Atelier Shimura and minä perhonen first met in 2015, when Akira Minagawa visited the Saga workshop through an introduction from Shigesato Itoi. Their shared approach to craftsmanship and respect for nature. Their affection for materials and expression of the inner world through handiwork. They found common ground across the boundaries between Japanese and Western styles, empathized, and came up with the idea of ​​making obi out of Minagawa's textiles. Atelier Shimura selected five of Minagawa's many textile designs to make into obi. The collaboration, announced at "TOBICHI Tokyo," was met with a great response, with many first-time kimono buyers attending.

In 2017, we embroidered a pattern specially designed by Minagawa-san. Our collaboration has deepened as we added accents, such as weaving threads dyed by Atelier Shimura into the weft, allowing customers to enjoy the freedom of moving between Japanese and Western styles even more.

This year marks our third attempt. We have created three of the most popular patterns in new color schemes. We have also made the base threads thinner and increased the amount of Atelier Shimura's colored threads woven into the weft. This makes the kimono easier to tie and more usable as an obi. We hope that this collaboration will make kimonos more familiar to those of us living in the modern age, and that we will be able to enjoy them with more freedom of thought. Here we introduce some recommended coordinations by Atelier Shimura to give you some ideas for combinations.

Shimura's Kimono "Lotus Flower"
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Mina's obi "Snow Buds Yukinome"

Kimono "Lotus Flower"

The soft, clear beige and gray are dyed with lotus flowers given to us by an old temple in Nara. This color brings out the other colors, and we used purple root, indigo, and madder to create stripes. The warp threads, which have a distinct design, are gently blurred with weft threads of almost the same color. The overlapping colors of various plants create a floating, dreamy world.

Obi "Snow Buds Yukinome"

This obi is based on an original design by Minagawa, and has been featured since the second issue. This time, pale grey coloured threads of oak and cherry blossoms are woven into a white background, with matcha and orange embroidery. The warm colour scheme makes this a cute obi. It goes well with a wide range of kimonos, but the combination with the vibrant lotus flower makes the wearer look even more gorgeous.

Shimura's Kimono "Osawaike"
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Mina's obi "forest dot"

Kimono "Osawa Pond"

The warp threads are made of pale colored threads, and the weft threads are gradated from the bottom to dark indigo, green, yellow-green, and white. Osawa Pond is a pond located in Daikakuji Temple in Saga. The random weft ikat patterns express the sparkle of the water's surface, depicting the richness of the waterside scenery. The collar and shoulders are woven cleanly with a white base, making the face look brighter.

Obi "forest dot"

It has been especially popular since the first event. This time, pink and beige threads dyed with cherry blossoms and plum blossoms are woven into a cream base, and the embroidery is done with gray thread. It has a crisp impression. The pattern, which also looks like a traditional Japanese pattern, goes well with any kimono. Atelier Shimura recommends combining it with "Osawaike," which includes white and blue, to further accentuate the refreshing look.

Shimura's Kimono "Seinai"
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Mina's obi "Seed of the Wind"

Kimono "Seiran"

The indigo dyeing process takes about two months, and is done with indigo at its most vibrant. You can feel freshness and youthfulness even in the dark color. Indigo is a plant that has been close to the lives of Japanese people since ancient times. It is a color that becomes familiar over time and walks with you through life. Atelier Shimura dyes indigo in accordance with the phases of the moon. This kimono allows you to feel the mysteries of nature on your skin.

Obi "Seed of the Wind"

This is an original design drawn by Minagawa. This pattern, which appeared at the second exhibition, has been remade with a different color scheme. Indigo and Yashabushi are woven into the dark navy blue background. By combining it with "Aoi-ai" and using similar colors, it creates a sophisticated impression. The accent colors stand out, so you can enjoy playing with colors.

Atelier Shimura's Obi

Atelier Shimura offers two types of obi: original woven obi and obi made in collaboration with Mina Perhonen. Enjoy matching your kimono and obi according to your own sensibilities.