Black Crane

Black Crane is an American minimalist label for women, founded in Los Angeles in 2009 by Alexander Yamaguchi and Momoko Suzuki. The husband-and-wife duo both moved to Los Angeles from Tokyo and launched the line in fall 2009. Yamaguchi, a former graphic designer, previously ran a men's line under his own name, while Suzuki, the brand's designer, has a background in environmental art and architecture. Black Crane believes clothes are essential tools for living, and it designs comfortable, functional wardrobe essentials with inclusive silhouettes that complement supple lines. The range includes tops, pants, dresses, ponchos and scarves in natural fibres such as organic cotton cashmere, alpaca and wool. Pieces include its Wide Pants and Army Pants, organic cotton cashmere leggings and sweatpants, draped and raglan tops, the Organic Cotton Twisted Dress and the Alpaca Short Poncho. Black Crane has made its collections in Los Angeles since it began, working closely with a long-term local manufacturing partner. It uses renewable, biodegradable natural fibres and low-impact dyes, and it limits waste with two seasons a year and cut-to-order production. Black Crane is independent and run by its founders, with Yamaguchi as director and Suzuki as designer.