2025.06.25WED
2023.07.11
The Charm of Kimonos: Traditional Japanese Attire Expressed by Keniamarilia
The kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, is a showcase of the beauty and sense of Japan. It has an artistic delicacy in its patterns and combinations, and the collar and obi clasp demonstrate an exquisite craftsmanship.
The influence of Western clothing culture has been embraced for a long time, but the charm of the kimono is now resurfacing in a new form. The kimono remake brand 'keniamarilia' exemplifies this revitalization. Its designer, Kenia Zaha, who is of Brazilian origin, has been fascinated by kimonos since childhood. Zaha has restructured the kimono, breathing new life into it as everyday clothing while infusing her designs with her soul.
Through her perspective, the love for kimonos amongst the Japanese and their charm are revealed. Keniamarilia, a reflection of Japanese tradition and aesthetic spirit, presents the value of kimono anew to people all over the world.
PROFILE
Kenia Zaha
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, she moved to Japan at a young age. After graduating from a fashion school, she worked in sales production management design at an apparel company, then freelanced before becoming a costume designer for Hevenes fact. In June 2019, she launched the Kimono Apparel Brand 'keniamarilia'.
Two Turning Points that Initiated the Kimono Remake Business
Could you tell us about the background that led you, Zaha, to focus on kimonos?
While I am a foreign national, I have been living in Japan since I was 4 years old. I have always loved clothes and used to make clothes for my Licca-chan dolls when I was little.Seeing this, my parents suggested I try making clothes, and so I began. As a result, my interest in clothing further developed and by the time I was in elementary school, I was completely smitten.
It was during a neighborhood Coming-of-Age Day ceremony, that I saw my first real kimono and was captivated by its beauty. I was surprised and intrigued that such a beautiful artifact existed in Japan. This sparked my interest in kimonos.
There are two pivotal events background to founding my brand.
The first one occurred during my Coming-of-Age Day ceremony.
I'm Brazilian. My parents always told me, "No matter how well you speak Japanese, no matter how much you adapt to the Japanese community, no matter how much you come in contact with this culture, you will never be Japanese." Looking back, this was necessary to ensure that my identity was never shaken.
However, because of that, even though I was fascinated by kimonos, I felt a hesitation to get closer to it.
I was worried that if I, as a Brazilian, wore a kimono, which is a part of the Japanese tradition, people might look at me unfavorably. This fear kept me from wearing a kimono, even though I had always wanted to. I had never put on a kimono until that point.
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