Eco-friendly Genuine Kimono Bag (clutch / handbag ) Upcycled obi for kimonos

The gold embroidery is a Japanese family crest of "Gosan no Kiri" (5-3 paulownias). Please see the bottom of this page for its description. It blends traditional Japanese beauty with a modern design that suits any style. Perfect for special occasions such as weddings, parties, dating, dinners etc. By attaching and detaching the chain on the handle, it can be used as both a clutch bag and a handbag. Enjoy the beautiful embroidery and weaving based on the Japanese family crest motifs called "Kamon" of "Goshichi-no-Kiri" and "Hoshi-tsuki Shippo". The pattern is more of a fashion crest than an official family crest so anyone can use it. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kimono Craft Studio Project starts! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In Japan, many young women wear kimonos to celebrate their “coming-of-age” ceremony when they turn 20. It’s a beautiful tradition! But after that, unfortunately, most people only get a few chances to wear a kimono in their lifetime, maybe at a friend’s wedding or another formal event. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Why? Because wearing a kimono, especially tying an obi without a kimono dresser is VERY HARD! It takes practice, time, and skill. For modern busy women, it’s tough to wear something that requires so many hours; booking an appointment with a kimono dresser, moving to her place, and getting dressed for such a long time. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In the days when it was not common for women to go out to work, kimonos and obis were considered "assets" for women. Because they were made using high-quality silk and were full of craftsmanship. And if times got tough, they could be sold to support their living. But, as more women entered the workforce, the value of kimonos changed from "assets" to "attire." While there was no longer a need to rely on kimonos and obis financially, the "time hurdle" of putting them on became higher, and as a result, kimonos and obi were worn less. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Unfortunately, in Japanese business practices, it is common for things to lose value as they get older. Houses are the most obvious example, but the same is true for obis and kimonos, for which demand has decreased. Isn’t it heartbreaking to see such beautiful, well-preserved items treated this way? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - So, I decided to upcycle the most well-preserved parts from these damaged and forgotten obis tucked away in the closets into other items that people worldwide can enjoy. Each piece is full of tradition, craftsmanship, and history. And now, it can be part of your life, too. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Watch videos on upcycling obis! I have put together a playlist of short videos showing how to upcycle damaged and no longer used obis. You tube playlist (Upcycling obis) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDiuOqMUp-tMtMN4bcwEH1UXQ_kvKShCN&si=SPIGsq3c9UklWAq4 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - What is the Japanese family crest? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “Kamon”, the Japanese family crests are used to represent family lineage and status, and are determined by each family. However, there are some crests called “Tsuumon” that anyone can use. The paulownia crest is one of them and it is a symbol of Japan. You can find there on the Japanese 500 yen coins and the Japanese passports.