We are so excited to from our other kimono collections, with you: VIVIANCHAN x KIM+ONO! We couldn’t be more thrilled about this collection. Not only are we working with brand new kimono fabric, but our kimono patterns in this collection are updated for a completely modern aesthetic that still abides by traditional and classic feels. In addition to the beauty of these pieces, this collaboration with fashion designer Vivian Chan is one way to walk the walk in uplifting and empowering other female-founded small businesses, just like ours.
At the beginning of the pandemic, it was really important to us to support and work with other small businesses who were hard hit by these difficult times. This collaboration is a true work of kindred spirits — both aesthetically and entrepreneurially — and we are beyond thrilled to be sharing it with you today.
To help introduce you to the ideas, inspirations, and dreams we’ve had for these pieces, we sat down with Renee and Tiffany Tam, sisters and the co-founders of KIM+ONO. Below you’ll learn more about the kimono outfits from this collection, how these kimono fabrics are different from our other kimono collections, and the story behind the collaboration. Take a look!
Q: Why were you excited to collaborate with Vivian Chan?
Renee and Tiffany: Vivian is a dear friend, and a new mom-to-be as well! (Congrats, Vivian!!) We felt like this could be a perfect partnership because both of our brands align with our beliefs. Both our brands want to empower women and make them feel beautiful. This has been a difficult year for everyone, and yet, we’re all still forging ahead. This collection is truly a celebration of that.
VIVIANCHAN is inspired by and dedicated to real women, real careers, and real personalities. Their purpose is to create garments that can allow a woman to celebrate her beauty as well as embrace her femininity. Each design is developed with attention to detail to complement your style and taste, encouraging you to feel comfortable in your own skin. For KIM+ONO, we believe deeply, and weave into every design the idea that you are strong, you are beautiful, and you are a work of art. We design everything from our kimono outfits to our wedding kimono robes to our wraps to be a reflection of just how beautiful the modern woman can be. We want you to feel confident in your own skin, so this collaboration felt like a no brainer.
Q: Why is it important to do a collaboration with Vivian now?
Renee and Tiffany: There are two reasons why now was the best time to launch this new collection of kimono outfits. We know how difficult this year has been for everyone. There have been so many ups and downs, so many unknowns, and we’re still working through so many challenges as a society. But we also know that we have gotten through a lot by standing together. We want this to be a celebration of the fact that we are still here and still doing our best every day to bring a little more love into the world. The second reason is it’s International Women’s Day on March 8th so this is actually the perfect timing — to collaborate with a dear friend of ours who is also a WOC entrepreneur. This new collection is meant to empower women, celebrate your beauty, and encourage you to be comfortable in your own skin. We stand together to inspire everyone to be the best version of themselves.
Q: What was the inspiration behind these new designs?
Renee and Tiffany: We wanted to create something new, unique, and special, and we really took our customers’ feedback to heart. We know many of them love pockets, so these are for you, pocket lovers! It’s really important to have something that is easy to care for so this kimono fabric is a poly-cotton blend that allows it to be machine washable. While our botanical kimono patterns in this collection are super beautiful and whimsical, they have a classic feel that matches the structured feel of each design. With tapered sleeves and a sleek silhouette, the sheer kimono fabric allows for endless layering options and the structure of these designs create an instant statement look. And, for those who feel our longer length kimono robes are too long, we are offering this in a midi length that is in between the long and short length. It’s the best of all possible worlds!
Q: How do you hope women will incorporate these pieces into their wardrobe?
Renee and Tiffany: We hope that these pieces will become a classic staple in every woman’s wardrobe for many years to come. We would love to see how our customers style each of these pieces to express themselves. Whether it’s their wedding kimono robe or they casually pair one of these botanical kimono patterns with jeans and a tee, or wear it tied with a slip dress underneath paired with heels on a date or girls’ night out, or even worn as a coat over a camisole, or tucked in a pair of wide leg/straight leg pants — we know that every woman’s life transforms these kimono outfits to be something truly unique and beautiful. Be creative, and the possibilities are endless!
Q: How do you want women to feel when they wear this collection?
Renee and Tiffany: Strong, beautiful, and deserving.
Q: What is giving you hope as we move into 2021 and beyond?
Renee and Tiffany: Honestly, it’s every single one of YOU! We are stronger when we stand together. We have been through a lot as a community in 2020 and 2021. From the pandemic to social justice movements, we have seen our customers be open-minded, accepting. When our team has been transparent in the ways we’re growing, doing the work, and supporting all folks in every walk of life, our customers have shown up with love, respect, and support. Receiving all of your positive feedback, endless support and hopeful messages this year, and embracing us with an outpouring of love from our community, has been so meaningful to us and is what keeps us going. We are so honored to be able to create beautiful kimono robes that add a little comfort and luxury to your every day. Thank YOU all for giving us this opportunity. We know that by standing together, we’ll make the world a better place.
