Laura Luchtman’s Journey in the MONO Makers Program
Meet Laura Luchtman! Laura is the founder and designer behind Kukka Textile & Surface Design. Teaming up with Tsuyoshi Kato of Kiten.kyoto, the duo was awarded the Special Jury Prize in the 2024 MONO MAKERS PROGRAM.
Laura started her career in fashion but soon found her true passion in textile design. She founded Kukka, a studio dedicated to innovative textiles. With a deep appreciation for Japan’s traditional crafts, she joined the MONO Makers Program to push creative boundaries.
“I’ve always been fascinated by Japan’s textile heritage. The MONO Makers Program was the perfect opportunity to connect with artisans and bring unique ideas to life.”
Bridging Borders Through Design
With a background in fashion and a deep-rooted passion for textile design, Laura has long been inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. The MONO Makers Program offered her the opportunity to explore this passion more deeply through hands-on collaboration with a traditional Japanese maker.
Working with Kato-san, she explored new approaches to textile dyeing—fusing Japanese artisanal techniques with a fresh European aesthetic. Mood boards, online meetings, and the support of a translator helped bridge the distance, but it was seeing the first fabric samples in person that truly brought the project to life.
“Textiles are highly tactile,” Laura explained. “Being able to touch and see the work firsthand
was a major milestone in our collaboration.”
Cross-Cultural Creativity in Action
Collaborating across cultures comes with challenges—but also incredible rewards. Differences in communication styles and design sensibilities pushed both Laura and Kato-san to adapt. While Dutch design culture tends to be bold and direct, Japanese communication is often more nuanced and layered. Finding a shared language—both creatively and literally—took patience, openness, and mutual respect.
Inspired by her travels in Japan, Laura proposed a color palette that reflected her personal impressions rather than traditional hues. At first, they were unsure how such choices would be received by a Japanese audience. Through open dialogue and experimentation, they created a collection that blended subtle Japanese elegance with bold Dutch vibrancy.
One of their standout creations features a stunning transition of color, showcasing the one-of-a-kind beauty of traditional Japanese hand-dyeing techniques. The piece reflects the designers’ shared vision of the changing sky and shifting light throughout the day—a poetic blend of two cultural perspectives.
“Working across cultures means embracing differences. It’s about finding harmony in perspectives and letting creativity guide the way.”
Looking Ahead: Advice & Opportunities
Laura’s MONO Makers journey resulted in not only a finished collection, but also meaningful professional relationships and exciting new prospects. After the program, she keeping forward in her cross-cultural creative adventure.
“This program opened doors to real collaboration and product development. It wasn’t just an experiment—it led to a tangible collection and new opportunities.”
Thinking of applying to the MONO Makers Program? Laura’s advice to future applicants:
- Be open to different working styles and creative perspectives
- Communication is key—don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your thoughts
- Even if you’re not ready to apply, join the MONO MAKERS MEET platform and start connecting
Could This Be Your Creative Breakthrough? The 2025 Open Call is now live!
Noted that applications must be submitted jointly by a designer based in the Netherlands and a maker based in Japan.
Read the full application details
Application period: 7 April – 23 May 2025
Selected pair announced: 5 June 2025
Have questions? Reach out to us at info@monojapan.nl.
