A New Kimono Experience at REZEN Kyoto

Nestled on Shinkyogoku Street, a place alive with Kyoto's history and culture, REZEN Kyoto is more than just a fashion store. It's a space for a new kind of 'kimono experience,' one that reconstructs classic Japanese culture with a modern sensibility, offering the 'joy of wearing' beyond the boundaries of gender and time.

For many, the term 'kimono experience' might evoke images of formal, traditional wear for special occasions. However, at REZEN Kyoto, you can enjoy the beauty of Japanese style more freely and as part of your everyday life. This article will introduce you to the 'Wa-mode' fashion proposed by REZEN Kyoto, helping you discover a new kind of 'kimono experience' and offering practical tips to care for your favorite pieces for years to come.

What is the New Kimono Experience Offered by REZEN Kyoto?

REZEN Kyoto aims to integrate traditional Japanese culture into modern fashion, offering a borderless style that allows everyone to shine as their true selves. The brand name 'REZEN' combines 'Re,' meaning 'again,' with 'Zen,' and its philosophy is symbolized by the modernly arranged lotus crest in its logo.

Our collection is designed by delving deep into themes of Japanese culture and seasons, such as spider lilies, chrysanthemums, lotuses, irises and wisteria, cherry blossoms, peonies and camellias, cranes, butterflies, Kabuki and Hanafuda cards, and Onmyoji, foxes, and yokai. These motifs are expressed on traditional elements like haori jackets, hakama pants, hakama skirts, and Japanese-style shirts, enhanced with contemporary designs and sophisticated accent colors. The collection is developed as unisex items, primarily based in black.

The interior of REZEN Kyoto, unimaginable from its temple-like exterior facing Shinkyogoku Street, is a unique and sophisticated space blending Japanese and Western styles. In this one-of-a-kind location, customers can have a 'kimono experience' by finding that truly special piece just for them.

The Appeal of Wa-Mode for Everyday Wear and Tips for Choosing Materials

REZEN Kyoto's Wa-mode fashion pursues not only aesthetic beauty but also comfort that fits modern lifestyles. It is characterized by the fusion of easy-to-use materials and designs for daily wear, all while cherishing the unique texture of a traditional kimono.

• Comfortable to Wear: Our items are made with materials and sewing techniques mindful of everyday use, achieving a light, easy-to-move-in fit without being restrictive. They are designed to be comfortable even when worn for long periods, making them perfect for strolling through Kyoto and various other occasions.
• Versatile for All Seasons: Items like haori jackets and Japanese-style shirts can be enjoyed year-round by adjusting inner and outer layers according to the season. With clever layering, you can style your Wa-mode look for any time of year.
• Variety of Designs: While based in black, our collection features a range of simple yet distinctive designs incorporating various Japanese cultural themes and modern accent colors. They are easy to pair with your existing Western-style clothes, expanding your coordination possibilities.

Unlike a traditional 'kimono experience,' these items are designed to be enjoyed freely and casually as contemporary fashion pieces.

How to Care for Your Wa-Mode Fashion to Make It Last

Daily care is crucial to ensure you can cherish your favorite Wa-mode fashion from REZEN Kyoto for a long time. Here, we introduce basic care points considering the material properties and specific tips you can practice at home.

Basic Care Principles

• Check the Care Label: First, always check the care label on the product. Some materials or finishes may require special care.
• Prevent Loss of Shape: To maintain the unique design of Wa-mode fashion, it's important to prevent the garment from losing its shape during washing and drying.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: To prevent fading and material degradation, avoid direct sunlight when drying and storing your garments.

Specific Care Tips

1. Hand Wash or Use the Delicates Cycle: Hand washing is recommended for delicate materials and designs like haori, hakama pants, and Japanese-style shirts. If using a washing machine, be sure to place the item in a laundry net and use a gentle cycle with a weak water flow, such as the 'delicates' or 'hand wash' setting.
2. Use a Neutral Detergent: Use a neutral detergent for delicates that does not contain bleach or fluorescent brightening agents. This will minimize damage to the fabric and help maintain its color.
3. Press Wash and Rinse: When hand washing, gently press the garment to clean it and rinse thoroughly to ensure no detergent remains.
4. Short Spin Cycle: To prevent loss of shape and wrinkling, the spin cycle should be very short, ideally between 30 seconds and one minute.
5. Dry in the Shade: Reshape the garment before hanging it to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Use a thick hanger that fits the shoulder width to prevent distortion. For items like haori, drying them in a way that follows the garment's natural shape will help maintain their beauty.
6. Ironing: If necessary, use a pressing cloth and iron gently on a low to medium setting. For pleated hakama pants or skirts, carefully iron along the pleats.
7. Storage: Store garments on a hanger or folded in a place with low humidity. Using moth repellents is also recommended for extra protection.

By following these simple care instructions, your REZEN Kyoto items will retain their beautiful design and texture for a long time, continuing to add a touch of color to your daily life.

A Guide to Visiting and Finding Your Special Piece

You can fully appreciate the charm of REZEN Kyoto's items by seeing and trying them on in person at our store. Located right next to Somedono-in Temple, our store on Kyoto's Shinkyogoku Street has a unique, temple-like exterior that exudes a special atmosphere.

Once inside, you'll find a sophisticated space blending Japanese and Western styles, making you feel as if you've stepped into another world. The unisex haori jackets, hakama pants, hakama skirts, and Japanese-style shirts, all primarily in black, are beautifully displayed, allowing you to experience the story and allure of each individual piece.

What to Expect on Your Visit

• Encounter an Extensive Collection: You can see our diverse collections with themes like spider lilies, chrysanthemums, lotuses, cherry blossoms, cranes, butterflies, Kabuki and Hanafuda cards, and Onmyoji, foxes, and yokai in person.
• Discover Something New by Trying On: By trying on items like haori, hakama pants, and Japanese-style shirts, you can see how they fit your body type and personal style, and you might even discover unexpected ways to wear them.
• Advice from Our Staff: Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to offer personalized advice on coordination and care methods tailored to each customer.
• A One-of-a-Kind Atmosphere: Just one step away from the bustle of Shinkyogoku Street, you can enjoy a relaxing time in our unique, sophisticated Japanese-Western fusion space. With two entrances, the store is also very easy to access.

If you want to incorporate the 'kimono experience' into your daily life or discover a new side of yourself, please visit REZEN Kyoto. We are sure you will find a special piece that brings a breath of fresh air to your fashion.

Bring the Kimono Experience into Your Everyday Life with REZEN Kyoto

REZEN Kyoto is not just a clothing store; it is a place that creates new value by merging Japanese culture and tradition with modern lifestyles. We offer original items so that everyone can enjoy Japanese-style mode in their own way, transcending gender, age, and nationality.

Through items like haori jackets, hakama pants, and Japanese-style shirts, we hope that everyone can enjoy a 'kimono experience' more casually and freely. Please visit us at REZEN Kyoto on Shinkyogoku Street in Kyoto to discover a special piece just for you and find a new you in our sophisticated Japanese-Western fusion space. We sincerely look forward to your visit.