Uber Dandy Kimono: Give a New Lease of Life to Vintage Kimono
When Eastern fabrics meet Western designs
Many Japanese households have kimono that are worn only a few times before being damaged and disposed of. I also often hear of foreigners who buy kimono as souvenirs in Japan or receive them as gifts from Japanese acquaintances, but do not know how to put them on, so they are not worn for years.
If you are in such a situation, you’ll be glad to know you can upcycle your kimono into Western clothes and accessories. You can ask a tailor to do it, or if you are good at sewing, you can try it yourself. Books that show you how to do this are available in Japan.
This time, I would like to introduce an exhibition by Uber Dandy Kimono, a brand that transforms vintage kimono with stains and other problems into gorgeous Western dresses. The brand has already appeared in an exhibition in the US and is increasingly appearing in the media. The designer is a good friend of mine, Tia Oguri!
The exhibition is held at Westfield London, a massive shopping complex in White City, west London.
There, you find Ichiba, Europe’s largest Japanese food hall. Ichiba means market in Japanese.
The Ichiba public relations staff was so impressed with Uber Dandy Kimono’s Instagram that they contacted it.
The exhibition title is Roku, which means the number 6 in Japanese. Many types of kimono exist, with different formalities and characteristics, and Tia chose six for the display at Ichiba. Let’s examine them one by one.
This mini dress and hat are upcycled from a cotton Yukata, a very casual summer kimono. They look stylish together.
A casual silk kimono called Tsumugi is made into a dress that can be used for everyday purposes.
This long jacket is made from a Furisode, a long-sleeved silk kimono for younger women, and has a slightly exotic atmosphere. It is my favourite because of the clever way the patterned fabric is utilised.
Here is a gorgeous silk mini-dress made from a formal Tsukebake kimono. Another kimono is worn as a gown to enhance the charm!
A Houmongi, or a Japanese-style visiting dress, has been transformed into a silk bodysuit reminiscent of Jean Paul Gaultier or Alexander McQueen. It features a kimono collar, which will create a unique style, whether worn with trousers or a skirt.
Finally, this princess dress is made of Shiromuku, an outer coat for brides. Beautiful embroidery and scattered sequins are dazzling💓
This exhibition is open to the public from 24th to 30th November 2023. Please come and see them in person if you are in London.
This was the preview night, where various members of the press gathered. I was also invited.
Sake and wine…
Japanese snacks such as karaage (fried chicken), gyoza, and sushi were also served.
Then, as the special event, the fashion show began. These were also Tia’s creations.
Seeing a mannequin wearing it is nice, but it is even more brilliant when a human wears it. Kimono fabrics, in particular, change the patterns depending on the angle of view. The drapes sway as a wearer walks, and the silk and gold and silver threads shine beautifully in the light.
All of them have elegant lines.
By the way, a few days ago, Tia asked me to participate as a model, but I politely declined because I didn’t think I could fit into the size range. Then I saw the show yesterday and knew that all the models were professional and so gorgeous. I shuddered to think that Tia was planning to throw me in among these beauties🤣
Here is Tia’s favourite: a gorgeous dress with dramatic patterns of cranes flying! I thought it was a modest design with a tight neck…
However, the back was widely open. Tia has a great sense of style, and knows the effects such designs create.
Then, Tia Oguri began her mini-talk. First, she explained that all kimono patterns have meanings. Her knowledge of kimono runs deep, and she has worn kimono as a part of her life for more than ten years.
While emphasizing that “kimono with no defects are best worn as they are,” Tia said that old kimono with stains or damage could be given a new life by changing their shape, and sustainability could be realised that way.
Tia designs and produces her products by referring to various vintage items.
It is natural for Japanese people to think about the kimono and its future, but I am moved by the fact that some designers from overseas also understand and love the kimono, and they put their ideas and efforts into it with all their heart, just as Tia Oguri does.
And I really want to wear these dresses that Uber Dandy Kimono produces! Many other people, including kimono lovers, should love to wear such fabulous and elegant dresses.
I chose to wear a blue Houmongi with multicolour poppy patterns for this event. In the UK and some other countries, poppies are known as a flower for remembrance but also a symbol of rebirth. Uber Dandy Kimono gives a new lease of life to long-loved kimono, just as we Japanese have done for centuries, but adds a modern, smashing touch.
I also wore a formal Fukuro obi belt full of pine trees and other auspicious patterns. This is to wish for Tia’s continued success✨
Would you like to wear these kimono dresses? Which one did you particularly like and why? Please share it in the comments.
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed it and would like to support me, there are several ways, all of which I would greatly appreciate. Arigato Gozaimasu!
- Engage with this article by liking, commenting, highlighting, and sharing it.
- Subscribe to my articles. You will receive a notification once a new article is published.
- If you feel super generous, buy me a tea! That will make my day🎉