We are add color, a handmade label specializing in creating and selling bags and accessories.
With the theme “Add color to your daily life,” we strive to craft items that bring vibrancy and companionship to your everyday moments.
Currently, our main focus is on crafting bags and accessories made from kimono obi (traditional Japanese kimono sashes) sourced directly from local kimono shops in Kyoto.
Encounter with Kimono Obi
My first encounter with kimono obi was when I was still a child. My grandmother had a habit of carefully organizing the kimonos stored in her wardrobe.
Watching her do this so often, I found myself captivated by the elegance, charm, and delicate beauty of the kimono obi, even with my young, impressionable mind.
Upon closer look, each obi revealed a completely unique expression. The designs and weaving techniques were unlike any other, making each piece one of a kind. I am driven by a desire to blend the timeless allure of kimono obi with modern fashion items, sharing their beauty with as many people as possible.
Commitment to Craftsmanship
Our remade bags are carefully handcrafted, one by one, by skilled artisans.
The process of transforming an obi into a bag involves a great deal of effort and time. From selecting the perfect obi to cleaning, cutting, and sewing, every step is done entirely by hand.
Through this meticulous process, we strive to bring out the inherent beauty of each obi and give it new life as a timeless item that can be cherished for years to come.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
We value environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion.
In today’s world, where mass production and waste dominate the fashion industry, we have chosen the path of “reuse.” By remaking old kimono obi that were destined for disposal, we create beautiful, unique bags.
Kimono obi are heirlooms that carry a rich history and culture, passed down through generations. However, many of them are forgotten over time, left unused in storage or discarded altogether.
By giving these obi a new life, we aim to preserve tradition while offering items that seamlessly blend into modern lifestyles.
add color
The Artisan
Kana
Born in 1984, originally from Osaka and currently residing in Kyoto.
Inspired by her mother’s advice, “Knowing how to use a sewing machine will always come in handy,” she developed a deep fascination for sewing through constant practice.
In 2015, she apprenticed under a fashion designer and pattern maker, focusing on creating women’s shirts. Her designs, characterized by their simplicity and timeless appeal, received widespread acclaim.
She also worked as a seamstress for a renowned textile brand in Kyoto before establishing her independence.
Today, she focuses on crafting remade creations using locally sourced obi from Kyoto.
Assistant
Take
Born in 1980 and raised in Kyoto, I currently reside in the city.
My work primarily involves creating websites, social media content, and paper-based materials.