We source a variety of hand-made kimonos and make products including hairbands, ties and garments by re-using vintage kimono fabric. Tamakurya also produce Furoshiki — sustainable and reusable eco-wraps— fusing Ankara textiles and Japanese practices and traditions. We teach people how to utilise fabric as an alternative to single-use materials. We run workshops that give an insight into this 1000-year-old Japanese practice of fabric wrapping and its history and development.

Tak and I both live by and bring our children up by the ‘Mottainai’ principle which simply means ‘not to waste’. This is the feeling of regret for a missed opportunity, to waste a resource or walk past something that could be valuable in another way. It links to the idea that objects have a spirit or a ‘kami’ and this interconnects us with nature and encourages us to be mindful of our actions and minimise waste. This frugality has led to an enlightened path and in our small way and we believe that our kimono creations and our Furoshiki are easily adapted to our modern needs functionally and beautifully.

A Furoshiki is a single square piece of cloth which, when folded in ways that we teach, becomes a functional and adaptable tool for wrapping, carrying and storing a wide-variety of objects; from delicate glass bottles and gifts, to books and larger household objects. Furoshiki are reusable and an eco-friendly alternative to gift-wrapping paper or other disposable materials, which are often not recyclable and disposed of in landfill or by incineration. Furoshiki wrapping is a multi-purpose way can adapt our modern needs without lasting damage to our precious planet and the habitats dependent upon it.

Kimono are a focus of interest and a beautiful expression of Japanese craftsmanship. Translating to ‘the thing worn’ kimono have a complex meaning with significance or cultural meaning shown through colours and patterns in their designs. Specific motifs are symbolic and can attribute values to the wearer. Old kimono are reused for a variety of purposes and no opportunity is lost to appreciate these beautiful fabrics.

Enhance your eco-lifestyle with our vintage kimono hairbands and furoshiki to reduce your plastic usage. Adopt the Mottainai principle. Waste less.