Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009

Knitwear maestro Tomoji Matsui has been responsible for some of MoMA Design Store’s most popular products. His Gunma-based company, Matsui Knitting Crafts, uses old-school Raschel machines that work slowly and at low tensions, making them ideal for the softly-softly art of rib knitting. Trust us when we say that these scarves have that elusive “mmmm” factor, guaranteed to get your nearest and dearest making every conceivable excuse to huddle just a little bit closer as the days grow colder. And we can’t complain about that.

Neutral Shima Scarf, ¥6,500. Available from MoMA Design Store: 3F Gyre, 5-10-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-5468-5801. Open daily 11am-8pm (closed on Gyre hols). Nearest stn: Meiji-Jingumae, exit 4. www.momastore.jp