Fashion designer Mari Odaka, known for her expertise in knitting, has marked a decade since launching her own brand. Last year, she rebranded from Malamute to Odakha, aligning the name closely with her surname to enhance global recognition.
Odaka aims to highlight her brand’s Japanese roots, stating, “I want to establish the brand as a representative of Japanese knitwear.”
Her 2024 autumn and winter collection features a pale-yellow sweater adorned with large daffodil patterns and a knitted skirt with a delicate, lace-like mesh fabric. The sweater draws inspiration from David Hockney’s daffodil paintings and Jim Jarmusch’s film “Paterson,” which depicts everyday life with warmth and simplicity.
“During the gloomy seasons of autumn and winter, I wanted to bring bright happiness to people,” Odaka remarked with a smile.
Odaka discovered her passion for knitting while studying at Bunka Fashion Graduate University. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Knitting begins with selecting yarns, allowing you to create textures you love. I found the freedom in this process fascinating.”
Following graduation, she gained experience at a knitting company before founding Malamute in 2014. She explained, “I wanted to design under my own brand.”
Known for her ‘Crazy knit’ creations, Odaka’s innovative designs earned her the Tokyo Fashion Award in 2021 and a spot in a joint exhibition in Paris from September to October 2022.
“European buyers appreciated the uniqueness of my designs,” she recalled.
Despite initial success abroad, the closure of her trusted knitting factories prompted Odaka to emphasize her Japanese heritage. She rebranded to Odakha and added “Made in Japan” labels to her creations, reaffirming her commitment to local craftsmanship.
Even with the name change, Odaka continues to collaborate with around 10 Japanese knitting factories, integrating traditional techniques like tie-dyeing into her work.
“I’m dedicated to offering distinctive Japanese knitting,” she affirmed.
Looking ahead, Odaka’s goal is to host her own fashion show in Paris, showcasing her evolving designs and celebrating Japanese craftsmanship on a global stage.
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