ÉCLAT LETTER N°3

No. 3 | A plum blossom on a tiny button. - The inspiration behind our 100% cotton frill blouse -

2026.09.28

INTRODUCTION

Often, it’s the color or the silhouette that first draws us to a piece of clothing.

Yet, there are small charms that only reveal themselves when you look a little closer.

Our "Roman Blouse," crafted from 100% cotton and adorned with three-dimensional ruffles, features delicate natural shell buttons shaped like plum blossoms.

These tiny buttons are carved not just with the outline of the petals, but also with an intricate center that echoes the heart of the flower.

In this piece, we share the story of how we discovered this flower, and the thoughts we poured into this garment.

CHAPTER 01

I found a flower that heralds spring.

When I was looking for buttons for the Roman blouse, I had a motif in mind that would evoke the feeling of spring.

Something with a floral pattern, or perhaps shaped like a flower itself. That is when I came across these plum blossom buttons.

To me, the plum blossom is the flower that blooms just a step ahead of the cherry blossoms, signaling the transition from winter to spring.

That is why I remember being so delighted when I found these buttons.

If you look closely, there is a carving in the center, much like the pistil of a flower.

The way these tiny buttons capture the very essence of a flower—that meticulous detail is one of the reasons I was drawn to them at first sight.

An image of plum blossoms blooming against a pale rose background (AI generated)

Choosing natural shell buttons from the start.

For the Roman blouse, I wanted to use shell buttons from the very beginning.

Natural shells each have a subtle variation in color. The backs of the buttons also feature unique patterns; even if they are the same shape, you can see the differences when you compare them side by side.

Beyond the luster visible from the front, the back—usually hidden—has its own unique character. I find the charm of natural materials in details like these.

Born from nature, their luster and texture add a touch of elegance to the Roman blouse. That is why I chose them.

Trochus shell for Off-White and Orange, black-lipped oyster shell for Black.

For the Roman blouse, we use two types of shell buttons to match the color of the garment.

We use Trochus shell for the Off-White and Orange versions, and black-lipped oyster shell for the Black.

Even though they share the same plum blossom shape, each material gives them a different character.

After you take in the color of the whole blouse, I invite you to take a moment to look at the buttons. The luster of the shells against the fabric is one of the joys of this piece.

100% cotton fabric and floral-shaped frills.

The Roman blouse is made from 100% cotton fabric with a finely textured surface.

Using this fabric, I created three-dimensional frills inspired by eustoma flowers. The overlapping of the frills, which differs from left to right, gives the piece its unique character.

The Roman blouse in Off-White, featuring 100% cotton fabric and 3D frills

The floral frills catch your eye from a distance, while the tiny plum blossoms are something you only notice up close.

Within the same blouse, there are two different floral forms.

Whether you are looking at the overall silhouette or observing the details close at hand, what catches your eye changes simply by shifting your distance.

I hope you enjoy the elegance of the frills, as well as the texture of the fabric and the luster of the buttons.

Model wearing the Roman blouse in Orange with a black skirt, sitting by a window

Just a small moment, when you fasten them.

You might not often find yourself staring intently at the buttons on your blouse.

You fasten them when you put the garment on, and undo them when you take it off. They are small parts that we go about our day without giving much thought to.

However, for me, those brief moments are something I want to cherish.

On a day you wear your Roman blouse, you might suddenly catch a glimpse of your hand and notice the cute plum shape.

If that little flower brings a moment of happiness, or becomes a catalyst for a pleasant day, that would be wonderful.

I poured that sentiment into these buttons.

Finding things you love, even in the smallest details.

Discovering something else you love within a favorite piece of clothing.

It may not be a grand change, but I think it becomes a small joy for the next time you slip it on.

If you have the chance to hold the Roman blouse, please take a moment to look at the carvings in the center of the flowers and the variations in the shell colors.

I hope that the delight I felt when I first encountered these buttons reaches your daily life, even if just a little.

With love,
Atelier éclat