Keiho & Alisa
Family-owned, founder-led, devoted to timeless design.
“Our greatest wish: to craft garments that you cherish and keep for a lifetime.”
THE FOUNDERS
The Heartbeat of SUSUMU AI
Alisa and Keiho Menkhaus were raised with both Japanese and German roots, and in each country, always perceived as foreigners.
They are often asked “Do you feel more German or Japanese?” To answer this, They've spent a long time trying to come up with a truthful answer to what has most shaped their character and personality.
Their answer is
"We are what we create."
We are SUSUMU AI.
ALISA MENKHAUS Creative Director/Designer
KEIHO MENKHAUS Managing Director
since 2018
SUSUMU AI was founded by siblings Alisa and Keiho Menkhaus, born from a shared vision that unites craftsmanship, heritage, and emotion.
Our name carries a deeply personal meaning: “Susumu” was the name of our beloved grandfather — a man who supported and believed in us unconditionally. In Japanese, susumu also means to move forward — a reflection of his spirit and his belief in perseverance and love.
The word “Ai” represents both love and the first letter of Alisa’s name — symbolizing the harmony between family, creativity, and heart. Together, SUSUMU AI means to move forward with love.
Each piece is crafted by hand in our Berlin atelier, using exceptional Japanese fabrics from Kyoto and Osaka.
Our logo, inspired by our Kawamata family crest, honors our roots — a quiet emblem of tradition and continuity, passed down through generations.
SUSUMU AI is not just a label — it is a legacy of love, family, and craftsmanship, carried forward with every garment we create.
SUSUMU AI = Continuous love = 進愛
The Art of Structure and Balance
SIGNATURE FORM
At the core of every SUSUMU AI piece lies balance — between tradition and modernity, softness and strength.
Our Signature Form celebrates architectural silhouettes inspired by the layering of traditional Japanese garments.
Each line is intentional, every fold designed to complement the body’s natural movement.
It’s not just clothing — it’s form in harmony.
Designed to Adapt. Made to Endure.
VERSATILE FUNCTION
True elegance lies in versatility.
Many of our creations can be worn in more than one way — front to back, open or closed — reflecting the idea that beauty has more than one perspective.
This adaptability transforms every piece into a timeless companion for daily life, travel, and celebration alike.
Crafted by Hand, Guided by Heart
HUMAN TOUCH
Every SUSUMU AI garment carries the trace of human hands — stitched, pressed, and finished in our Berlin atelier with devotion and care.
We believe design is more than aesthetics; it is an act of emotion and connection.
Through each piece, we weave a red thread of love, creating something personal, lasting, and profoundly human.
Heritage
Our story begins with our grandfather, Susumu, whose name and family crest became the symbol of our brand.
Raised in Tokyo and later rooted in Berlin, we carry forward the essence of Japanese artistry — respect, precision, and mindfulness — blending it with contemporary European design.
Every piece we create is a quiet dialogue between our origins and our present.
Craftsmanship
Each garment is made to order in our Berlin atelier — a space where tradition meets innovation.
From sketch to stitch, every detail is guided by precision and emotion.
We work with authentic Japanese fabrics, woven in Osaka and printed in Kyoto, ensuring every piece embodies both strength and delicacy.
Our craftsmanship is a form of devotion — to quality, longevity, and the people who wear our creations.
Sustainability & Responsibility
Sustainability for us is not a trend — it is our foundation.
We produce consciously, in small quantities, only after an order is placed.
This approach allows us to honor the materials we use, minimize waste, and create garments meant to last for years, not seasons.
True luxury is respect — for the craft, the planet, and the people behind each piece.