Until Upcycling

We procure kimonos and obis from reputable wholesalers.
Some kimonos on the verge of being discarded are new ones with the finishing threads still attached, and some obis with stickers such as "XX weave" still attached.

This is lovely! But if it is stained too much, it will be removed at this point. We look at the colors and patterns and let our imagination run wild as we concentrate on the selection process.

Kimonos arriving at the atelier are dismantled to return them to their antique state.
Instead, we carefully unravel each piece one by one using thread cutting scissors and a perforator so that we can make the most of every inch.

The remaining silk lining is not thrown away but becomes shoppers (bags to deliver the products). Once sorted into white and colored items, they are sent to the warehouse.

While removing the remaining threads from the unraveled kimono, we check and mark where the stains and spots are.
Then iron and firmly straighten the folds.

The combination of kimono and obi is determined by trying out the image in the mind many times.
Some combinations are quickly determined, while others are difficult to determine.

In such a case, we put it on hold. After cooling down, we will decide the combination at a later date.

Cut larger pieces while calculating the shrinkage rate in the pressing operation.
Several types of interlinings of different hardness and thickness are also roughly cut to fit each item.

Depending on the thickness of the material, several types of interlining are combined and adjusted before applying the interlining using a press machine.

The main cutting is finally completed when the core is finished being attached.
It is a very nerve-wracking process to cut the pattern while looking at the pattern and checking the paper pattern over and over again.
The inner fabric is also cut by item.

Fold the mouth of the bag, the handles, and the edges of the clutch bag with an iron.
Again, check for stains and dirt and wrinkles in areas of concern.

From a sustainable perspective, the brand tag is made of "artificial leather" instead of genuine leather.
We borrowed a cutting machine from the leather workshop on the first floor of the atelier to cut out more and more pieces.
The brand logo is then stamped using a foil stamping machine to complete the "HANA TOKYO" brand tag.

Artificial leather is sewn rounded out to prevent the edges of the bag from fraying.
The size is changed according to the product.

Finally, the sewing process begins.
Depending on the item, some are sent out to craftsmen, while others are made in the atelier, where they are sewn using industrial sewing machines.

The work proceeds while using different types of threads and needles depending on the part to be sewn.
The thick material requires considerable arm strength and many years of experience, including detailed sewing techniques.

We inspect every detail with the products returned from the craftsmen, checking our own checkpoints.
This is the final inspection work to check whether the perforations have not jumped, whether the thread trimming has been done properly, and so on.

Remove excess lint, attach tags, etc., and complete.

Patterns vary depending on where they are cut, and each product is one-of-a-kind.
We are taking pictures to convey as many nuances as possible.

After a long journey from the past, it will travel back to you.