KAORU’S STORY 3 着物物語3
I am helping with a kimono project now that is to make a furisode that represents an image of each country in the world, supported by donations.
Related to this project, I was invited to a party at an embassy, and I wore this kimono. Usually dyed and elegant kimono are suitable for an embassy party but I picked this because the country’s national flag uses this color. I got this kimono from a shop specializing in oshima tsumugi. This is the first time for me to get a kimono not for the colour or patterns, but because I wanted to wear it for a specific person. I was moved by his affection for woven products in Oshima and I wanted to get a product through which I could see the face of the weavers or the stories behind the product. This has a bit of an unusual weave for Oshima, and the craftsman who made it was very old, and has now passed away. It’s a shame because I would love to have shown him my photo in this kimono at the embassy party. I bought the cloth and just left it for a while, and then suddenly the party invitation came, so I hurried to have it sewn up. I chose the collar and obi scarf to match the country’s typical patterns, and they were so pleased with the colours and the effect.
An unexpected surprise when I wore it, was that this kimono was so incredibly light and comfortable. It was the first time that I didn’t want to take my kimono off, since 7,5,3. It is the first time I have ever thought I really want to buy another one of these, just because it is so comfortable. As I get older I realize how important it is that the clothing is light and comfortable for me to wear it.