The Upcycling of Vintage Kimonos by Kien, and What They Hope to Accomplish

Kyoto, a popular destination for foreign tourists, allows visitors to experience Japanese culture at temples and shrines. People strolling through the streets are often clad in kimonos, enjoying the quaint townscapes. Not only is the kimono popular overseas as an icon of Japan, but it is also recognized domestically as a traditional garment often worn at weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies.

However, not many people wear kimonos on a daily basis. For most, it's just a ceremonial attire, and after one or two events, the kimono ends up unused, stored away in closets. In many households and kimono shops, there are massive collections of kimonos and fabric bolts lying dormant. Moreover, these garments were crafted during a time when Japanese artisans' skills were at their peak, making them not just clothes but pieces of art adorned with exquisite embroidery.

Aiming to bring these kimonos back to life, Kien has started a new business venture, upcycling kimonos into dresses. We spoke with Yoshie Kitagawa, the founder, about her passion for Japanese traditional culture and the background of the concept of upcycling kimonos, as well as the aims of this business.