Drape this kimono on your arm

This Japanese expat allows shoppers to grab hold of her own culture by making clutch purses out of Japan's traditional dress

Drape this kimono on your arm

This Japanese expat allows shoppers to grab hold of her own culture by making clutch purses out of Japan's traditional dress

Imagine carrying your cash in a Sumo-wrestler's outfit, a Kabuki dancer's garb or a Japanese bride's gown.

Bizarre as it may sound, Mumbai-based Tomomi Yamamoto sources vintage kimono fabrics from Yamaguchi, her hometown in South-West Japan, and turns these into clutches.

When asked about the genesis of the idea, Yamamoto, a Kathak dancer and an apprentice veena player, said it had to do with the interest that the modest kimono generates among foreigners.

"My husband is a diplomat so we travel a lot. I observed that most foreigners seem to be fascinated by kimonos and their patterns. I decided to present the traditional fabric in a form that they would find more use for."

Yamamoto has been designing kimono clutches for over six months, and says this is only the first step. She hopes to design a line of accessories using kimono fabric, including bangles.
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"Married women in Japan are expected to wear subdued shades and shortsleeved kimonos while single women can wear brighter colours and ornately adornedkimonos with long sleeves," she says.

Priced at Rs 6,000 onwards, Yamamoto's range of bags will eventually include larger beach bags in different designs.

A note explaining the significance of the pattern will accompany each piece.

As of now however, exclusivity is her main focus. "Each piece of material is exclusive and can be used for five to 10 bags. But given the way the fabric is cut, each bag turns out to be completely unique."