The Social Life of Kimono-Japanese Fashion Past & Present

“a book to make me fall in love with the cloth and the characters whose lives are wrapped up in it”

The long journey of getting a book out in the world comes to it’s next juncture this week on March 23rd. Sheila Cliffe’s book, THE SOCIAL LIFE OF KIMONO, takes the stage (19:00 Centre Hall Minami-Azabu) with Sheila herself guiding us through her story and adventures in the kimono world. I’m so excited to host this event full of family, friends, kimono lovers, textile fans and overall style enthusiasts. It is going to be one very special evening. If you haven’t signed up already, please click at the top of this page and get on the list-you won’t want to miss it!

Inspiration strikes every day and last October when I met Sheila Cliffe at the monthly FEW meeting  I knew we shared some style passion. At the time, I was promoting Tziporah Salamon’s events in Japan and Sheila was one of our early sign ups. Sheila and Tziporah share some of that same style eye to coordinating their looks. They both have a love of history, textiles, motifs, color-fabulous color and an ability to put it all together in a very singular fashion.

That October program, along with Chizuko Takahashi of Kimono Tango,  was such an entertaining evening, I didn’t want it to end, so when I learned about the book Sheila had in the works, I hoped to be involved in bringing another style event together.

I’m thrilled to invite you to join us on March 23rd (Thursday) for an evening to celebrate the release of The Social Life of Kimono and learn more about Sheila’s personal journey in kimono dressing. She will demonstrate the artistry in putting together all the elements that go into wearing kimono. Sheila does this every day. I love that commitment. However, even though I find it infinitely inspiring, I know that’s not a desire for all of us so I’d like to bring some of what we learn from Sheila into our everyday wardrobes. Sometimes that means actual kimono goods remade and sometimes it simply borrowing an idea from kimono dressing. It’s bound to be an inspiring evening. We’re also lucky to also have Kimono Tango on hand with their latest products made from beautiful Japanese textiles and Melanie Uematsu, a tailor in Tokyo, that helps me bring my outfit ideas into reality and hanging in my closet.

I’m forever grateful to all that participated to make Tziporah’s tour in Japan and Hong Kong a complete success. More pics and stories are on the way!

I can’t believe I didn’t have my copy of Ari Seth Cohen’s book Advanced Style with me for Tziporah to sign last year but luckily for me (and you if you’re attending in November!) there’s another chance to get her signature. Her spread in the book so clearly illustrates her style and love of color and texture. That’s one of reasons I started this journal: to share and inspire with color and texture.

Welcome! I like lots of things, it’s true. I especially like to ponder the ins and outs of style. I’ve been working on being a curator of my own style since forever and last year I had the absolute pleasure of meeting one of Advanced Style’s most popular muses, Tziporah Salamon. After attending her Art of Dressing seminar, I knew she HAD to come back to Japan and share her artistry again. I’ll be posting more about her visit in the weeks leading up to her events.

Check out my Happenings! page for more details on Tziporah’s trip to Japan and Hong Kong.