It’s May! And here at KIM+ONO, we are celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. During AAPI month, it’s a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI communities throughout our country. As a family with both Chinese and Japanese heritage, with our brick and mortar store operating out of Chinatown, SF, our shared heritage and community heritage is of the utmost importance to us. It’s woven into every design and every piece of our production process. So AAPI month feels like a special time to truly connect with the heritage and history of our designs.
As we honor our rich heritage, we invite our lovely community to celebrate with us! One very easy way to celebrate the heritage of our AAPI community is by embracing the elegance and cultural significance of the kimono robe. In today’s journal, we'll explore how to celebrate AAPI Month with your kimono robe, from supporting small businesses like ours to understanding the history of the kimono robe and making it a cherished family heirloom in your own family. Here’s how to celebrate with us, and we hope you will!
One thing we love so much about being a part of the Chinatown community is how the small businesses on Grant Avenue and beyond have been part of the neighborhood’s fabric for decades. Ever since our founders, sisters Renee and Tiffany Tam, grew up working with their parents in their Chinatown shop, the neighborhood has been like a second home. And in that second home are so many heritage-rich, family-centered small businesses who celebrate AAPI culture and contributions. So this month, consider supporting small AAPI-owned businesses when making any purchases. When you pick up a men’s silk robe for your partner or a plus size kimono robe for your friend, you’re not just purchasing a beautiful garment, but you’re also helping to support the livelihood of individuals within these communities. Look for businesses that prioritize authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability in their production processes. Listen to the founding stories, and learn about how the owners of these AAPI small businesses have built their livelihoods over the years.
To truly appreciate the kimono robe, it's essential to understand its history and cultural significance of authentic kimono. Originating from Japan, the authentic kimono is a traditional garment worn for various occasions, ranging from everyday wear to formal ceremonies. Its design, fabric, and patterns often reflect the wearer's social status, age, and even the season. While the term "kimono robe" is commonly used, it's important to note the distinction between a traditional kimono and a robe. The kimono typically refers to the Japanese garment with its specific style, structure, and cultural context. On the other hand, a kimono robe may draw inspiration from the kimono's aesthetics but often features adaptations to suit modern lifestyles, such as shorter lengths, lighter fabrics, and simplified closures. You can learn more about authentic kimono here and shop our collection of luxury silk robes here.
As AAPI Month is a time of celebration and sharing, consider gifting a men’s kimono robe to someone special in your life. To add an extra touch of thoughtfulness, add the art of Furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, to package your gift. Not only does this demonstrate respect for Japanese culture, but it also reduces waste by using reusable fabric instead of disposable wrapping paper. Furoshiki like the kind we offer at checkout can be used to create beautiful and intricate wrapping styles, turning your gift presentation into a work of art. Additionally, it adds an extra layer of meaning to your gift, emphasizing the importance of sustainability which is so important to us here at KIM+ONO.
If you're looking to add a unique and handcrafted piece of art to your wardrobe, now’s the last chance to shop our signature Handpainted Silk Collection. These luxury silk robes require a meticulous production process, which will soon be outdated and no longer possible. So what better time than AAPI month to pick up a luxury silk robe from our last Handpainted Silk Collection before the production process retires. Handpainted Silk women’s and men’s kimono robes are not only luxurious but also a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of skilled artisans who’ve been passing down this technically intricate craft over generations. Each piece in this collection takes seven days to create from start to finish. It features intricate designs and vibrant colors that showcase the beauty and inspiration from vintage Asian art. By adding one of these limited edition luxury silk robes to your own collection, you not only wrap yourself in elegance, but also support and preserve the traditional craftsmanship for future generations to appreciate.
Celebrating AAPI Month with your ‘one size’ and plus size kimono robe is a meaningful way to honor the cultural heritage and contributions of AAPI communities. Whether you're shopping with a small AAPI-owned business, learning about authentic kimono history, or making a luxury silk robe into a family heirloom, the kimono robe serves as a symbol of beauty, tradition, and connection across generations. We hope you’ll join us and embrace the elegance of the kimono robe this AAPI Month and cherish the rich cultural tapestry it represents.
