Colorful Zori

Colorful Zori
By: Ketoy
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Matrial: cotton, cork
Size: various sizes available

I love Asakusa. Those familiar with Tokyo recognize it as one of the oldest districts which also retains some of its traditional, pre-20th Century flair. The creator of these cute zori, Katoy, is also based in Asakusa.

Both design and materials distinguish these zori. I love the color schemes. Each of them sensibly matches the color of its thongs and soles. Another unique feature is the material used for the soles: cork. That makes these zori super light and comfy! Personally, I enjoy wearing these zori with just a T-shirt and jeans.

Japanese Style Tie - Running Water With Five Different Colors

Japanese Style Tie - Running Water With Five Different Colors
By: Amus Tokyo
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Material: pure silk

One frequently sees this motif used in traditional dance costumes. When translated, “Goshikiryusui” means “running water with five different colors.” The red lining forms a beautiful contrast to the outer material. I am amazed by how these traditional motifs are transformed into modern fashion statements.

Japanese Style Tie - Chrysanthemums and Drums

Japanese Style Tie - Chrysanthemums and Drums
By: Amus Tokyo
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Material: pure silk

The pattern on this chic tie incorporates Japanese chrysanthemums and drums. Although this design uses traditional motifs, the tie projects a very modern image. This tie reflects one of the tenets of Japanese aesthetics: “simple is best.”

Japanese Style Tie - Elegant Flowers

Japanese Style Tie - Elegant Flowers
By: Amus Tokyo
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Material: silk brocade

The fabric of this tie is called “Kinran,” which originates from Nishijin ? a popular brocade style in Japan. Kinran is woven using either gold thread or threadlike strips of gilded paper, resulting in gorgeous cloth. It is high in quality and one of the most luxurious cloths widely used for obi. This elegant tie goes surprisingly well with jeans.

Elegant Kimono Dress

Elegant Kimono Dress
By: MEDAA and wayomix
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Material:
Outer: polyester 100%
Lining: cupra 100%

Size:
Length: approx 48.4 inches
Width: approx 15 inches
Sleeves: approx 21.6 inches
Waist: approx 17.7 inches
Hip: approx 24.4 inches
*measured with the belt untied.

Please note the superb fabric used in this dress. The dynamic pattern of red rolling waves conjures-up images of woodblock printings by the famous Katsushika Hokusai. The blue flowers sprinkled over those waves help project a strikingly eclectic image. As for the cutting, the neckline and the belt reflect a style closer to that of a kimono. This dress exemplifies the concept of "East meets West." This elegant dress is a collaboration of MEDAA and wayomix.

Drawstrting Bag - Paper Balloon

Drawstring Bag - Paper Balloon
By: Aya
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Size: 7 x 7 x 7 inches

This is also a drawstring bag made of patches taken from an antique kimono and a piece of leather. They are carefully and neatly stitched together to form a shape of "Kaimifusen," which is a traditional Japanese paper balloon. This bag is practical, durable, and beautiful!

Modern Yukata Style

Modern Yukata Style
By: Shimaiya
(click to see the profile of the boutique)

There are different kimono for different seasons in Japan. Strictly speaking, yukata is not "kimono" but is a casual wear which is used to be worn only in the indoors in the old times (these days, a lot of people wear it in the outdoors). Yukata is for summer and made of cotton or hemp. It is very light, comfortable, and above all, very easy to wear. Traditionally, yukata come in indigo blue or white. White yukata are for the daytime because white absorbs less heat; blue yukata are for the night-time because the dye works as mosquito repellent. They are beautiful and practical but they could be a wee bit dull. In these yukata styles suggested by Shimaiya are very colorful and fun!

Items:
Left
Gingham check x tulip yukata
Vermilion red x yellow reversible obi
Hemp drawstring bag

Right
Flower x navy blue checkered yukata
Yellow x orange x white bordered reversible obi
Straw basket bag

Pink Yukata

Pink Yukata
By: Shimaiya
(click to see the profile of the boutique)

This pink yukata is a modern-day yukata and it is perfect even for a beach outing! Sunflower, which is a symbolic flower of summer, is scattered all over the it. The vermilion bordered obi complements the yukata. A fun yukata style suggested by Shimaiya.

Items:
Pink x sunflower yukata
Yellow x vermilion red obi

MOGA Party Bag

MOGA Party Bag
By: Aya
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Size: 5.1 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches

The combination of a bronze pine tree and pink and back stripes is striking. It imparts a retro-modern atmosphere to this bag. As you can see in the picture, the size of the bag is relatively small and it is just big enough to hold a cell phone, handkerchief, and rouge. This elegant petite bag is perfect for a cocktail party.

Emerald Bag

Emerald Bag
By: Aya
(click to see the profile of the artist)

Size:11.8 x 9.8 x 1.9 inches

This bag is made of beautiful antique emerald obi fabric, English tweed fabric, and premium French lace. The lining uses rose patterned antique fabric from France. This bag stands out due to the way in which it incorporates materials from three different countries and blends them together exquisitely.