I was contacted recently by a fashion student who was interested in my designs for her project based on the importance of recycling materials in the fashion industry. Until my communication with her, I hadn’t focussed on promoting this aspect of my business, so I’m greatful to her for highlighting it to me.
I use vintage Japanese kimono obi silks in my designs that date from 1920’s upwards. Most are sourced from Kyoto, and have either been worn by geishas or in formal Japanese ceremonies. Their history and elaborate symbolic designs are endlessly fascinating to me, and my heart jumps when I open a new delivery of obis. My design eye ignites at the prospect of turning them into my accessory designs, to give them a new lease of life, a completely different direction and immersed in a new culture, while giving respect to their original heritage.
I design products that make women feel special when they wear them. My handbags not only are made from recycling the most exquisite metallic woven brocades, but they carry with them their history and culture. If only the silks could speak, we would be enlightened with stories of traditional Japanese ceremony’s of past. My products are not fast fashion, they are little works of art carefully curated to bring a little luxury into your life.
I’m often asked if my silks are sustainable, is the supply indefinite? I’ve been buying vintage Japanese obis for ten years now and for each decade that passes, so another decade is defined as ‘from a past era’. So I hope to continue reconstituting these incredible belts of beauty into many more Abi-K products for you all to enjoy wearing and telling their story.
Be unique :)