Why I decided to turn kimonos into sneakers
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At the intersection of past and present, Bakimono was born from a simple belief: clothes carry stories, and some deserve a second life. But why transform Japanese kimonos, ancestral symbols, into modern sneakers? Let me tell you.
1. A childhood in Japan, hand-woven memories
When I was between 2 and 8 years old, I grew up in Tokyo. My neighbor, whom I affectionately called "grandfather," opened the doors to his world for me: the neighborhood sentō, the baths in his garden, and above all... those precious moments when he made me put on traditional kimonos at his home, in the sweet smell of the tatami mats.
I didn't yet know what craftsmanship was, but I felt the beauty and care in every gesture.
2. A revelation: the art of the kimono as a heritage in danger
Years later, a documentary about Itchiku Kubota deeply moved me. I discovered the richness of Japanese textile work, the ancient techniques, and the fact that today, tons of kimonos are thrown away every year. This silent treasure is disappearing, for lack of transmission and a fresh perspective.
3. Giving a second life to kimonos
Bakimono is my answer. A committed brand that recycles real kimono rolls to create contemporary sneakers, made in France with quality partners.
Each pair is unique, as is each fabric. They are fragments of history that we wear every day, between respect for tradition and modern expression.
4. The commitment behind every pair
🌿 Eco-responsible : upcycling, local production, slow fashion.
🎌 Cultural : transmission of know-how, homage to Japan.
🧵 Human : real hands behind each pair, real bonds to be forged with those who wear it.
5. This is just the beginning
Today, Bakimono is not just a brand. It's a bridge between generations, a project close to the heart, and the ambition to tell the story of a different way of consuming fashion.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
🕊️ Every step counts. Every story continues.
👉 Do you want to follow the progress of the project?
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