What is kimonofūkei?

kimonofūkei is a contemporary practice that reimagines vintage Oshima Tsumugi and Shiro Oshima kimonos into ready-to-wear and custom garments. Each piece honors traditional Japanese craftsmanship while allowing these textiles to live on in modern silhouettes. The work emphasizes slow, deliberate making, hand-sewing and minimal waste, resulting in garments that are unique and enduring.

Are the pieces handmade?

Yes. Every garment is carefully reconstructed and sewn by hand. The process respects the original structure of the kimono, working with the existing eight rectangular panels to create new forms. Hand-making ensures meticulous attention to detail and a level of quality difficult to achieve through mass production.

How long does it take to make a piece?

Ready-to-wear garments require 3-4 days to complete with care to attention and detail.
Custom pieces require a full process. Each custom dress is made from precise personal measurements and takes approximately 4–6 weeks to complete, depending on the design and materials.

Will my ready to wear piece look exactly like the photo?

Yes. Each ready-to-wear piece is made from a single, unique reclaimed kimono textile. While every piece uses one of six timeless patterns, each garment is one of a kind and will have its own photo. Please review the pattern carefully and select the combination of textile and silhouette that resonates with you. No two pieces are exactly alike.

Will my custom piece look exactly like the photo?

No. Because every garment is reconstructed from reclaimed kimono textiles, each piece has its own history and pattern. While the design may resemble the images, the exact layout, motifs, and color variations will differ, making every garment one-of-a-kind.

What makes kimonofūkei garments unique?

Each remake piece reflects generations of skilled craftsmanship and the history embedded in the original textiles. The combination of intricate handwoven silk and a slow, attentive process results in garments with subtle variations and details that cannot be replicated. The value is in the care, precision, and thoughtfulness that shapes each garment.

What are Oshima Tsumugi and Shiro Oshima textiles?

Oshima Tsumugi and Shiro Oshima are handwoven silks from Amami Oshima, Japan, celebrated for their intricate kasuri patterns and exceptional durability. Each fabric is hand-dyed through dorozome, a mud-dyeing technique using iron-rich soil and native plant tannins. These textiles carry the traces of generations of skilled artisans.

What is dorozome?

Dorozome is a traditional mud-dyeing method originating in Amami Oshima. Silk threads are soaked, wrung, and sun-dried repeatedly in iron-rich mud and plant tannins, creating beautiful muted browns and grays. The process is repeated 60-100 times and requires a year to complete, and gives each textile depth, resilience, and a connection to the natural landscape where it was made.

Can anyone wear kimonofūkei pieces, or do you need to be Japanese?

These garments are designed to be appreciated and worn by anyone. While inspired by Japanese textile traditions, the pieces exist as contemporary expressions of heritage and craft. The focus is on the quality, beauty, and individuality of the garment. It would be an honor to share the appreciation for disappearing vintage kimono textiles with individuals with diverse backgrounds.

How should I care for my garment?

Because these garments are handmade from delicate textiles, spot cleaning is recommended. Machine washing or soaking may damage the fabric and hand detailing. Proper care ensures the longevity of each unique piece and preserves the subtle textures and colors of the handwoven silk.

Are your garments sustainable?

Sustainability is central to kimonofūkei. Each piece is created using reclaimed kimono textiles and upcycled leather. The process follows a minimal-waste philosophy, working with the original fabric geometry to reduce discarded materials. Handmade construction further supports slow fashion principles, giving the textiles a meaningful second life.

How can I order a custom piece?

Custom orders begin with a consultation to take precise body measurements. The design is then tailored to the individual while respecting the original fabric structure and pattern. The process typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the piece.

Why invest in kimonofūkei garments?

Each garment carries the imprint of skilled hands, generations of craft, and reclaimed materials with centuries of history. The care taken in reconstruction, the dialogue between silk and upcycled leather, and the slow, deliberate process result in a garment that is quietly distinct, with details and character that reveal themselves over time.