A kimono is the quintessential Japanese garment. The word kimono actually means “thing to wear” from “ki” = wear, and “mono”=thing. So, why am I writing about Kimonos?
Sass Brown from ecofashiontalk.com had a very thoughtful post on the Japanese company ‘Ichiroya Kimono Flea Market‘ which sells kimonos and related items. Not only was her article inspiring, but I found the world of kimonos fascinating and thought provoking.
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One kimono uses up an entire bolt of fabric measuring about 14 inches wide and 12½ yards long. It’s traditionally hand stitched. Today, it still requires a substantial amount of hand-sewing, even if a sewing machine is used.
Kimonos from Montgomery Collection 1920-1950
A friend of mine in Cologne took a kimono sewing class and explained to me that when a kimono is washed, the garment is taken apart by removing the thread and the garment re-sewn after drying. I use button hole thread, because I don’t ever have the intention of taking my skirts and shirts apart and certainly not reassembling them. However, the care which goes into a kimono is humbling.
Kimonos are “zero-waste” products as they contain a whole bolt of fabric without cutting. Although the garment uses a lot of fabric, the life of a kimono doesn’t end in a landfill.
Instead, it’s re-used, creating many different items such as children’s kimonos, covers, hand bags and other accessories. Damaged or soiled kimonos were often re-sewn to hide their flaws.
Now, if that isn’t green, I don’t know what is.
But it goes even further. Historically, when kimonos were worn out, the silk thread was laboriously removed (can you image the work involved?) and rewoven into a new textile. This weaving method is called saki-ori and was found in rural areas. Not sure, if it’s still done. Below is a fragment of saki-ori fabric.
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Of course, I was also intrigued by the fact that kimonos are hand-sewn.
Here’s an authentic video showing the small running stitches used for sewing the kimono. Who would’ve thought that even the feet can play a small role in hand-sewing (at 4:12):
If you live close to Macon, Georgia, and are interested in seeing some kimonos “in person” there’s an interesting exhibit featuring 100 beautiful garments from the Montgomery Collection in Lugano.
Fashioning Kimonos (Traveling Exhibit) now in Macon, Georgia through April 10:
