Tomesode Kimono 留袖

I chose Tomesode Kimonos as the subject of my first blog because I have such deep respect for its designers who design and paint by looking at a blueprint. It’s hard to draw on 14 inch wide fabrics that needs to be sewn to make one piece of kimono. So many artisans are involved to produce one design, from the artists who create the motif, to the dyers who meticulously dye the yarns to create the motif, to the weavers who take the dyed yarns and weave them into the designer’s pattern, to the seam maids who baste the kimono panels together to make sure the design flows from panel to panel. Their high level skills are most often handed down through generations with immense pride and satisfaction knowing their products are the best they can be. How can one not admire the beauty and high quality when we know how much time and care goes into creating each and every length of fabric that is ultimately transformed into a loving work of art!

Tomesode is the most formal kimono type, equivalent to an evening dress. The pattern of tomesode is always below the waist and has a hand painted design and often includes gold. It has either 3 or 5 mons (crests), the latter is more formal.

Kuro (black) tomesode are only worn by married women, Iro (colored) tomesode may be worn by unmarried women as well. At Imperial Court where black is regarded as the color of mourning, black tomesode is not worn (good tip in case you are invited there one day haha).

Tomesode kimonos that we purchase from our vendor are originally priced $3000 to $5000. We have them deconstructed by highly experienced Japanese women in Japan before shipped to the US by air. They are all one of a kind and exquisite.

Please check out our tomesode silk fabrics and give them a second chance to blossom again in their new country and new home – yours! Tomesode