At KIM+ONO, we know deeply — down to the cellular level! — that family heirlooms are more than just objects. The heirlooms passed down by generations are physical embodiments of memories, stories, and love that transcend time. While you may often think of heirlooms as antique furniture or fine jewelry, believe it or not, heirlooms don’t have to be limited to items from the past. In fact, you can create your own family heirloom right now with an object you have today. All it needs to be is something that holds deep meaning and becomes a signature piece for your family’s legacy, such as heirloom clothing, jewelry, or housewares.
We are very connected to our family heritage at KIM+ONO, and we believe that some of the most meaningful heirlooms come from everyday items that are worn with care, used with intention, and passed along with love. Whether it's a floral silk robe you wear in the mornings, or a silk bridal robe or a men’s silk bathrobe you wore on your wedding day, your clothing can be more than just fashion. It can be the start of a beautiful family tradition that carries your story forward over the generations. Here’s how to create your own family heirloom.
The first step in creating a family heirloom is selecting an item that holds meaning for you. Key words: for you. Try not to look too far outside of yourself as it would defeat the purpose of this exercise. The significance of the object only has to make sense to you. Your object doesn’t have to be something extravagant; it could be something you wear or use regularly. What matters most is that the item resonates with you and your personal story. For example, a men’s silk bathrobe might become your go-to piece for quiet moments of reflection, or a floral silk robe might be what you wear when you need to feel your most confident and elegant. Consider a silk bridal robe that you wore on your wedding day, an item with intrinsic sentimentality. As you continue to wear it, the memories and experiences you build with it will only deepen its value. Whether it’s a kimono robe, a candle, a pack of tarot cards, or even a piece of art, the key is to choose something that you love — an item that brings you comfort, joy, or a sense of identity.
Once you’ve chosen your heirloom piece, the next step is to use it with intention. Heirlooms aren’t meant to sit untouched in a drawer—they should be part of your life, a beloved companion to your daily rituals or special occasions. For instance, you might wear a floral silk robe every Sunday morning while having coffee and reading your favorite book. Or perhaps a certain pair of shoes become your go-to for evening walks in the garden, moments when you’re unwinding and connecting with nature. Wearing or using your heirloom robe, shoes, or jewelry with intention adds layers of personal meaning to it. Each time you put it on or use it, you’re imbuing it with your thoughts, energy, and memories. It becomes a symbol of the moments in your life that matter most, making the eventual passing down of this piece even more significant.
An heirloom becomes even more meaningful when it is part of a ritual or tradition. These rituals don’t have to be grand or ceremonial — they can be simple, everyday practices that give structure and meaning to your life. At KIM+ONO, the seemingly mundane moments of life are the most magical. Perhaps you make it a tradition to wear your kimono robe dusters for women every year during the holidays as you gather with family. Or perhaps you’ll reserve your silk bridal robe for special anniversaries, keeping it tied to your most cherished relationship. Over time, these small, intentional acts become part of your story, and the items themselves become infused with your own life’s narrative.
As you continue to wear or use your heirloom piece, allow it to become a signature of your personal style or identity. People might even start to associate you with that style, a subtle symbol of your character and spirit. Perhaps you’re known for hosting dinner parties in your elegant kimono robe dusters for women or for always greeting the morning sun with singing bowls and incense. These small stylish details can become your trademark, and as they do, they’ll imbue your heirloom clothing with even deeper connection to your life.
Eventually, the time will come to pass your cherished item on to someone else. This could be a daughter, son, grandchild, or a beloved friend. The beauty of an heirloom lies not just in its past but in its future, in the lives it will touch and the stories it will carry forward. You don’t have to wait for a big moment to pass it on. You can simply choose a moment that feels meaningful — perhaps as a gift on a milestone birthday, a wedding day, or a moment of personal transition for the person you’re gifting it to. As you hand over the floral silk robe, piece of art, or personal jewelry, you are gifting more than physical objects. You are passing on the memories, traditions, and love that it holds.
The final step in creating a family heirloom is perhaps the most important—sharing its story. When you pass on your silk bridal robe or dusters for women, take the time to tell the recipient what it has meant to you. Explain the rituals you’ve embedded into it, the moments it’s been part of, and why you chose to give it to them. Bring them into the narrative and connect your gift recipient to your own story. Encourage the recipient to create their own rituals with it, so that it may carry forward their story as well.
Creating a family heirloom is a deeply personal and meaningful act. It’s about choosing something that resonates with you, using it with intention, and passing it along with love. As you transform your cherished pieces into heirlooms, remember that you’re building more than just a collection of things, you’re building a legacy.
