My chaotic wanderings through creation and restoration.
Before we get into it, I want you to know that I lost my goddamn mind creating this tutorial. I picked this haori to use for this tutorial because it's one that I want to wear in the super near future, and because of my -looks down- large tracks of land, I would have needed … Continue reading Tutorial–Resizing Haori
Today I received this absolutely delightful wood temple model that was a bit dirty and in need of some gentle repairs. It came to me in a few pieces, but the pieces are whole, and the areas they separated are just where the glue has failed. Now, I realise I don't know a whole fuck … Continue reading Lazy Saturday Afternoon Restoration
Warm Hued Black Silk Gauze Internally Painted With Drums And Weeping Willow. Did you see it? The sun! The goddamn sun was out today! And we edge ever closer to springtime here in the US Midwest. It's currently the proper mud season, but it's trying to be warm and so here I am, continuing my … Continue reading Antique Haori–Summer Music
Bright Gold Medallions In Lacquer Threads On Deep Black Silk. It's trying very hard to be spring occasionally here in Chicagoland, USA, so it seems the perfect time to be showcasing the jackets of my kimono collection. Today, here's a beautiful douchugi from the early Showa Era. I have confirmation that this piece is from … Continue reading Antique Douchugi–Deco Gold
Deep Dark Plum Silk Adorned With Iris And Bamboo Inside Stylized Snow Rings. This is one of my many pieces that I struggle to date properly when it comes to placing it squarely in an era. Women's haori are delightful little jackets, and traditionally speaking are informal to begin with (unlike men's haori but that's … Continue reading Antique Haori-Springtime Snowflakes
Bright Red Silk With Blooming Spring Flowers And A Touch Of Gold. Sugar pop! Those were the words that flew out of my mouth with a cutesy little gasp when I first saw this piece. If you know me personally, and some of you do, then you know that my personal fashion aesthetic is...I don't … Continue reading Showa Haori–Sugar Pop!
Bright Summer Flowers And Books On Sheer Black Silk. This one is a rare bird, also covered in adorable little plover birds. I believe it to be late Taisho to early Showa Era, probably not any younger than the 1950's. That's an inspired guess based on the feel of the fabric, the themes, and the … Continue reading Vintage Furisode–Summer Reading
Dusky Black Woven Silk With Sweet Blooming Roses And Climbing Ivy Leaves Pictured: Restoration Complete If you have been following along, then you might recognize this haori from this post. The restoration is complete! While she is not perfect, the fading is under control, the goddamn Sharpie has been removed, and she has been completely … Continue reading Antique Haori–Warm Roses & Ivy
A Proud Peacock In Flight Over Crashing Waves & Snowy Mountains The finished piece. I often refer to this piece as my "crown jewel." And that's actually not because of its classy-AF colours and themes, it's because it took me two years to restore it. I also refer to this furisode as the piece that … Continue reading Taisho/Showa Furisode–The “Crown Jewel”
Silk & Bones 