Fascination with Japanese kimonos

I’m a creative soul who adores Japanese kimonos, I fell in love with the style and patterns when I was a little girl.

I’ve never lost that feeling of luxury and awe when I put on a kimono - to wear something that has been a cultural icon for over 1200 years, each kimono communicating both the season and formality of the occasion.

Traditionally, kimonos were traditionally handed down through the generations, having its own life and history as it was passed on.

Having imported those once loved kimonos and obi from Japan, I unpick the fabric and remake, giving them new life as scarves, cushions, wall hangings or other custom-made items. As these creations find new owners, the history of these heirlooms continues rather than being assigned to the graveyard of unloved fabrics.

I also give talks about the history and types of kimonos, dressed in full kimono and obi with tabs socks and geta shoes.

It takes me about an hour to dress myself with under-kimono, hanhaba obi, full kimono and formal fukuro obi. I’m beginning to understand why fewJapanese women wear kimono regularly!