" It comes only every 4 years, means this is Olympic Year "

" KIMONO COAT "

One of my Clients is a Japanese Lady who teaches IKEBANA (Japanese  Flower Arrangement), she also practices CHA NO YU (Japanese Way of Tea). 

So naturally she has many chances to wear a Kimono for classes, demonstrations, exhibitions and other occasions. 

She told me that she often finds problems when she wears Kimono in Winter Months.  She has items to wear over the Kimono to keep her warm, but they are not enough.

So one day last year she asked me if I could create a coat which will go over Kimono and maybe can be worn over Western Style Clothes as well.

Last fall I started searching for fabrics for it.  There was an Italian Wool Blend Very Textured Fabric in the showroom I've been keeping my eyes on to show her for a while for a special garment.  When I showed swatch of it to her, she thought it almost had a Japanese Feel to it, and trusted me to use it for "Kimono Coat"

After we agreed with fabric, my sketching began.  

I had one thing in my mind, how could I treat 2 very different necklines.  Kimono is always worn in a very distinctive way, especially its collar at back of women's neck.

My final decision was that it needs to have a detachable collar.   And it has to be easy to put it on when she wears over Western Style Garments.

So my draping began, starting with the Stole Like Detachable Collar.

< Finished KIMONO COAT > 

It's a Raglan Sleeve Scoop Neck Coat with Detachable Collar.

As you can see this fabric has huge one way woven pattern.

Cutting is done to match it at every seams, 

so that construction details become as invisible as possible.

Pockets are hidden at seams and self-covered-buttons are under the collar.

< Scoop Neck Coat Over Kimono >
Kimono Collar will dip deep at the back of the neck.
So this scoop neckline has to go under the Collar of Kimono
Back body has to be roomy enough for OBI-Sash which ties over Kimono.

< Over Kimono with Collar Attached >

I made the Collar not only detachable, but also adjustable.
So it can go over Kimono Collar without crushing it.

< Over Western Style Garments >
The Collar gets tighter to the neck without Kimono under.
It can even go over her head, when the temperature drops.

< Other Ways to Close Collar >

 

There are some other ways to wear this detachable collar.
 I'm so sure that she will discover more ways to use it
to keep herself warm for cold days to come...

" Spring in the Room "

Over this weekend, we've got MAGNOLIA Brunch from friend.

This past weekend was unseasonably warm 

and it seems to be continuing to this week.

Having blossom Magnolia Branches make us feel SPRING has arrived here. 

And that is a very very Good Thing.

" Mardi Gras Time ! "

I think this is in RIO

from Trinidad & Tobago Carnival Costume Photos

" Chocolate & Strawberry "

" February 14th "

"OSCAR Winners"

He was the Biggest Winner of the Night.

How many Golden Statues did he get in one night ?

4, I think...

" Oscar Night "

Who will be getting Golden Statues ?
Do we care ?
But, we do certainly care who will be wearing the very best dress from European Couture House...

" R.I.P. Kirk Douglas "

Sad to know he passed away today.

Thank you for many great movies.

"Tokyo Nightlife: Shibuya Bar Hopping with Magical Trip"

This video makes me NOT WANT TO STAY IN SHIBUYA.

for My Next Visit to TOKYO.

Till now, Jonathan & I always stayed in Shibuya when we were in Tokyo.

But we definitely will not stay in that aria any more.

It seams like that it became huge tourist spot even after dark.
And I don't want to taste food like he is having, when I'm in Japan.

I think I'll not enjoy spending time in Shibuya any more,

specially squeezed in small spaces with screaming Japanese teenagers.  
It seams like "Scramble Crossing" is not only one crazy thing happening in SHIBUYA. 

" Have a Super Super Bowl !"