A bigger influence on me than my own mother, who couldn’t afford to wear kimono on regular occasions, was my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law was a Koto teacher, (Japanese table harp). Because of her work she owned many kimono. She tried to train me in the art of koto, but I did not have an ear for it, so eventually she told me I did not have to study anymore. I have inherited many kimono from her. When she died the family did not know what to do with all the kimono, so they were given to me to deal with. I also have some from my little sister too.
As I wanted to teach dressing and flower arranging, and really wanted to enjoy kimono life, I frequented the library and borrowed books about kimono dressing and styling from well-known kimono advisors. I wanted to be able to do everything properly. These women have been an influence on my style.
私の母は普段に着物を着る環境にはなかったので、着物に関しては義理の母の影響の方が大きかったです。義母は琴の先生をしていたので、たくさんの着物を持っていて、着る機会も多くありました。義母は私にも琴を習わせようとしましたが私は音感が良くなく、最終的には習わなくてもよいことになりました。義母が亡くなった時、家族は彼女の着物をどうして良いかわからず私が受け取ることになりました。妹からも着物を譲ってもらっています。
着付けと花を教えることになったとき、図書館に通って、有名な着付師や着物スタイリストの本を借りて勉強しました。私のスタイルはこの人達の影響を受けています。
The Kimono Closet 