Kien aims to bring beauty of Japanese kimono culture to global markets

Kien is a company dedicated to revitalizing the traditional Japanese kimono. Founded by Yoshie Kitagawa, who was born and raised in Kyoto, Kien has long supported local artisans, including kimono fabric makers with over 500 years of history. Despite the exquisite craftsmanship, kimonos are often left unused in modern Japan, with over 30 million garments worth approximately 8 trillion yen in storage. Kien upcycles these into global fashion items, merging tradition with contemporary design. This not only preserves cultural heritage but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste in the fashion industry.

Image: Kien

Kien’s production process honors the intricate craftsmanship of kimonos, carefully deconstructing and reworking them by hand. The techniques required to transform a kimono into a dress differ significantly from typical garment making, demanding specialized training and expertise.

Image: Kien

Each kimono is first carefully unstitched and washed using methods unique to the fabric. The design is then reconstructed to fit the aesthetic of a modern dress, while maintaining the kimono’s artistic integrity. Customers can choose custom-made or ready-to-wear options, personalizing the design to suit their preferences.

Image: Kien

Image: Kien

Kien’s dresses are available for purchase both online and offline. For offline shopping, showrooms in Tokyo and Kyoto allow customers to view kimonos in person and place custom orders. Visitors can also learn about the meanings behind the various kimono patterns. The showrooms operate on a reservation-only basis, with easy booking available through their system. Online, customers can choose fabrics and order either ready-made or custom-made dresses, offering the same level of personalization as the in-person experience.

Kien is actively expanding globally, with around 20% of its customers residing overseas. Their dress designs are well-suited for international party scenes, and they are planning a pop-up shop at a department store in Singapore soon. Additionally, Kien’s dresses are available on online platforms in the Middle East. Looking ahead, the company plans to enter the U.S. market, offering Japanese kimono culture in a format that resonates with global customers while maintaining its traditional essence.

We are actively seeking business partners to help expand the Kien brand across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Our goal is to bring the beauty of Japanese kimono culture to global markets, and we are looking for like-minded collaborators to join us in this exciting venture.

Reservations for Kien's showrooms are available anytime, and we warmly welcome you to visit during your trip to Japan. At the showrooms in Tokyo and Kyoto, you can view kimonos, place custom orders, or purchase items on the spot.

• Tokyo showroom: here
• Kyoto showroom: here

If visiting is difficult, explore our online store: Kien Online Shop.

For overseas sales:

• Singapore POP-UP: Nov 11-24, 2024, at Takashimaya 3F
• Middle East: Arabian Boutique

For business partnerships: Contact us at info@kimonokien.jp.