May is not just another month on the calendar for our team at KIM+ONO. All month, we’re celebrating AAPI heritage, culture, and identity for the members of our community and neighborhood. Our founders, sisters Renee and Tiffany Tam, grew up in San Francisco with Chinatown being their second home. They were in their parents’ shops almost every day, and as little girls, they were very much a part of their surrounding community. Now, with KIM+ONO’s brick and mortar store on Grant Avenue, the same neighborhood they grew up in, they’re keeping their AAPI traditions and heritage alive with a new generation. So this month is a personal one to our team!
As we honor AAPI Month, we want to share with you the rich tapestry of traditions, artistry, and history that defines our vibrant community. Of course, among the myriad cultural treasures belonging to AAPI culture, one stands out with timeless elegance and significance – the traditional Japanese kimono. In today’s journal, we’ll share six ways in which the modern kimono robes we’ve created embody heritage and legacy. Wearing these botanical beauties is a wonderful way to celebrate AAPI month, from their vintage inspiration to their modern reinvention, our silky floral robes breathe new life into old traditions. So today, we’re sharing the traditional beauty of heritage with you, so each time you slip into your own silky floral robe, you celebrate and feel connected to the power and beauty of AAPI heritage.
The inspiration for our women’s silk robes and men’s silk robes began in our founders’ childhoods. As little girls, they were exposed to beautiful vintage Asian art, and that aesthetic is woven into the more modern motifs of silky floral robe’s design. Each pattern is a homage to vintage artistry, drawing inspiration from centuries-old traditions passed down through generations, while bringing a modern sensibility and minimal aesthetic to every design. The delicate cherry blossoms, graceful cranes, and botanical beauties were gorgeous images you might have seen on traditional Japanese kimono. And now, interpreted for a modern wearer, our silky floral robes bring the essence of traditional Chinese and Japanese aesthetics to a modern layer, evoking a sense of reverence for the past and connection to the present.
Within every stitch of our women’s silk robes is a profound connection to our founders’ childhood memories and cultural upbringing. Tiffany and Renee grew up in San Francisco, and Chinatown was like their second home. So from a young age, the two girls were steeped in AAPI traditions. When traveling with their parents on business trips overseas, the young girls witnessed the generations-old production process of traditional Japanese kimono firsthand and it made a lasting impression on them. From the meticulous selection of fabrics to the masterful art of hand-painting these beautiful pieces, these formative experiences shaped their design ethos for every silky floral robe. Their love of heritage can be felt through every detail, from design to production process, these are truly heritage-rich works of art.
The traditional Japanese kimono, once an everyday garment in Japanese culture, held a profound significance in daily life. Worn by men, women, and children alike, it symbolized tradition, status, and identity. From ceremonial rituals to casual outings, the traditional Japanese kimono was worn for a variety of occasions, adding grace and elegance. Its intricate folds and vibrant colors reflected the wearer's personality and social standing, weaving a narrative of cultural pride and heritage. As we pay homage to this timeless attire with our silky floral robes, we hope to modernize its legacy for contemporary audiences through women’s silk robes and men’s silk robes.
For modern life, which requires more speed, more variety, and perhaps even more intention than in centuries past, silky floral robes can be the beautiful daily piece connecting your everyday rituals to meaningful heritage. With its timeless silhouette and beautiful drape, these contemporary silky floral robes have a range of lightweight fabrics for breathable comfort. The designs are each so versatile so your styling options for everyday wear are seemingly limitless. And every modern design is enriched with traditional symbolism dating back centuries.
Central to the traditional Japanese kimono’s appeal is its distinctive T-cut shape, which embodies elegance and simplicity. Crafted from luxurious silk or cotton, each traditional Japanese kimono is a testament to the artistry of generations-old textile craftsmanship. These modern silky floral robes retain the same T-shaped design, for a flowing, liquid drape that’s flattering on every silhouette. The meticulous attention to detail, from our limited edition Handpainted Silks to our durable and elegant Washable Silk reflects a heritage and legacy of intention passed down through centuries. Each time you wear your silky floral robe, you’re paying homage to the generations of artisans who have dedicated their lives to preserving this timeless tradition.
Beyond its aesthetic beauty, your women’s silk robes and men’s silk robes serve as tangible links to both cultural heritage and your own personal heritage. You can wear your silky floral robe for the most important life occasions as well as typical daily life. The blend of life’s big and small moments are all woven into your piece each time you wear it. So when these beautiful pieces are passed down from mother to daughter, father to son, or friend to friend, they become a cherished heirloom imbued with memories and stories of generations past. As you wear our silky floral robes, you carry forward the legacy of our heritage, and continue to build your own.
As we celebrate AAPI Month and the timeless beauty of the traditional kimono, we are reminded of the power of heritage to unite communities together. Through its intricate designs, rich symbolism, and timeless appeal, your silky floral robe embodies the essence of cultural pride and a future where all are welcome. We hope you’ll embrace the beauty of tradition this month, and create your own legacy for generations to come.
