Ryukyu Kimono: Kimono Textiles of Okinawa - Introduction & Bingata Dyeing (+playlist)

I just finished watching this lovely documentary on Okinawan Textiles used in making kimono. This is a rare find as the documentary was made in both a Japanese and an English versions. Enjoy!

Cotton - Not Just for Yukata

 This week I have been looking around and finding Komon and obi sets made from cotton. I personally have not seen the use of cotton in making Kimono outside of Yukata until very recently.  As normal Kimono fabric tan are rarely are wide enough to accommodate my long skinny arms or height, I have had to delve into using "fashion" fabrics. The idea of using cotton fabric instead of searching all over the place for the perfect silk or poly blend gets me excited! So many possibilities for Komon kimono now!

Obidome Roundup No.3

I really love the texture that ceramic can bring to kimono ensembles. Though this rather forward thinking when it comes to seasons, I could totally see any of these looking great with cotton and linen summer kimono ^_^

As usual, please click the picture to visit Etsy to browse the items on this list!

Book Review: " The New Kimono" by the Editors of Nanao Magazine

Book: " The New Kimono"
Author(s) Editors of "Nanao" Magazine ( Japan)
Purchase: USA Amazon

I know there has been about a year and a half between the time " The New Kimono" was first published and it finally coming into my household, but none-the-less I feel the need to blog about this fantastic book anyway because I think that it is a really important reference/inspiration piece to have in one's kimono arsenal. 

I really do wish that this book had been around when I first became interested in attempting to wear kimono. Though  pictures of perfect models in gorgeous kimono are very inspiring and beautiful, they can be a bit daunting as those models are dressed by professionals who can dive in at any second to fix a puffy ohashori or an un-even collar.  Sometimes all of the "rules" in wearing can leave a new kimono enthusiast feeling lost and or discouraged from having a " Kimono Life" because they are afraid of making mistakes.

In my opinion " The New Kimono" really makes wearing kimono a lot more fun and most especially accessible. It is incredibly refreshing to read kimono industry experts say things like " You're wrapping a flat piece of fabric around a body that has a shape, so of course you are going to have wrinkles. Isn't it the wrinkles that make a kimono beautiful?".

Beyond the oodles of lovely photos in the book ( mook?) the advice the " New Kimono" has to share to its readers is so helpful and dare I say even relaxing. I loved reading that illustrator Fujiko Ishibashi ( one of the many interviewed in the book) sometimes ditches a juban all together if it is too hot outside, or that the Otani sisters, owners of Kimono Sarasa, make obi out of all sorts of fabrics including vintage juban. 

Reading " The New Kimono" has made me realize that it is okay to do what works for me and what makes me comfortable when wearing kimono. Of course ( like we all do) I will continue to strive for neat kitsuke and well coordinated ensembles, but now it is with a sense of fun and imagination rather than trying to look like a photograph. I am sure with the advice and ideas that I have gleaned from reading " The New Kimono" that I will be wearing kimono more often, and you hopefully will too!

Obidome Round Up No.2

I love accessories made of wood, most especially during the Fall season. Most recently I have been looking to mix wooden accessories in with  kimono ensembles where I feel it adds a warm natural touch to the outfit.

Below are my pin-for-obidome use finds. Please click the picture below to access all the item, seller, and purchase information or to just browse ^_-

Obidome Round Up No. 1

I love using pins as obidome! There are so many amazing and unique items that can be found on Etsy.com that are perfect for kimono ensembles, so I thought I would post a round up of some of my current favorites. I am very much into  blue these days......can you tell? ^_^

Click the picture below to be taken to Etsy.com so you can explore these items!

Jotaro Saito 2013-2014 Collection

I know I am most likely on the back end of the band wagon when it comes to finding out about this years seasonal kimono fashion lines, but I thought I would post links and pictures of Jotaro Saito's " Dress People" collection for this year 2013-2014.

To view more pictures and scan through Jotaro Saito's amazing body of visual, textile, and architectual work please visit the link below!
http://www.jotaro.net/index.html

The "Dress People" line
http://www.jotaro.net/works/kimono/2013/index.html

 I really like this collection and the layering of different textures to create a soft modern-organic look. The patterns and color pairings remind me of what a bright, almost loud kimono ensemble looks like when someone is walking through the night time alleys of Kyoto that are lined with dark aged wood and soft lantern light. Every bright color gets muted, the garishness disappears and are replaced with dusky shadows and little shocks of color when the taxis rush by.