Tokyo Kaleidoscope

Australian born designer Leanne Yew searches Tokyo markets for vintage kimono fabrics, and then makes them into…something completely different. While some of the shapes – dolman sleeves, softly draped V-necks – reflect the origins of the fabrics, her style is totally contemporary. Tulip skirts, nipped-in sundresses and – the big seller this season – maxi dresses and jumpsuits. She works mainly with the kimono lining fabrics, which are normally hidden from view, but offer a range of gorgeous prints, in delicate colour ways. She is careful to steer clear of traditional “Japanese” designs, preferring to work with geometric prints or sweet florals, to avoid that “here’s a cut-up kimono” look. While it’s fantastic for Yew that she can easily find so many used kimono in Tokyo, it’s also a little sad that these once-precious garments are discarded so easily.

Heading to Tokyo? Check out the flea markets for used kimono and obi sashes:
Around Shinobazu Pond in Ueno, most weekends
Tokyo International Forum next to Yurakucho station, 2nd Sunday of each month
Togo Shrine, Shibuya, first and last Sundays of each month.
In Kyoto, the most famous is Toji Temple’s Kobo Ichi fleamarket, held on the 21st of each month. A certain internationally known fashion designer says this is one of the best.

Photo credits: Tokyokaleidoscope.com