes.

Barfoot draws parallels between Tanaka’s legacy and her own design practice at Holland Street, where she transforms floral motifs into bold, abstract silk prints for robes and kimonos. Her IKKO Collection pays homage to Tanaka’s style, blending British craftsmanship with Japanese visual heritage. From paper-cut roses to digitally printed peonies, Barfoot’s work channels Tanaka’s clarity, confidence, and elegance—proving that simplicity, when refined, is anything but ordinary.

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