Creating a Casual Kimono that Fits Your Style and Satisfaction through Made-To-Order【Kitano Yoshiko】

interview

Yoshiko Kitano

After working as an indie designer in the mode fashion industry, Kitano is now active as a designer for the Kimono Casual brand “Yoshiko Kitano.” She have also provided costumes for movies and celebrities.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Yoshiko Kitano, who works as a designer for “Yoshiko Kitano.”

She has a wide range of activities, including providing costumes for movie productions. Her secret to success lies in her “light-footedness.“

In this interview, we will ask Kitano about the inspiration behind starting her brand, her current activities, and her future aspirations.

The Beginnings of Yoshiko Kitano: What Inspired its Creation

——— Can you tell us about what inspired you to start Yoshiko Kitano?

Kitano Yoshiko (hereafter, Kitano): Before starting Kimono Casual, I went to a fashion school and then worked as an independent designer making mode-style Western clothing. I even had the opportunity to hold a fashion show at Odaiba for the 20th anniversary of Gundam.

Around that time, I was asked by a Kyoto apparel company to make a few dresses out of kimonos, and I had a blast doing it. However, after that, I continued making handmade clothing but took a break from designing due to marriage and childbirth in my thirties.

It wasn’t until I turned 40 that a friend of my son’s mother brought me a kimono and asked if I could make a dress out of it.

After trying it once, I found that I enjoyed it. Although I hadn’t intended to return to being a designer, I restarted about six years ago.

——— What are the differences between remaking regular clothing and kimonos?

Kitano: With regular clothing, a lot of the fabric is left unused and has to be thrown away in garbage bags each time. I was always skeptical of this.

On the other hand, when making clothes from kimonos, I would remove the parts that had holes or stains. As a result, after finishing the clothing, there is very little fabric left that needs to be thrown away, usually just enough to fit in the palm of my hand.

Fundamentally, I like the idea of using resources without waste.

What is the Yoshiko Kitano Brand All About?

——— Do you run the brand by yourself?

Kitano: Yes, I run the brand by myself.

When I was in my 20s, there were about four of us running it, but I plan to continue running it alone in the future. I realized that there are things that I can only do by myself.

My goal is not mass production, but to make each piece one by one as a made-to-order item, and when it comes to design, I draw each piece like a painting, so I feel that I can only do it by myself.

However, of course, I have received a lot of help from various people, and I feel blessed to have such support.

——— Is there a reason why you are so particular about made-to-order?

Kitano: The reason I am particular about made-to-order is that it allows me to meet people.

By meeting with customers directly, I can make clothes that truly reflect their individuality.

I want to continue making clothes that provide a happy moment for the people I meet.

Core Values of the Yoshiko Kitano Brand

——— Do you have anything that you value in running and operating your brand?

Kitano: I prioritize creating clothes that satisfy myself and making the best things possible.

When I was in my 20s, I was too focused on building my network and sales, and as a result, I wasn’t able to create good work.

Therefore, I value the time I spend creating my work, thinking that if I make good things, people will come to me later.

——— I noticed that there are a lot of women’s items, are there not many men’s items being made?

Kitano: Originally, I wanted to make clothes that make women’s body lines look beautiful, so there are many women’s items.

I think many people have some kind of complex, such as feeling a little overweight.

I want to make clothes that make their lines look beautiful and give them confidence when they wear them.

Of course, I also make men’s items, with the intention of highlighting women’s items.

Using Casual Kimono Wear to Build a Better Society

——— Do you have anything that you want to achieve through your brand or casual kimono wear?

Kitano: Sometimes we sell kimonos even with stains on them.

I think those stains are just like the natural blemishes that appear on a woman’s face as she ages, so I hope society can accept that there is history in those stained garments instead of always wanting something new whenever a stain appears.

The Future of Yoshiko Kitano

——— Do you have any plans or things you want to try in the future?

Kitano: I want to expand my business overseas.

I want to fill the red carpet with dresses that I’ve made.

Also, I want to keep working in this field for a long time.

——— Are there any challenges you face in promoting kimono casual wear overseas?

Kitano: We already have some customers overseas, but it’s a little complicated to deal with the payment and shipping processes for international orders.

I hope we can make those processes smoother in the future.

Conclusion

This time, we heard from Yoshiko Kitano about the inspiration behind starting her brand, her current activities, and what she hopes to achieve in the future.

If you’re interested in getting a made-to-order, one-of-a-kind piece, or if you’re intrigued by the idea of casual kimono wear, be sure to check out Yoshiko Kitano’s website and Instagram.

It seems that they also offer dress rentals, so it’s definitely worth a look.

Especially on Instagram, you can stay up to date with the latest news, so be sure to check it out.

Thank you, Kitano, for taking the time to do this interview with us.

And thank you to everyone for watching until the end.