MOREA x RAVE x ISETAN

From February 6th to 8th, 2026, RAVE ESTATE marked a significant milestone with its inaugural department store exhibition: “MOREA x RAVE ESTATE @ISETAN SHINJUKU.” The three-day event opened with an exclusive, invitation-only preview for Isetan’s premier clientele, followed by two days open to the public, offering a rare look at a collaboration defined by heritage and innovation.

The showcase unveiled a sophisticated lineup: MOREA introduced its new Hiki-haku (flat-woven foil) cushions and botanical-dyed organic cotton towels, while RAVE ESTATE premiered its latest sparkling tea, “Gokase Sakimidori x Yuzu.” The centerpiece, however, was a limited-edition collection of ten collaborative Hiki-haku paulownia boxes—a true synthesis of Japanese craft.

Artistry Across Eras

The story of these boxes begins in Kyotango with Shibata Orimono, a textile house with over 150 years of history. Through their cooperation, the team acquired Kohaku—precious vintage foil dating back over 70 years. These foils were integrated into paulownia boxes crafted by Takamitsu Sasaki of fuukei, an Akita-based furniture maker. The final application of the foil was handled by SAI, MOREA’s collective of elite artisans who specialize in the restoration of National Treasures.

The resulting objects, finished in "Pure Silver" and "Bue Shell" (Aogai), radiate an otherworldly glow. Centered on the theme of "Haku no Entei" ("The delay of foil") — the unique, temporal evolution of vintage foil — the pieces created a space where the past, present, and future coexist in a singular, artistic expression.

Elevating the Brew

The pursuit of refinement extended to the liquid arts. Produced in partnership with Nagamine Seicha in Yaizu, Shizuoka, the new sparkling tea represents a significant evolution of the 2025 recipe. Shifting from a standard GOKASE YUZU GREEN base to the premium "Sakimidori 2025 Spring" — a pesticide-free, hand-picked, pan-fired green tea from Gokase—and paired with Miyazaki yuzu zest, the brew offers a brilliant citrus aroma that harmonizes perfectly with the deep, nutty complexity of the tea.

To further explore the concept of time, RAVE ESTATE Art Director KOVICH produced a bespoke photography book titled "Staring at the Time.” Printed on specialty pearlescent paper, the work juxtaposes abstract photography with Kamakura-period waka poetry, grounding the modern aesthetic in ancient literary tradition.

Looking Forward

The response was immediate: the "Blue Shell" edition sold out during the event, leaving only a few "Pure Silver" pieces remaining. These will soon be available through a special feature page on the RAVE ESTATE online store.

As the team begins conceptualizing their next collaboration, this event serves as a harbinger of a highly creative 2026. With profound gratitude to all the parties and the artisans involved, the Isetan Shinjuku Gofuku (Kimono) department, and the guests who braved the snow to attend, RAVE ESTATE remains committed to the continuous evolution of tea culture.