Close-up of a colorful floral-patterned kimono with an embroidered obi sash featuring traditional Japanese motifs, such as flowers and fans.

Kimono to bag upcycling experience

Learn about Japanese traditional fabrics with a local designer and create a unique and functional Kyoto souvenir.

Left: traditional kimono with intricate floral and geometric patterns. Right: person in a white shirt wearing a small black floral embroidered pouch around the neck.

This experience is designed for Her Atlas’ guests during their stay in Kyoto in Octobre 2024. It is available for them only.

From old traditional to new functional

Join me, Clémentine, in this 2-hours experience to learn all about Japanese traditional textiles while creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your time in Kyoto. Together we will learn about Japanese fabrics and you will choose your favourite one to transform into a unique bag.

Close-up of a red and gold patterned fanny pack with leaf designs and a gold zipper, worn on a pink textured fabric.

Learn and create in a tranquil temple

The experience is hosted at Horenji, a small temple 10 minutes walk from JR Tambaguchi station, and you will be immediately immersed in this special atmosphere where time seems to have stopped. It will start with a presentation about Japanese kimono. I’ll share insights into their history, the intricate process of their creation, and how we can integrate these traditional crafts into our daily lives. I will introduce you to many fabrics from my collection, some are extremely precious, made of mother-of-pearl and gold leaves.

After the presentation, you will choose your favourite fabric from over 30 different options and decide on the design you want me to create with it. You can see the available designs in the images below.

Japanese lantern with calligraphy hanging in front of traditional building, featuring plant decor and wooden elephant figurine.

Crafting memories

Creating your bag from A to Z is going to take a few days so, on the day, we are only going to start the process together. Once we shape all the details ( for example, I will show you how to frame the exact part of the motif that you want), I will create your bag according to your wishes while you carry on your Kyoto adventures. Your custom-made bag will arrive at your doorstep just a few weeks after you return home from Japan.

Person folding a kimono sash on a tatami mat

4 designs to choose from

Two embroidered fabric pouches with floral patterns on a dark surface.

Travel pouch set

Person wearing a white textured sweater, holding a camera, with an ornate waist bag featuring colorful, intricate designs of birds and flowers.

Bum bag

Person wearing a black ribbed tank top and burgundy pants, holding a small black and red crossbody bag with an Asian-inspired architectural design.

Phone bag

Elegant gold clutch bag with chain strap

Clutch

Who should join

This experience is suitable for those who:

・have little to no knowledge about kimono and are eager to discover more of this iconic part of Japanese culture

・like learning about traditional textiles and crafts

・want to know what they are buying when they shop for vintage kimono (for example be able to recognize a genuine silk kimono from a synthetic one)

・are looking for a unique and meaningful souvenir that they won’t find anywhere else

・want to make a personal or thoughtful gift that carries the story of their travels.

Traditional Japanese kimono with an ornate obi belt featuring floral patterns.
Woman smiling at sewing machine with colorful fabric, in a room with shelves and sewing supplies.

Your host

Hello, I’m Clémentine, I am a Kyoto-based designer and I have been transforming vintage kimono into new bags for 10 years. I believe that traditional fabrics are too precious to go to waste and I want to bring them back to life and appreciate their timeless beauty again.

Through this experience, I want to share my two main passions which are Japanese textiles and up-cycling.

Reserve your spot

To provide the best experience for each participant, we accept small groups only, with a maximum of 5 people.

The price is 50 $/person + bag cost. The 50 $ includes:

  • an informative session on kimono history and craft.

  • personal consultation adapted to your taste and wishes during the experience

  • the shipping cost of your bag to receive it at home

Tea and snacks will be offered .

The bag cost will cover for the material and the custom (and express!) crafting of your bag, at the same price it is sold in store. Each design price is as follow:

Schedule: Oct. 19th or 28th

Morning session 9:30 - 11:30 (1 spot left on the 28th)

Afternoon sessions 13:00 - 15:00 (1 spot left on the 28th) or 15:30 - 17:30

To provide the best experience to everyone, each session is limited to 5 participants. To reserve your spot, please fill in the form below Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the workshops or another topic.

I look forward to meeting you!

Clémentine.