Layers of Meaning

Digital Kimonos

Digital kimonos are appearing in Japan. The actual kimonos are made of fabric, but the fabric is digitally produced. Several media outlets have reprinted an Associated Press article on Kimono designer Yuko Iwakuma. "Her 'digital kimonos', which she began selling last December, go far beyond the flower and bird designs of tradition, abounding with keyboards, playing-card kings and queens, puppies and apples."

An article in Asia's Straits Times gives more details on the digital printing process and includes pictures of the fabric printing process. " Digital design and ink-jet printing also allow kimono makers to avoid excess inventory and relieve growing concerns about a shortage of skilled hand-dyers. At her workshop, Ms Iwakuma uses an Apple computer to design kimonos and sashes. She says the motifs are attracting women in their 30s who seek inexpensive and modern-looking kimonos they can wear to dinners and parties, or just for fun. One kimono is priced at about 63,000 yen (US$574)."

Yet another article in Japan Times gives more details: "Tokyo-based kimono retailer Kururi Inc. started marketing its own digitally designed outfits in April at one of its three shops in Shibuya Ward, with prices starting at about 39,000 yen.

Kururi President Izuru Miura said the digital method enables the firm to produce custom-made kimono with unique patterns at low cost. "Kimono dye houses usually accept orders to dye one pattern onto 10 rolls of cloth, but refuse to dye onto just one roll," he said. "If we made 10 kimono with the same pattern, sometimes it would be difficult to sell them all."

By using the digital method, the firm can produce as little as one kimono with a specific pattern. This gives the product added value and helps the company reduce inventory costs, Miura said."

Silk painter/fiber artist Jeannine Reno tracked down Iwakuma's web site. All text is in Japanese, but the photos are great! Some elegant patterns, while others are just plain fun.