Kimonos are one of the most stunning traditional garments in the world. So beautiful and captivating are the designs/patterns on them that the beautiful Kimono has come to be recognised across the globe as the quintessential image of Japan.
However rather much like how Xerox is understood to mean the act of photocopying something (colloquialism or maybe slang?) but is in actual fact merely a famous brand (one of the pioneering brands if I’ve not mistaken) of photocopying machines, the term Kimono too has been misconstrued by some to believe it is a fabric on its own or ‘the traditional dress robe/garment’ of Japanese women.
The facts about kimono are:
- The term Kimono means clothing or things to wear
- It is the basic Japanese clothing
- It is Wafuku that means traditional Japanese clothing and the Kimono is merely one of the more eminent wafuku
- The Kimono is worn by men, women and children alike
- There are various types/kinds of Kimono to be worn by different classes (married/unmarried) for different occasions and seasons such as:
- Yukata – the summer kimono
- Uchikake – most formal kimono
- Shiro-maku – wedding kimono
- Tomesode – the kimono with short sleeves worn by older women or those who have married
- Furisode - the Kimono worn with long sleeves by young unmarried women
- Kimonos can be made of silk, wool, cotton, linen or synthetic material.
- Chirimen, rinzu and tsumugi are popular fabrics used to make kimono
- Kimonos are not cheap. A beautiful (full set) of Kimono can easily start from an asking price of $20,000
So what’s this got to do with sustainable living? The answer, everything! Now whilst I can’t afford the silk Kimono of my dreams, I can afford the beautiful and unique products and items made from recycled/reclaimed /vintage kimonos. There are just as beautiful and I think they’d make lovely gifts for both yourself and someone else:
These are amazingly beautiful – it may be all in the fabric’s design but still it is undeniably beautiful pieces of work made from vintage kimono fabric. It’s no wonder Japanique Boutique calls them ‘wearable art Kyoto Kimono’. You can select from a ready- made design that costs between $99 to $150 or have one custom made for you with the vintage fabric of your choice. Fabrics are divided into:
- FANCY – exquisite formal kimono fabrics ($145)
- KYOTO – more casual kimono fabrics ($100)
From the ready-made range I absolutely love the Floral Pinks Cami and I adore the bright colours of the fancy cami fabrics.
Japanique Boutique also does shirts for men (again with vintage kimono fabric) and they look absolutely stunning. If you love oriental prints, then this is your thing. They have two types of design (fabric basically) known as:
- The Samurai – these I would say are the more traditional oriental prints/designs that are more pictures like. (You have cranes, the samurai helmet, bamboo, Japanese fans etc.)
- The aloha – These are more plain as they are made up of repeated patterns like stripes and geometric patterns.
As with the ladies’ camisoles, the men’s shirts too can be customised with the fabric of your choice. Mind that they cost much more than the ladies camisoles because the SAMURAI fabric (exquisite ceremonial kimono fabrics) go for $249 while the ALOHA fabric (more casual kimono fabrics) sells for $149.
Recycled Kimono Silk Yoga Mat Bag – Sasaki Bags
These days who isn’t a fan of yoga (yes I’m aware there are those who don’t fancy it) and the fashions of it! For the green yogi, we always go for organic cotton or bamboo cotton but now we can dress up our yoga mats with this beautiful yoga mat bag made from recycled kimono. Constructed from the silk of a child’s kimono for the print fabric this is a guilt free indulgence, save for the fancy retail price of $120!
I appreciate that the prices of these ‘green’ kimono items are on the
expensive side. But there are more affordable items such as:
- Handmade Recycled Kimono Ring which sells for $16.95
- Handmade Recycled Kimono Eyeglass Strap which go for $22.95 a piece (lovely to add that dash of colour to your eyewear!)
- Kimono Kicks RECLAIMED KIMONO SHOELACES that sell for $17
- Memoirs of a Geisha RECYCLED KIMONO BRA STRAPS that retail for $20 a pair
