What is kimono upcycling?

1)  What is kimono upcycling? 

           Kimono upcycling refers to the process of adding new designs and ingenuity to kimonos that are not often worn in modern times, transforming them into items that possess a value greater than their original worth. In many Japanese households, there are numerous cases where kimonos inherited from grandparents or parents are stored away due to reasons such as 'lack of opportunity to wear them', 'incorrect size', or 'feeling outdated'. Even if these kimonos are made of high-quality silk or cotton, and their patterns and colors are unique and beautiful, the reality is that they are often disposed of.

2)     The Difference Between "Upcycling" and "Recycling" 

The difference between upcycling and remaking lies in whether it emphasizes the increase in value through reuse. Upcycling refers only to cases where the value increases after reuse, while remaking can include cases where the value decreases. Remaking involves reusing the features of unwanted products and transforming them into different products.

 For example, turning old clothes into rags does not increase common value compared to the original product, so it qualifies as remaking but does not fit into upcycling. Making furniture from waste materials or creating bags from unused jeans is considered upcycling. 

In addition to recycling and remaking, there are similar terms that can be confused with upcycling: reuse and reduction. Reuse refers to the direct reuse of unwanted products without alteration, while reduction refers to the practice of avoiding the purchase or acceptance of unnecessary items to prevent waste.

3)     Gratitude to the World

 This is a unique Japanese spirit of craftsmanship that expresses appreciation for objects and engages with them fully, reflecting how people cherish things in their daily lives. The belief that objects have a heart and a soul—this spirit of 'nature worship' is the essence of Japanese culture.

４）Three Reasons Why KIMONO⁺on is Committed to Kimono Upcycling

1.     A Challenge to Create a Waste-Free Production Process Even Through Remake (Sustainable Challenge)

Even if we say we are remaking existing kimonos, if leftover fabric remains in the process, it cannot be considered sustainable fashion. Just as kimonos have been made and utilized without waste since the Edo period, the use of environmentally conscious materials is still required today. Our brand is undertaking sustainable challenges in the production process by trying to minimize leftover fabric through clever design, and by making tsumami-zaiku accessories from any leftover fabric.

2.    Updating Kimono for Next Generation Inheritance

The kimono market in Japan has decreased by about 85%, reflecting a serious situation regarding the 'disconnection from kimono,' which is a part of Japanese culture. To pass on the kimono to the next generation, it is essential to discover new attractions of kimono and update it to align with modern times. Our brand aims to communicate kimono not only domestically but also globally, contributing to the recovery of the market.

3.     Adoption of One-of-a-Kind Vintage Kimonos

The kimonos adopted by our brand are all vintage, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each item has over 50 years of history, whether they are kimonos that have been long forgotten in an old country house’s chest or those that friends have inherited but no longer wear. We aim to rescue these kimonos and breathe new 'life' into them as part of our brand's fashion, passing them on to women around the world.

Would you also like to agree with “the kimono upcycling activities” and experience an original life with a heart of gratitude? KIMONO⁺on breathes new 'life' into precious kimonos and proposes them as a new fashion genre overseas.

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