Obi Bow

We traveled to Kyoto with the intention of learning about the heritage of kimonos. This journey led to a well kept secret, a fabric vault kept beneath the grounds of Gion, the renown Geisha district.

Novel acquired never worn antique kimono fabric that had been hand weaved and painted over one hundred years ago going as far back as 1818. The trader of such rare fabrics maintained these pristine materials over the course of several generations. Each fabric swatch is unique meaning there is only a single meter of each piece in existence.

Kimono and Obi tying is a heritage artform very highly valued in Japanese culture. Novel has followed in the path of such learned masters and acquired knowledge of the traditional ways to tie the obi belt by the hands of kimono masters.

Novel has curated a story that breathes life into the ancient fabric. Each piece is pre-tied in traditional obi format for a contemporary use of a bow tie.