At KIM+ONO, one thing that remains vitally important to us — whether it’s in creativity or business — is to have meaningful intention. We know that as fast as life can move, when we slow down and act with good intentions, we always make better choices. It’s something that has always been at the heart of what we do from the way we design our pieces, to the layout of our kimono store, to the way we interact as a team. Meaningful intention is behind every action.
And we know you understand, lovely, because that’s what you do, too. In every part of your day, you bring your intentions and those intentions create meaning in your life. Even the simple act of choosing what to cook your family for dinner becomes imbued with meaning because of the way you do it. And this is true in every single part of your day. This is why we created our modern kimono robes — to give you another way to express your intentions and bring meaning into every moment. From the softness of the silk to the fluid liquid drape in every piece, we have intended for these designs to give you a deep breath and deeper connection to what’s important to you.
Part of our process in bringing that meaning to life is through the symbolism included in every design. While we don’t replicate traditional Japanese kimono, we do take inspiration from the aesthetics and history of the traditional garment. That rich history and the symbolic nature of the images that have inspired our co-founders, sisters Renee and Tiffany Tam, are woven into each and every piece. So today in the journal, we’re giving you a closer look at the symbolic beauty behind some of our most favorite florals so you can understand where our intentions came from and how those intentions can bring meaning to your life each time you slip into your silk kimono robe. Learn about the symbolism of the lotus, cherry blossom, and peony below.
Traditionally, the cherry blossom has symbolized a time of renewal. As the flower of the spring, it represents the fleeting nature of life and the botanical embodiment of the idea that “every dawn is a new day”. It’s such an important symbol to us, that it is in a few of our modern kimono robes — our Handpainted Cherry Blossom Kimono Robe, and the Cherry Blossom & Crane design which is available in in our Charmeuse and plus size kimono robes, as well as our kimono wraps. The intention with the cherry blossom is to remind you throughout your day that renewal is always available to you. You can approach each moment with a new intention, a new dream, a new prayer. You can approach each day with fresh eyes, wondering what will happen next. We hope whether you’re slipping into your silk kimono robe or plus size kimono robe, you feel connected to the spirit of the cherry blossom: the idea that you are always evolving, that this too shall pass, and that you can bring something new to each and every moment you encounter.
The peony has traditionally represented beauty, good luck, and prosperity. It has an air of calling all good things to the surface and enlivening life with a feeling of abundance — whether it’s from the elegance and beauty of nature, or the prosperity that comes from higher alignment. Perhaps that’s why our Peony & Butterfly Kimono Robe is a best-seller! Whether you’re looking for an elegant men’s kimono robe, a washable silk kimono robe, or you want to look like Gwen Stefani when getting ready on her wedding day, the peony graces a few of our most popular designs. What’s even more special is how customers will imbue their gifts with this meaningful good luck symbol. If a friend is going through a particularly rough patch and could use a win, the peony is just the meaningful symbol to gift her. Let her wrap up in the sophisticated elegance of the design, the whimsical nature of the silk, and the feeling of knowing good luck is always just around the bend. And if you could use a win, gift yourself a little luxury knowing that the meaning and intention woven into your modern kimono robe will always have (and be draped oh so beautifully on) your back!
The lotus has always been a powerful symbol in Asian heritage. It represents enlightenment, the highest form of conscious awareness, and in so doing, it also represents self-regeneration and rebirth. When one becomes enlightened, there is a shedding of the old ways or perspective to make way for something new. It naturally instigates a rebirth, and it’s something that comes from the inside out. Self-regeneration relies not on outside external factors, but from deep within, making the lotus, a symbol of self-regeneration, a powerful and potent symbol. Our handpainted silk kimono robes, washable silk kimono robes, and our plus size kimono robes all feature this extraordinarily symbolic flower. Inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono and how it took on different meanings at different times in the wearer’s life, our modern kimono robes also evolve with your life. Not all of us can be enlightened, but we can all certainly work on our own rebirth and self-regeneration. Whether you’re beginning or ending a big life event, those beginnings and endings are like initiation — you become purified by trial, and your awareness is brought to new life with deeper wisdom and connection to the world. This is the power of the lotus symbol that we hope you feel each time you slip into your silk kimono robe.
Whether you choose the cherry blossom, the peony, the lotus, or all three of them, we hope knowing more about the symbols behind these botanical beauties helps to bring more intention to your day each time you wear them. You deserve a beautiful life, lovely, take care and be well.
