In a world that truly refuses to slow down, we set our expectations via the speed of texts, same-day shipping, and short 15-second videos to entertain us as quickly as possible. And in that space, there’s something truly radical about taking your time.
At KIM+ONO, we believe slowing down is a luxury that should be afforded to everyone. And over the past 20 years in business, we’ve been committed to the kind of slow, intentional work that produces something truly meaningful — something beautiful, lasting, and deeply personal. Sometimes it’s so personal that it seems almost intuitive and we forget to share our intentions behind how our business runs. So in today’s journal, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you to step into our world of slow, quality, handcrafted goods and the slow living those wearable works of art inspire. Because the best things in life? They always take time.
A Slow Craft, A Soulful Process
Every kimono robe you see in our collection is more than simply an article of clothing. It’s a piece of wearable art, handcrafted through a process that honors both our family heritage and modern innovation. The process of creating our kimono clothing begins with the materials: we’ve spent decades cultivating relationships with the same family of artisans in China’s Silk Village who source the highest quality silk, 100% Grade 6A Raw Mulberry Silk, for our luxurious silk robes.
That same care extends to our silk-alternative materials. For those who desire the look and feel of silk but prefer a non-silk or machine-washable option, we developed a custom silk-alternative charmeuse which is 100% polyester fiber with a charmeuse weave. Lightweight, fluid, and breathable, our Charmeuse Collection has been refined and perfected over years to make sure it’s just as luxurious as our signature silks. And for customers who want the elegance of silk without needing to dry clean, we worked with our producers to create our Washable Silk Collection. It’s still made from 100% Grade 6A Raw Mulberry Silk, but it’s finished and tested in over 20 hours of continuous washing to ensure it holds up to real life. Like all good things, it took time. But now, it saves you time, without ever sacrificing quality.
7 Days to Make One Kimono Robe
Creating one of our Handpainted Silk Kimono Robes is not a process that can be rushed. It takes seven days from start to finish. Our artisans begin the production process by sketching our designs by hand, saturating the 100% silk with rich watercolor, and finally finishing each robe with those last handsewn touches. This meticulous process ensures each robe is not only beautiful, but also completely unique. Your kimono robe is made by human hands and generational knowledge.
And that generational knowledge matters. The art of handpainting kimono robes isn’t something you learn in a weekend workshop. These artisan techniques are passed down orally, taught shoulder-to-shoulder, practiced and refined over decades. It’s a labor of love, rooted in patience, purpose, and heritage.
Photo by @mariacalderon.art
Honoring Tradition, Adapting for Today
The kimono has been a symbol of elegance for centuries. What makes it timeless is its ability to adapt to the moment, the wearer, and the lifestyle. While the traditional kimono was once worn daily in Japanese culture, today, kimono clothing can move from home to street, from lounging to layering. Whether you’re wearing a maxi kimono dress for a garden party or wrapping yourself in a plus size duster kimono robe to feel your most radiant self at home, these pieces of wearable art evolve as your life does.
At KIM+ONO, we’ve always embraced that evolution while staying rooted in the soul of the craft. For two decades, we’ve reimagined the kimono silhouette for modern wearers while honoring its rich cultural heritage. That balance — of past and present, function and elegance — is at the heart of each kimono robe we make.
Photo by @thejoanadias
The Beauty of What Takes Time
A handcrafted kimono robe isn’t the only thing that takes time. So do the most meaningful parts of our lives. Reading a book, not skimming, not scrolling, but sinking into it, takes time. Raising kids, with the early mornings, the late nights, the chaos, the love — it’s not flashy and not everyone sees what we do each day, but every day becomes its own masterpiece. Learning something new, whether it's pottery, chess, or just a new recipe, reminds us that a beginner's mind is a beautiful place to live, and that mastery is earned one slow step at a time. Building relationships, tending to your health, healing from heartbreak, finding your style, reclaiming your joy — these are all meaningful parts of life that take real, and often slow, time. But everything worthwhile does.
Photo by Maria Del Rio
Wear the Slowness
Your kimono robe is more than a garment. It’s a signal to yourself and the world that you value artistry, intention, and self care. Whether you wrap up in one of our silk robes for men after a long day, or you choose a plus size duster kimono robe as your daily uniform of confidence and grace, your wardrobe can be that subtle reminder to your nervous system: go slower. The maxi kimono dress you slip into for a dinner party isn’t just a showstopper, it’s a belief in thoughtful design and centuries of heritage. When you step into your kimono robe, you're stepping into a legacy of slow beauty. A reminder that you’re worthy of time, care, and comfort. There’s no rush.
Slow is a Power Move
We’ve been conditioned to believe that “fast” equals “better”. But maybe “fast” just means “forgettable”. The real luxury is something for which you’re willing to wait. Something crafted with intention, touched by human hands, and built to last. Whether it's our silk robes for men, our washable silk alternatives, or our plus size duster kimono robes, every piece is a story written over time. It’s a story you’ll continue each time you wear it.
So slow down. Let your routines be rituals. Let your wardrobe be a reminder. Let your life be a practice in presence. After all, the best things, love, art, children, wisdom, comfort, beauty, they take time. And they’re worth every second.
