Why Chiso Kimonos Are So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

I'm a craftsman in Japan. And let me tell you that unless you own the darn business, those producers will milk you of your talent and energy while compensation is next to nothing. And because those artists usually are proud and passionate or plain very old they don't complain. So if you want the next generation of artist to take interest, "pay us well!"

$10k for this amount of craftsmanship is honestly really affordable. Considering luxury brands charging $1k for a cotton tee

I think we should have an international events for all the artisans made fabric from around the world to display their hard work and also provide solutions to make sure their workcraft not dying in the future.

If you know how it was made then you realize its all worth the money. The craftmanship is unparalled.

“Simple sketch”, next shot, extremely detailed drawing that would probably taken days to make.

I would be terrified to wear one. It's an actual work of art, worthy of being displayed on the wall like a fine painting. I would be so heart-broken to wear one and find that some embroidery had come loose, or that something had fallen on me and stained the fabric. But at the same time, it would feel such a shame to not wear it, because they are so beautiful, I would feel compelled to share it with others, and to let its purpose of being a fine kimono be fulfilled. How conflicted it makes me feel!

Prior to the pandemic I came across a company in Kyoto Japan which sells guitar straps made from recycled Kimono/Obi. These are heirloom quality, singularly unique, and functioning works of art. “The Singing Crane”

Just to clarify something that kinda bugged me... You can still wear kimono as an everyday garment through kitsuke, not just for formal occasions.. however like with other clothing items there are levels to formality within kimono. So these uber expensive one's would be for formal occasions but there are also kimono out there for under $100 at secondhand shops also made of cotton and silk that are more comfy, affordable, and meant to be worn more often, or even everyday. I felt like they kinda glossed over this in the 1 mention of it. It's always bothered me that shows, I assume with good intentions of sharing the craftmanship or whatever, will romanticizes or exoticize Japanese culture in a way that makes it out like everyday people aren't wearing kimono regularly still and that like as Japanese people we want to share kimono with others as long as they can respect it. It's not that other worldly and looking up kitsuke groups online will immediatly show how all kinds of people across the world are wearing kimono. Learn about kimono, respect kimono and the culture, and wear kimono to the best of your ability with sincerity!

As an artist who sees flaws in everything I make...When she says "flowers in their natural state are something she has trouble making" (despite her obvious skill at making kimonos) and despite doing this as her only job for the last 30ish years.... It made me realize no matter how good everyone else thinks you are, an artist will always see the flaws and think their art is so bad no one would ever buy it (even if they were drunk lol) Why do we artists hate out own work? I think mine is so bad that I haven't posted anything except the first 2 songs I completed... because I can't stop finding flaws in my new stuff

A bespoke suit can cost as much as $5K; if I could afford it, I would have a bespoke kimono as well. As a trained tailor, this garment and the workmanship involved is similar in the care taken and the handwork involved. I hope this fabric/garment artistry never dies out!

we have had many exchange students live at our place over the years ranging from the ages of 10 to 70. one day we had a retired school teacher from Japan came to vancouver as an exchange student. she was 69. at that age she tells amazing stories. she recalled as a child here great grandmother wearing one of those outfits. over the years her mother inherited it and just before her mother passed away she told her that it took 13 months to complete the outfit. take in mind it was over 100 years old by this time and she said it fit like it was brand new. now she has passed it on to her daughter. 4 generation's later it still stands the test of time. thanks for the video. in Japan everything takes time because they care about quality.

As a dressmaker this is true beauty and a true piece of art, lets hope this never dies out so stunning.

While it all boils down to “It’s all handmade and the base material is scarce”, I really enjoy watching the process of these things being made

the amount of effort these artisans put in to make these beautiful kimonos is a lot

I am absolutely STUNNED by the amount of handwork that goes into these kimonos. Each step involved in the making of these high end kimonos are individual works of art. So beautiful that these artisans are continuing and passing on the ancient practices when so many of us today buy such quick, “slapped together” clothing. I cannot say enough good things about this craft. Such beauty and elegance. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

The Yuzen technique shown in the video is very similar to the Batik technique used by Javanese artisans in Indonesia. They use a type of wax to trace lines and block areas before dying the silk, and once the dye is completed, the hardened wax are broken and removed, exposing the intricate lines underneath. They could even do this step many times that will give the cloth several layers of dyed colours.

The sheer beauty of what these amazing artisans can create rendered me speechless...

As someone who does cross stitch art I can appreciate this. Many people simply do not understand the time and effort I’ve put into some of my most beloved pieces. Some of my larger pieces took me a long time to complete but I did not work on them constantly. I’d take breaks and work on things that would give me instant gratification such as sewing projects. These are beautiful works of art. Not daily wear.

Imagine creating your own pantone pallet and then memorizing the pigment ratios for each color

They should invest money into creating an àpprenticeship school to create a new generation of artisans so this craft never dies out. And if I were them, I would show their Stunning Kimonos during Fashion weeks around the World to attract a whole new appreciation for this Incredible, Wearable Art. Which in turn would create a new audience and buying market!