Articles

[Not Yet Available in Japan] Transforming Old Kimonos into New Clothes – The New York-Based Upcycle Brand "Considered Objects"

2025.02.07

On the menswear-inspired white shirt, you'll find delicate floral appliqués. These flowers are created by combining vintage kimono fabrics.

Based in New York, the apparel brand Considered Objects focuses on upcycled products. Lead by Japanese-American Sara Sakanaka, she was born to first-generation immigrant parents in California and graduated from New York's FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).

After gaining experience at various brands such as The Imitation of Christ and Foxy, she launched her own brand amidst the pandemic.

Driven by a strong sense of mission to "preserve the cultural heritage of kimonos," she emphasizes handcraft in her clothing creations.

We spoke with Sakanaka at her Manhattan atelier.

PROFILE

Sara Sakanaka

Founder & Designer of Considered Objects

Learning to Sew from a Grandmother in Japan Leads to a Designer's Path

Can you share what inspired you to pursue design?

I was born and raised in a creative family. My mother transitioned from graphic designer to painter, my father is an architect, and my grandparents in Japan were art teachers. There was always someone making something at home, so art was deeply ingrained in my life.

The desire to become a designer is rooted in my upbringing and family, especially my grandmother, who was a significant inspiration in my life.

As a child, I often spent summers at my grandmother’s house. She passed away a few years ago, but I vividly recall seeing her wearing kimonos casually at home, recycling them into cleaning cloths and dolls.

My grandmother also taught me sewing basics. The joy of creating something with my own hands is a lesson I believe I learned from her. These experiences inspired my journey to become a designer.

Where did the concept of creating clothing from kimonos come from?

After graduating from FIT, I interned at several apparel brands, but work sharply declined due to the pandemic in 2020. That same year, my grandmother passed away.

Unable to attend her funeral in Japan or travel, I was stuck at home with no work. This situation ultimately prompted me to start making clothes.

One day while cleaning out my closet, I remembered my mother had sent me many kimonos as mementos from my grandmother.

As I browsed through them, I felt compelled to dismantle them, eventually crafting them into a shirt. I remember creating patterns as best as I could and sewing the shirt on my home sewing machine.

The creation process took about two months, but as I worked, I felt revitalized. In a way, it was therapeutic.

When I wore the finished shirt and met friends, they said, "Sara, this is a really special shirt. Why don’t you sell it?" Even strangers stopped me on the street to admire its beauty.

This boosted my confidence, prompting me to create more clothes and share them on Instagram.

The Charm of How Kimono Stains Add Character

Do you source the kimonos you use for clothing in Japan?

Yes. All the kimonos are sourced from Japan, gifted by friends and family, or purchased from antique shops. I often combine them with fabrics sourced from New York factories.

Since entering the apparel industry, I’ve continually gathered resources like repurposed textiles, organic cotton, wool, and deadstock fabrics from supplier factories.

You've become known for using fabric to create corsages with petals. Do you use kimono fabric for those as well?

Yes, they’re all made from kimono scraps. I also use plant-based dyes for coloring the fabric.

With older kimonos, stains are common, but often I leave them as is. Although these blemishes are typically frowned upon in Japan, I see them as adding a charming character.

Could you share your philosophy on sustainability?

Sustainable fashion, to me, means cherishing clothes that hold significant meaning to you.

When I began handling my grandmother's kimono, I realized that it wasn't just a beautiful part of Japanese culture, but also something deeply meaningful—a family heirloom rich in memories.

When clothes become more than just objects, I wanted to cherish them more.

Of course, using sustainable materials and buying recycled garments are important. Still, it's crucial to think about reducing wasteful consumption and what clothes hold meaning for you.

When you can share a garment's story and connect it to a piece of history, you naturally want to value it deeply.

The Origin of the Brand Name Lies in the Traditional Japanese Concept of "Cherishing Things"

What impression do you have of Japanese culture?

I absolutely love Japanese culture, which treasures history and values rituals. I have been particularly fascinated by Japan's textile culture. My grandmother looked stunning in her kimonos, and I wore one for my Shichi-Go-San ceremony and high school graduation.

This interest led to my concern about how to preserve the kimono culture. I see it as my mission to reuse kimonos to allow more people to experience this beautiful aspect of Japanese textiles.

Could you tell me the origin of your brand name?

It's named after words my mother often shared with me. If I didn't tidy up, my mother would say, "Sara, take care of your belongings. Things cherished for 100 years will have a soul."

It's the concept of "Tsukumogami," portrayed in Japanese folklore as gods or spirits, isn't it?

So, instead of buying new things when something broke, we were encouraged to repair and keep using it. This approach of cherishing possessions also leads to an environmentally conscious mindset.

This philosophy of being mindful of your belongings and the environment inspired the brand name "Considered Objects."

Finally, could you share the future outlook for your brand?

I aim to broaden the scope of our creations. Currently, working with bridal clients and crafting custom-made pieces is both fulfilling and fascinating.

Additionally, I wish to expand kimono-derived accessories beyond clothing, including flower accessories and boutonnieres for men.

Lately, we've been holding pop-up events, and I want to create more opportunities to meet and converse with customers directly, not just online.

Text by Eri Kurobe