At KIM+ONO, every fiber of silk and every brushstroke of rich watercolor tells a story of heritage, self care, beauty, and luxury. Sisters and co-founders Renee and Tiffany Tam brought KIM+ONO to life with the intention to merge generations-old techniques with modern self care. Honoring both the past and the present, KIM+ONO kimono robe designs blend traditional art with modern minimal art, and make the elegant into something functional.
The Tam sisters grew up surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of San Francisco’s Chinatown, which was like a second home to them. The girls followed their parents to Asia, where they witnessed traditional artisans working on heritage-rich kimono. The girls grew up working in their family’s shops on Grant Avenue and soaking in the aesthetics and philosophy of Eastern design. Today, those early influences inform every design decision they make — from the motifs on our kimono clothes to the way our collections are gifted and cherished. t’s this kimono design philosophy that’s at the heart of our brand. So today in the journal, we’re sharing more about what’s stitched into each and every piece.
Photo by Augie Chang
Design Philosophy: How We Create Our Kimono Robes
Renee and Tiffany begin designing each new style from a state of openness. The creative process, they believe, isn’t something that can be forced — it’s something that flows when you give it space and relaxation (like much of life!). Whether it’s listening to music that encourages them to unwind, traveling to immerse themselves in self care experiences, or simply creating quiet moments in their day to let ideas naturally evolve, their approach is grounded in intuition as much as it comes from traditional inspiration.
The sisters begin the design process with you, always, in mind. They ask themselves: What does the modern individual want to feel when they slip into this piece? From there, the journey begins. They seek designs that tell a deeper story if you’re willing to look for it. Balancing their family’s cultural history with symbols that represent renewal, resilience, and beauty, each kimono robe design fuses the past with the present through symbolism and history. The meaning of cherry blossoms, for example, is woven through many of our designs, symbolizing renewal, the fleeting nature of time, and the beauty of impermanence. It’s an important concept in the Tam’s family heritage, and a beautiful symbol for you when you slip into self care you can wear.
We believe functional elegance is not a contradiction — it’s a choice. That’s why our kimono clothes aren’t reserved for special occasions; they’re made to be lived in, lounged in, and worn inside or outside. Whether you’re layering a maxi kimono dress for a night out on the town or slipping into a silk robe for a quiet morning ritual, our designs are created to elevate the everyday moments of your life.
At KIM+ONO, we believe there is beauty in the everyday — in your morning cup of tea, in the softness of fabric against your skin, in the quiet confidence of wearing something that feels like you’re wrapped in a cloud. Every design considers your well-being and how we can offer you a little bit of luxury in the rush of modern life.
Photo by Ashley Streff
Gifting Philosophy: How We Think About Giving to Others
For us, gifting is an art. It requires more than just picking something pretty; it takes imagination. It requires stepping into the shoes of someone you love and asking: What would make them feel cherished? That’s where the true art of gifting begins.
We believe a gift transforms feelings into action. When you gift a KIM+ONO kimono robe, you’re not just giving someone you love a little self care, you’re also affirming and validating their need for it. You’re saying, “You deserve softness. You deserve beauty. You deserve a moment just for yourself.”
And as wonderful as it is to receive a gift like that, we also know gifting is not only about the receiver. It’s just as powerful for the giver. There’s delight in choosing a piece that reflects your relationship, your history together, or your wishes for the loved one’s future. A kimono outfit can say, “I believe in your strength,” or “I want you to feel as beautiful as I see you.” It becomes a shared story, and a powerful message.
We also believe gifting shouldn’t be about more, it should be about better. A well-chosen handcrafted gift, one infused with thought and intention, means far more than a pile of presents. That intentionality is something you can feel when you slip into a silk kimono robe. From the Affirmation Cotton Drawstring Bag to the 7-day handpainted design, our pieces are stitched with intention and meaning.
Photo by @mariacalderon.art
Collector’s Philosophy: How to Create a Meaningful Kimono Robe Collection
Your kimono robe collection should be more than fabric hanging in your closet. It should be a collection of memories that mean something specific to you. Each piece you choose tells a story of where you are in your life when you collected it. Whether it’s the maxi kimono dress you wore on a milestone birthday, or the silk robe you slipped into every morning during a season of healing, these robes become part of your narrative.
Collecting meaningful pieces adds a different kind of quality to your wardrobe. Start with a design that speaks to your current chapter in life. Look for symbolism that resonates. You can choose the meaning of cherry blossoms, which remind us to embrace change and find peace in the how life ebbs and flows. With every robe you add to your collection, you’re curating a visual and tactile journal of your life.
And don’t keep your collection hidden away. Display it. Hang your robes on decorative hooks or padded hangers. Photograph yourself in them to mark meaningful moments. Use them as both wardrobe and art. The intricate designs and delicate fabrics are meant to be admired, not saved for a special day. Every day is special, after all.
Photo by Ashley Streff
At KIM+ONO, we don’t just make kimono clothes. We design experiences, memories, and connections in every choice we make. Every design begins with you in mind. So whether you’re building your own collection, choosing a gift for someone you love, or simply seeking beauty in the everyday, we invite you to make our robes part of your story. It’s a beautiful one, well worth telling.
