"Gown Dress" for APEC First Ladies

Leaders of APEC, gathered in Yokohama to articulate the visions of Asia-Pacific region in the 21st Century, this November. "Gown dress" designed by Hiroko Koshino for spouses of the leaders from APEC's 21 countries/regions were revealed on the 14th, in Sankei-en Japanese garden, Yokohama during the spouse program.

Original gown for this special event, utilized a woven silk and synthetic fiber made from plant starch, derived bioplastic fabric developed by Teijin Fibers . This new material were woven and dyed in five different colors, provided with Japanese "Bokashi" (gradation), with traditional Japanese techniques in Kyoto. Hiroko Koshino drew different patterns by hand for each 21 dresses, and delicate eco-friendly fabric gown dress were praised by the first ladies who attended the program.