Shima Seiki’s Kotoba collective knitwear brand, its latest collection is exhibited at a private show at LA Mart from 3-7 November marks the brand’s plans to expand into the Western region of the US.

The knitwear brand uses Wholegarment technology, Wholegarment knitting is a revolutionary and state-of-the-art knitwear system developed by Shima Seiki, of Wakayama, a company that owns 13 subsidiaries based in countries like Korea, Italy, USA, UK, China, and Spain.

Wholegarment offers an alternative to conventional knitting methods in that products developed using this technology are knitted in one whole piece and offer excellent advantages such as softness, lightweight comfort, improved stretch and mobility, and minimal yarn consumption.

A superior alternative to conventional knitting methods, the seam-free construction of WHOLEGARMENT realizes substantial benefits unmatched by any other textile product. It opens up a world of unprecedented opportunities for the knitter, merchandiser, retailer and consumer alike.

Founded by Shima Seiki, the leading computerised flat knitting machine manufacturer, and initiated in New York City, Kotoba brand has become a multicultural project.

By integrating technology and knitwear, Kotoba produces garments in the USA in a sustainable manner and supports domestic manufacturing.

The "ideal knitwear," WHOLEGARMENT products raise the essential attributes of knitwear-softness, lightness and resilience-to an entirely new level of sophistication.