Courtesy of ADEAM

Kicking off ADEAM’s 10th birthday with a bang, founder, CEO, and creative director Hanako Maeda designed a new sustainable capsule collection in honor of the anniversary, and brought in a special collaborator to help — supermodel Carolyn Murphy. To memorably mark the milestone, ADEAM will also unveil a new pop-up shop on Madison Avenue, opening to the public on June 15 and running through the end of July. 

We asked Murphy exactly how the pairing came about and it all started when she viewed another ADEAM collection. “It was actually the collaboration with Naomi Osaka which first caught my attention,” Murphy told GRAZIA USA, referencing the tennis star’s 10-piece line for the Fall/Winter 2020 runway presentation. “And then, Hanako and I had a conversation in which we bonded over our shared love for the minimal ‘90s aesthetic and our love for Tokyo, the art, the nature .. so many fond memories.” 

Rooted in an “East meets West” perspective, Maeda’s childhood spent between Tokyo and New York has informed the ADEAM aesthetic over the last decade. Murphy also has special ties to Tokyo having spent time there in the early days of her modeling career. 

“I used to love going to the parks on my days off, sitting in Shinjuku Gyoen and Yo Yogi Park, seeing all of the amazing outfits was like a time warp of every era,” Murphy says. “I love the juxtaposition of the metropolis and secret serenity spots in Tokyo, as well as the temples, gardens and art.”

Bonding over their shared admiration for Japanese culture, Murphy and Maeda began to form the collection by fusing ‘90s minimalism, Japanese techniques, as well as sustainable efforts.

Courtesy of ADEAM

“I had always been a fan of Carolyn, and in awe of how she balances her iconic modeling career with her sustainable lifestyle,” the designer said. “I wanted to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of ADEAM with a special collaboration, so we approached Carolyn. After our initial meeting, I also learnt that Carolyn spent a lot of time in Japan, and enjoys Japanese culture, so it was truly a match made in heaven.” 

Meeting virtually over Zoom calls while Maeda was in Tokyo and Murphy was based in California, the designer and the model exchanged moodboards, sketches, and snapshots of vintage pieces from Murphy’s extensive wardrobe. “It was such an eye-opening experience to see the pieces in her wardrobe that stood the test of time, and she kept through the various shoots and fashion weeks,” says Maeda. “Carolyn has worked with so many different designers and experienced different trends, so she has a very refined eye for pieces that are timeless. Inspired by her wardrobe, we decided that the collaboration should be timeless and feature pieces you can return to again and again.”

Courtesy of ADEAM

Murphy adds, “We developed the coziest knitwear and some amazing chambray denim pieces, including great high-waisted pants, tailored shorts and a trench dress. A lot of the silhouettes were developed from key pieces I had in my closet and had kept over the years and always revisit.” 

Upholding the values of Japan’s reverence for nature, the fashionable pair decided to strictly utilize sustainable textiles and yarns, from the organic cotton denim of the Yama Jacket, to recycled cotton cashmere, and silky eco-jersey. Taking cues from Murphy’s closet, the Kyoto dress designed in biomass cotton linen was inspired by one of the model’s vintage trench coats.

Courtesy of ADEAM

Sustainability is of huge importance for both of us so we wanted the pieces to stand the test of time,” Murphy explains. “Almost like a capsule of the most essential items. The focus on sustainability in the collection includes recycled sheer cupro, biomass cotton linen, organic cotton denim, eco-jersey, recycled cotton cashmere as well as eco tex-rayon which uses a process to reduce carbon dioxide and water pollution by half.”

Since ADEAM’s 2012 launch, the label’s authentic Japanese roots have played a pivotal role in not only its brand DNA, but also its progressive vision towards genuine sustainability. “I’ve believed in supporting local factories owned by families, where the craftsmanship has been handed down through generations,” says Maeda, noting the significance of protecting “the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.” 

The anniversary collaboration will have a special spot in ADEAM’s new pop-up shop. The expansive five-story building at 770 Madison Avenue has been pristinely curated to sartorially tell the story of ADEAM. With fresh flowers by Popupflorist, and coffee and sweet treats courtesy of Lady M, the first floor will be home to the brand’s collaboration with Murphy, while the second will house it’s Pre-Fall 2022 collection, inspired by the designer’s trip to the South of France. Including an exhibition from photographer Sophie Elgort, Maeda has “unique plans for each week we are open,” she says.

“I am so excited to have our first space in New York City. This is such a special moment for ADEAM. As well as marking our milestone 10-year anniversary, it means so much to me to have the collections shown in our own space and being able to welcome others into the world of ADEAM. The energy in New York City feels so exciting at the moment — we can’t wait to show our next collection in September during New York Fashion Week.”