Collection: Vintage Japanese Obi Tote

The Japanese have a phrase, mottainai, expressing regret over waste or the feeling that something is too precious to be left unused. It perfectly describes the fate of many beautiful kimono and obi. As fewer people wear traditional dress in modern Japan, these textiles are often tucked away in old wooden cabinets, waiting to be passed down to a daughter or granddaughter, but sadly for some, that day may never come.

Inspired by this sense of mottainai, we wanted to give these wearable works of art a new life. They took months to create and deserve to be seen, used, and appreciated once again.