THE GIFT of peace
Modern art using pieces of traditional Japanese kimono. Bringing to life what we find adorable and dear. Each item is simply a work of art. The one and only cushy cushion you’d want to hug each time you come to sit at your sofa. These materials, believe it or not, used to be worn as kimonos by elegant ladies on their special occasions. KnitCafe hopes to delight you with its array of designs in this genre of upcycled kimono.
We hope to hand down the esthetics of Kimono by upcycling unworn and no longer worn traditional woven silk clothing of the past.
A tailor of kimono, my grandmother worked to support her household and was the main source of income in bringing up her children.
My grandmother used to tell me stories.
This icon means “Hope you are all well.”
This pattern means “Peace and prosperity for you.”
I was too young, so I could only watch quietly or peep from where I stood. I still remember, though, the radiance of the beautiful kimonos in my grandmother’s hands and the dignified way they were handled. I still remember her dignified appearance when she was tailoring kimonos. I was allowed to touch the scraps of colourful fabric,I felt as if they were treasures.
The kimono tailor of the past had imbued meanings into their work, often so powerful they begin to behave like pieces of art. Kimonos are often worn at weddings and other times that are of significance to them.
“I don’t have any chance to wear them now, but I don’t want to throw them away, I want to use them for something,” my grandmother used to say.
I inherited some lovely textile scraps and decided to make something out of them. I made hair accessories from scraps of kimono and gifted them to people. Those who received my upcycled works all were surprised to see how kimono can be transformed and retain their relevance. My grandmother, on the hand, was ecstatic and praised me as if I had transformed her world. That episode left me really confident about the work I carried out and that is why I want to continue with upcycling kimono.
Icons or shapes that wish for happiness.
Seasonal patterns and colours.
The texture you feel with your own fingertips.
These senses, I want to incorporate them all into my daily life.
I don’t have my grandmother’s kimono any more. If I had, I would have used them, too, as cushion covers for my sofa. Over a cup of soothing tea I’d want to reminisce the numerous conversations I used to have with her.
Bringing to life what we find adorable and dear. Each item is simply a work of art.
The one and only cushy cushion you’d want to hug each time you come to sit at your sofa. These materials, believe it or not, used to be worn as kimonos by elegant ladies on their special occasions.
KnitCafe hopes to delight you with its array of designs in this genre of upcycled kimono. Don’t know why but it feels as if we’ve met…
Exhibition
October 2023 Exhibition at Greenholt showroom, Copenhagen, Denmark
December 2023 Exhibition at Villa Opera, Vientiane, Laos
Laos
During our travel encounters, we learned that Laos has a traditional silk weaving industry similar to that of the Japanese kimono, and that although it used to be a women’s work, it has been declining as well, and that unlike Japan, there are few social programs to address this issue. We went to Laos, where the traditional silk weaving industry still exists, and brought cushions created by combining Laotian and Japanese materials to explore the possibility of collaborative creation by holding an exhibition.
An exhibition was held at Villa Opera, December 23-28, 2023.
Introduce our plans and consulted with Mr. Khemsath Philaphandeth, the Chairman of KP GROUP, a large business conglomerate with ties to Toyota, Bridgestone and Bandai, among many others.
Introduced our activities to Mrs Ontha & Mr Dilip Jesuthasan, who manages a number of restaurants.
Introduced our activities to Mr. Inthy Deuansavanh, a sucessful owner of a service industry conglomerate, and a prominent adventurer.
Visited a Japanese NGO named Minna no Cafe, which supports the disabled and the challenged, with a hotel owner Mrs. Malai Prachantee.
Visited a training facility for women in traditional Lao weaving techniques.
Participated in a traditional Lao family event that counted 280 guests, including Lao government Ministers and ex Ambassadors.
Introduced our activities to Ms. Carol Cassidy, an American businesswoman who has, since as early as 1980s, worked to revitalize silk weaving in Laos.
Connected with local collaborators who are willing to assist further with sales and marketing of upcycled kimono.
Planned future activities include supporting social work with local NGO groups and local collaborators.
23 – 30 Dec. 2023
Upcycled Kimono
Pop-up Gallery
– Vientiane, Laos
At: Villa Opera
Time: 11.30 – 14.30 / 18.00 – 21.30
Address: Ban Sithane Neua (Opp. Wat Xiengve)
Tel: 021-215-099
Like running from one end of a continent to the other. The different values of people with very different lives. Are exposed in a way that you can see right in front of you. We don’t know each other. It is as if you and I were meeting. This is the opportunity to communicate culture and create a way of life. Since time immemorial, people have been exchanging the energy of culture for value. and exchanged it with people from other countries. And we create and change each other’s lives in a rich way.
One in a million
It is you, me and the woman who wore this kimono.
