Masako Kato's particularities

Hello, my name is Masako Kato from KIMONO-CYCLE.

It would be my greatest pleasure if each and every customer who purchases a "Kimono Aloha Shirt" from our shop feels "surprise" and "excitement" at how perfectly the pattern aligns when they first put it on and button it up.

When these items were previously worn as kimonos, the patterns were beautifully aligned.

Kimono are made with straight seams and painted so that the patterns align, but they are not designed for Western clothing.

Western clothing (sewing) is basically cut along curves. Naturally, this causes the patterns to no longer align.
When attempting to align them, the time spent on "pattern matching" might be the longest part of the production process.

Nevertheless, for me, that time spent contemplating is the most enjoyable.

I imagine the faces of those who will wear the finished product, and I also savor the sense of accomplishment when patterns are matched successfully, as well as the fulfillment of my work.

There is no single way to "match patterns," "match tastes," or "match flow," as it varies with each kimono, but the aim is always for something to align.

Small patterned kimono with repeating designs can be made without much concern for pattern matching, but I still pay attention to the direction and placement of the patterns.

Eba-patterned kimono, often found on expensive kimono, are not easy to work with because the pattern alignment points are fixed. When an eba-patterned bolt of fabric is spread out, it looks like a single painting. Each one is unique; there are no two identical kimono.

 

 

Products that have served well as kimonos cannot be easily discarded.

If they can once again bring joy and smiles to someone else, perhaps the kimonos themselves will be happy. This time, I hope they can be picked up by people all over the world, not just women.

In order not to let the traditional culture that Japan boasts to the world die out...

For me, a new and enjoyable period of contemplation begins as these kimonos, having fulfilled their original purpose, are reborn.

I sincerely hope you will cherish your KIMONO-CYCLE products for a long time.

 Masako Kato