Stylish Kimonos Blend Traditional Japanese Silhouette with Scandinavian Minimalism

Wool Kimono

Designer and tailor T. Michael (left) and Takayuki Yajima, the director of Y. & Sons

When designers of different cultures collaborate, it opens up the possibilities for new interpretations of ancient traditions. The kimono, for instance, is a cornerstone of Japanese culture. Often adorned in bright colors and motifs, the garments have been around for centuries and still take their cues from long ago.

The upcoming T-Kimono, however, is a unique twist on the authentic Japanese kimono. Developed by Norwegian tailor and designer T-Michael and Tokyo-based company Y. & Sons, the bespoke fashions blend the silhouette of the traditional robes with the minimalism of Scandinavian style. Most notably, there are no patterns on these kimonos; rather, they’re clad in colors like blue and grey.

Made from a wool-suit material, the weight of the T-Kimono fabric offers supple draping with bold-yet-clean lines and structured curves. These characteristics are similar to that of a Western-style tailored suit. Combined with the loose-fitting nature of a kimono, it’s a stylish blending of the two distinct design aesthetics—and it looks great.

With its muted hues and focus on minimalism, the T-Kimono is geared towards a younger male audience. They’re not available yet, but Y. & Sons will start carrying them in October 2017.

The T-Kimono is a collaboration between Norwegian tailor and design T-Michael and the Japanese company Y. & Sons. They've reimagined the authentic Japanese kimono to appeal to a younger male audience.

Wool Kimono

Wool Kimono

Wool Kimono

Created as a wool kimono, it drapes in the same way as a Western-style suit. It'll be available at Y. & Sons in October 2017. In the meantime, they have summer styles available:

Authentic Japanese Kimono

Authentic Japanese Kimono

Authentic Japanese Kimono

Authentic Japanese Kimono

You can visit Y. & Sons in Tokyo.

Authentic Japanese Kimono

T-Michael: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Y. & Sons: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Spoon & Tamago]

All images via Y. & Sons.

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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