“Kyoto’s rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite craftsmanship have always captivated my imagination,” says designer Jiun Ho, whose latest collection is named for the Japanese city he first visited at the age of nine. Here we find out how the designer, who launched his eponymous furnishings firm 23 years ago, translated the landscape, art, and spiritual traditions—even the cuisine—of the former capital city into a fascinating line of indoor and outdoor textiles.
What compelled you to create a collection that honors this special city?
Kyoto holds a special place in my heart. Japan feels like an expedition to an alternate universe, but in Kyoto, which has blossomed into the nation’s cultural nucleus, it comes together in a heightened sense. It fosters tranquil coexistence, a reflection of its embrace of Zen Buddhism. Strolling down narrow alleyways, geisha and maiko add to the allure—their kimonos, adorned with captivating patterns, colors, and textures, reflect such artistry. That same enchantment extends to Kytoto’s renowned temples, especially Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama Jisho-ji.
You’ve designed other place-driven collections, like Kalahari, inspired by your time in Africa. Why is a global outlook important to your work?
Travel is a transformative force that imparts a unique seasoning to my creative endeavors. It’s when I have ventured beyond familiar boundaries that my work has evolved the most. The more I embark on journeys and accumulate my personal and meaningful treasure trove of experiences, the more I am reinvigorated as a designer, and my design sensibilities flourish. 
