kimonobox.com » Kimono

Bunka no Hi, 2009

kimonobox — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:13:41 +0000

Tomorrow is Bunka no Hi in Japan. It is a national holiday celebrating Japan’s culture. I think it is a wonderful way to enjoy many cultural and historical attributes of the country.

So what happens on Bunka no Hi?

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo holds a ceremony to present Order of Culture Awards.
The Emperor himself presents the awards.

There will also be traditional musical, tea ceremony and kimono wearing events!

Did you know that it was on this day in 1946 that the Japanese government announced its new constitution.

The ideals of the Constitution are love of peace and freedom – and to celebrate this, the holiday Bunka no Hi – a Day Appreciating Cultural Things was enacted.

: Bunka no Hi

What will you do on Bunka no Hi?

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Kimono Armchair

kimonobox — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:21:23 +0000

Recycling to create furniture with the kimono fabric is a great idea. Kimono would typically have been taken apart for washing in the past and then re-sewn. It was a very expensive exercise.

So it is interesting today that the kimono material is not always being re-worked into traditional clothing but taking on different forms as well.

: My kind of chair

For example, this kimono chair which I came across on the weekend has incorporated traditional materials into a funky design! I really liked the design and fabric used! I wonder if the chair is comfortable? I wonder also how easy it is to keep the kimono fabric clean?

You don’t have to always make larger recycle versions – this mini armchair in kimono fabric is also lovely – designed by Dolly Alice! And with dolls using the chair easy to keep clean no doubt!

: Have you ever tried making miniatures?

It you are not into covering your armchair with kimono fabric, how about working with a wall hanging design?
This gives a very modern look to the room. What are your thoughts? Would you hang this at your place?

: Maybe a wall hanging instead of a chair

The kimono is a versatile concept!
Have you got a piece of furniture that is inspired by the kimono at your place?

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Kimono Books

kimonobox — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:06:52 +0000

There are a lot of books and magazines in stores at present showing the new kimonos in season for winter 2009-2010.

: New season

It is nice to see that the digital market for fashion has not taken over from the glossy magazine section. It is always rewarding to pick up a brand new magazine and flick through the latest ideas.

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Walt Disney and Kids Kimono

kimonobox — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:14:34 +0000

Disney in Japan is so popular, people will pay a premium price for the Disney brand. These kimono which show off the Disney characters, certainly have that price tag included.

: Different Perceptions of Special

It is an interesting combination – Disney characters on pieces of clothing considered so traditional.

: A bambi kimono for boys?

These photos show Bambi or Peter Pan kimono for boys.

: Take a look at the design

Dumbo is very popular. Alice is cute.

My favourite is the Snow White kimono.

I remember when I was young (in the 70′s) we had Snow White duvet covers and we felt quite special. I think mum got them out of a catalogue – special order!! But I wonder what we would have thought about kimonos from Japan with the 7 dwarfs on them! Now that would have been something special!

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Slings, Dogs and Kimono

kimonobox — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:38:30 +0000

: A kimono dog

I had never thought of dogs wearing kimono before. How unusual! What attention to detail. Thanks to CrazyMnM85

I came across this because I saw some slings for pets in Ito Yokado last week and not being a dog owner was quite interested in the ‘invention’. Perhaps they have been around for a long time?

If your pet is just a baby or rather small perhaps and you worry about it getting tired or lost, you might consider something like this?

: This is a pet carry sling

: Different colours available

I discussed the slings with a colleague and was pointed in the direction of this website – not only can you buy slings and but wow! you can dress the dogs in kimono. These are special and further details look like they can be found at Gramercypet.

: Look - he is dressed in kimono

I had not realised there was a huge market for kimono wear for dogs and some fantastic pictures of the doggies in costume online as well. Wow!

: From Gaijin Photographer

Man’s best friend thanks Gaijin Photographer.

: Wearing Kimono

Thanks to chibitora

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Sento Part VIII

kimonobox — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:45:17 +0000

The final episode in Kimonobox, the movie

Between the Ninja and this headgear – my day has been fraught to say the least!

: Tassels in face - not a good look

Lets shoot the final scene coming out of the bath house …..

: bath house

Okay this looks like a wrap!? Do we take a bow?

: Thank you for coming

Meet the fans now? Do the autograph thing?

: They think we are movie stars?

And another….. They think they are watching a drama series ! ….

: More photos for the crowds

Where has ninja gone now?

: That boy is in his element

Lot of fun for all – brilliant try out as Geisha and Ninja in Edo! Kyoto – Eigamurakan – many thanks for watching!

Maybe we could run a sequel ?

: Walk off into the sunset - The End

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Revenge of the Ninja, Part VI

kimonobox — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:44:34 +0000

Ninja starts action in full swing with revenge …

: Revenge of the Ninja is not funny Eimi

Cut …. and re-take with Yumi centre screen

Ninja attacks Yumi by herself – but its okay!
Watch Yumi – (she has special powers!)

: Go, go Yumi - are you ninja too?

Crikey Yumi is doing well, but how did Kimonobox mysteriously appear in this scene – is she Doraemon?

: Where did kimonobox come from?

Kimonobox looks like she is about to dance! Is she attending o-matsuri?

Can we see more fear in face please, Kimonobox?

: Fear, surprise, Ninja attack

: Kerching

Ummmm ….

director says need to cut and go to side angle of girls facing fierce, exotic, fighting ninja – this will really give impact of Edo days

: Ninja attacks in street

That’s the shot – kerching – noise of sword swiping soundly and swiftly – ninja style of course

: Close up on Ninja sword

Charlie’s Angels starting to get into the swing of it now!
Looks like girls power … till next posting stay tune … Kimonobox, the movie!
..

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Gion and Memoirs of a Geisha

kimonobox — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:37:31 +0000

As we worked our way through narrow Gion streets, we were reminded of the centuries old tradition – we were re-living our own memories of Memoirs of a Geisha combined with our expectations of yester-year Japan!

The streets of Kyoto did not disappoint! They were quiet and gentile.

: Beautiful - Just Kyoto

We were delighted by this lady in kimono who posed for her photo – thank you!

I was again reminded by the Memoirs of a Geisha movie and the lines in the script that said,

True Geisha can stop a man in the street with a single look

: Kyoto Streets

And the other line -

We do not become geisha to pursue our own destinies

There was real ambience of old Japan.

: Kasa providing shade?

It was June and quite muggy – perhaps people were resting inside?

: It was lunch but quiet

: 3 lovely girls in yukata

: Wonderful to visit Kyoto - still full of tradition

The poor man on the jinrikisha wasn’t resting – it was hard work…

: Transport Anyone?

Some memories from – Memoirs of a Geisha

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Kimonobox in Kyoto

kimonobox — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:13 +0000

: Kimonobox in Kyoto

Kimonobox enjoying the Kyoto sites. Its been over 20 years since I have been to Kyoto. It was great to be back and I really had a wonderful time. As you can see from a post by Shibuya246, Kyoto is a brilliant place to soak up Japan’s heritage and cultural traditions.

So whilst here in Kyoto we mulled over the idea of developing our own movie script ….. we had lots of fun! Stay tune for the series!

Follow Kimonobox, the movie!

Part one
Part two

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Fashion Legend

kimonobox — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:10:06 +0000

In 2005, Australia honoured Akira Isogawa as a fashion legend with the release of his portrait on a stamp.

Akira who moved from Kyoto to Sydney in 1986 has become one of Australia’s most celebrated designers.

For me, what is so exciting about his work is the inspiration he draws from Japanese influences. I love his choice of colour combinations and textured looks.

“A garment can transcend, giving it a soul.

I translate fabrics into soft and romantic silhouettes, using natural fabrics like silks and cottons, which are kind to the skin.”

Akira Isogawa

: One of my Favourite Designers

A lovely portrait shot in black and white of Akira Isogawa by Negative

: Beautiful Fabrics, Textiles and Craftsmanship

This photograph by ZylemCries of the textures and colours in Akira’s work is inspirational. It makes you also want to touch and feel the exquisite designs.

: Gorgeous print - Lovely cardigan

ZylemCries

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