Tai's Kuro Pattern — A Personal Tribute to Where We’ve Been

At Tai Swim, our prints are always personal. They’re rooted in the places we come from, the people we meet, and the quiet moments that stay with us long after we leave. Kuro—Japanese for “black”—is a collection that marks a full-circle moment for me. As I step into my 30s, I wanted to create something that reflects the journeys of my 20s: the travels, the homes away from home, and the memories packed in every return flight.

Growing up in Hawai‘i, Japanese culture was always around me. From food to art to the deep plantation roots that still influence life here today, it’s woven into our everyday experience. Years ago, I had the chance to do a homestay program in Japan—an experience that shaped so much of who I am now. This collection is like the omiyage (souvenir) I brought back from that time, not just in the physical sense, but in the emotional one too. 

The print itself is inspired by traditional mokuhanga—a Japanese woodblock printing style where images are carved out and stamped by hand. That hand-done, slightly imperfect texture really spoke to me, especially now, as I reflect on how far I’ve come. Kuro isn’t just a color. It’s a tone, a mood, and a marker of depth. It’s bold, graphic, and grounded—like the feeling of coming home after being away for a while.

From strong sporty sets to clean-cut minimal pieces, each style in the Kuro collection carries a sense of intention. This one’s for the women who know that where you’ve been matters just as much as where you’re going. The Jade Top and Mariah Bottom are perfect staple pieces for your closet while the Joelle Top and Rhia Bottom offer a fun flirty skimpy look with lace piping details and ultimate minimalism.

See our official Instagram Announcement Post for this drop, available now.

With gratitude, always—
Tai Swim