Kimono awawa's clothes are made with the handiwork of skilled craftsmen, carefully selected materials, and sustainable production processes. By focusing on the environment and process behind the production and telling the story of the producers' skills and passion, we will introduce how our products are created and the deeper meaning behind them.
Introduction of the workshop and the region
Our clothes are carefully crafted, sewn and dyed by skilled craftsmen in our workshop in Tokushima Prefecture. The workshop is located in an area that is deeply rooted in the local culture and history, and this is reflected in our products. We are inspired by the local traditions and nature.
The craftsmanship and skill of the sewing craftsmen
In order to make the most of the unique pattern of the fabric used in the TRAD series , the pattern-drawing process is done with great care. The beauty of the pattern is accentuated by eliminating the yoke on the back and spreading the pattern across the entire back. Also, the width of the fabric is different between fabrics used for Western clothing and fabrics used for yukata and kimono, so the pattern is adjusted to fit the unique width of the fabric and the thread count of the arm part is changed to make the shirt make the most of the characteristics of the fabric.
In the sewing process, all buttons are hand-rolled one by one to make opening and closing comfortable. In addition, a rolled hem technique used in high-quality shirts is used, which means the seams are not flimsy, making the shirt look and feel gentle on the skin.
When selecting the thread material, we compared materials such as polyester and cotton. Polyester in particular has a luxurious feel and allows for beautiful sewing with little fuzz. The sides of the shirt are bar-stitched to give it durability. As for the appearance of the pattern, we were concerned that the best parts of the pattern might be hidden due to the seam allowance, so we devised a way to show the pattern without hiding it.
In this way, each pattern is like a custom-made piece of clothing .
The dyer's passion and ingenuity in indigo dyeing
We work with our own techniques and passion for indigo dyeing. For example, the buttons used on the short sleeve shirt are indigo dyed. During the prototype stage, our dyers tried and compared various materials such as polyester and shells, and selected coconut buttons with their attractive deep indigo color.
When dyeing buttons with indigo, the buttons are placed in a colander so that they do not overlap, and then gently shaken. This process requires constant attention, as "otherwise the buttons will stick together," and is done carefully. The dyeing process is done by hand by a dyer over several days, and one of the attractions of this process is the deep indigo that cannot be achieved through mass production.
The depth of color that our indigo dye artisans have specially achieved through trial and error gives our products special value.
→ Learn more about the appeal of indigo dyeing
Manufacturing process details
The manufacturing process begins with the selection of materials. The TRAD series uses kimono fabrics from Kondaya Genbei, an obi craftsman established in Muromachi, Kyoto, more than 280 years ago. The optimal materials are selected with consideration not only for quality but also for their impact on the environment. The fabrics are cut precisely and then sewn with expert skill. The finishing touches are exemplified by the craftsman's attention to detail. For example, even the opening of the collar and the position of the buttons are finely adjusted.
Collaboration between brand and workshop
There is a close collaboration between kimono awawa and the workshop. In order to create valuable products together, we communicate closely from the design stage onwards, striving to produce the best products. This collaborative relationship is what makes kimono awawa clothing so special.
In the workshop, you can feel the passion that the craftsmen put into each and every shirt. In March, the workshop is filled with the clear scent of indigo, and even in the slightly chilly weather, you can feel the passion of the craftsmen. By observing the Otani ware jars in the workshop and the distinctive indigo dyeing process up close, you can gain a deeper understanding of the products.
Our clothes are the culmination of stories woven by the skills and passion of our craftsmen. The passion and efforts of our producers live on in our products. We would like to continue to offer better products while cherishing their skills and passion.