Contemporary textile artist Takahashi Hiroko is aiming to highlight the sustainable aspects of the kimono with a window display currently on view at Japan House London.

The founder of the HIROCOLEDGE brand, Takahashi Hiroko innovates the kimono tradition with her signature geometric patterns made up of circles and straight lines.

Takahashi Hiroko became interested in the kimono while studying dyeing techniques at Tokyo University of the Arts. She was attracted by the kimono’s practicality and lack of waste: tailored from straight lines, the same size of cloth which can be adapted to any sex or body type without having to cut or dispose of the fabric.

In the past when the kimono was everyday wear in Japan, it was commonplace for a parent’s old kimono to be re-dyed and re-tailored for children and grandchildren.

The artist’s project, entitled RENOVATION, is inspired by the sustainable aspects of the kimono – taking old kimonos and having them unstitched, de-colourised, and then re-dyed with her bold geometric patterns and re-tailored.

By renovating the kimono, Takahashi Hiroko shows that there can be joy, novelty and stimulation in continuing to re-use and treasure the same old objects and materials, even when new things are constantly being created around us. To renovate a kimono is to innovate the way we approach and think about the present, according to the artist.

The display, which can be seen in the windows and on the Ground Floor at Japan House London until 7 September 2020, coincides with Europe’s first major exhibition dedicated to the kimono, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, which opens at the Victoria and Albert Museum on 27 August 2020. The exhibition features a kimono by Takahashi Hiroko.

Image Source: Japan House London

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living. She also offers content services to businesses and individuals at Rosamedea.com