Atelier Hally
/Show Day
Oct 17, 2023
/Social Media
I am a kimono aficionado who after graduating from university studied the fundamentals of fashion at a specialist clothing design college.
Ceremonial kimonoes are sumptuous, crammed full of the charm and artisanship of Japan with exquisite embroidery and dyes.
However to wear a kimono requires a number of accoutrements and a seasoned and skilled kimono dresser. For this reason, kimonoes are not suitable for everyday wear and in one's life there are only a few occasions when they can be worn. I feel this is unfortunate and I am reappropriating the now unworn kimono into dresses which can be worn without the necessity of specialist kit or knowledge.
So people can gain even a light acquaintance with the beauty of Japan I am designing kimono-dresses.
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What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I have loved fashion since childhood and studied the fundamentals of dressmaking at a fashion vocational school. After moving to Nara, I became fascinated by Japanese beauty and developed my work as a kimono dress designer.
How would you describe your design style?
Atelier Hally transforms traditional kimono into modern dresses while preserving the character and craftsmanship of the original textiles. Each piece is individually handmade from its pattern to create a distinctive silhouette that cannot be achieved through mass production.
What can people expect from your collection?
The designs reinterpret kimono as contemporary clothing while retaining their distinctive patterns and craftsmanship. Atelier Hally creates dresses as well as jumpsuits, Aloha shirts, bags, and other pieces that bring traditional textiles into modern wardrobes.
Why is giving old kimono a new life important to your work?
I love luxurious furisode and tomesode, and it saddened me to see beautiful kimono discarded or left unworn after only a few occasions. By remaking them, I want these textiles to be worn and appreciated again.
How do you preserve the character of a kimono when transforming it into a modern garment?
Each piece is handmade from an individual pattern to fit the wearer while respecting the original atmosphere of the kimono. The process preserves its craftsmanship and distinctive qualities while reshaping it into a contemporary garment.