Over the past few weeks, we’ve told you the story behind each and every kimono robe. It’s a story about two sisters growing up in Chinatown, SF and following their dreams. Stitched into every piece is the story of how Renee and Tiffany Tam blended sisterhood and partnership to bring modern kimono robes to life for the modern woman (and man!). From their childhood beginnings running around their parents’ store in Chinatown to the ethos behind their online shop and kimono store today, the sister duo has put family at the heart of everything they do.
Every modern kimono robe in our KIM+ONO collection carries the stories, the bonds and the history between sisters Renee and Tiffany. Tiffany says, "As mothers, and modern women, it’s really important for us to find balance in life. And we put that intention into designing these pieces. When you wear one of these kimono robes it feels like the ultimate act of self love. If we can make a person feel good about themselves with what we do, then that hits us right in the heart. That is our mission.” Renee confirms, “I couldn’t agree more.”
That’s where the story begins. The story continues with the incredible artisans who craft each and every piece. We’ve shown you the makers behind your favorites pieces. These artisans are folks our founders’ family has partnered with for decades from China’s Silk Village. They bring their extraordinary talent and timeless techniques to each and every handcrafted piece. Our team of artisans works to make your kimono robe a timeless statement piece that can last you a lifetime and an heirloom that you can pass down from generation to generation.
And that’s just the beginning of your floral kimono robe’s story. While our pieces aren’t exactly traditional Japanese kimono, we’ve taken the kimono meaning and applied it to these modern pieces. A kimono — literally translated as “the thing worn”— is a work of art, a vibrant canvas draped over the wearer that, as history states, is as integral to her persona as her own physical attributes. Our modern floral kimono robes are endowed with meaning each and every time you were them. You stitch your own story into these pieces with the ebbs and flows of your life. And today in the journal, we’re celebrating all the ways you express your own story through your kimono robe each time you wear it.
In these incredibly uncertain times, many of us have wavered in our daily routines. We’ve felt thrown off and our typical structures have been removed from daily life: no work commute, working from home, schooling at home, everything at home. Finding a casual kimono robe that can keep you feeling comfortable and beautiful, even when in your own little corner of the world, can bring you back to yourself. We absolutely loved the way Berlhey Narcisse wore hers with the great advice, “While we can THOROUGHLY enjoy the BUMMY look from time to time, don’t make it your norm, if it’s not who you want to be. Buy some silks & satins, and give YOURSELF a lot of sexy time. Turn yourself on again 😉, you deserve it!” And we couldn’t agree more!
It can be tough to find the moments to breathe, but even five minutes of meditation per day can make you feel a little bit of expanse. We love seeing how you use a casual kimono robe as part of your mindfulness routine. With soft fabrics and subtle florals, your robe is a reminder to get in touch with your senses. We love this photo of Tia Robinson connecting with nature, deepening her breath, and finding a mindful moment in her day.
The best part of a modern kimono robe (in our humble opinion) is its versatility. It can serve as a bathrobe or a lightweight layer or jacket as your day progresses. It can move with you as you shift your energy from lounging to working. We love this lounging look from Christine Long, and her message for this month to funnel your focus and take proactive steps in your life. She writes, “What a better time [to be proactive] considering we’re entering into the 8th month of the year! 8 is the number of infinity. Number 8 is a symbol of self-confidence, success, inner wisdom, decisiveness, self-discipline, new beginnings, efficiency and prosperity! So how are you being proactive this month?!” Seeing how you bring your focus to all that’s to come, and expressing that in your own unique way, is something we celebrate every month.
Even as we move through this challenging time with so much uncertainty, there are some beautiful life moments that continue to be special and help us look to the future. One of those moments is expecting a child. As mothers and women, we know the ups and downs of motherhood from the very moment you realize you’re pregnant. That story is one that helps us look forward to what’s to come: the new meanings, traditions, and routines that will upend our lives in a good way. We love the way Raven is wearing her floral kimono robe in anticipation of her baby. She says, “All I want to wear for the rest of my pregnancy is a thin dress under a @kimandono_ every single day. I’m obsessed, it feels soooo good being draped in something so delicate and beautiful while I continue to blow up by the second.” These are the moments of anticipation, excitement, and a changing future that bring us so much joy when we remember them down the road.
No matter what your particular story is, we hope that you weave it into your favorite kimono robe each and every time you wear it. While the story starts in San Francisco with a design, it is always written by beautiful, expressive, confident you.
