Photography: courtesy of @landisliang

Hi! My name is Kyoko.

 

My memory of wearing kimonos goes back to when I was a child.

 

Both my mother and grandmother wore kimonos everyday, they wore them while they cooked, cleaned, sewed, went to work... it was as much a part of their daily lives as jeans and shirts are a part of ours!

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I remember the local kimono store would come to our house with rolls and rolls of beautiful silk kimono fabrics in tow. They displayed them all across our floor and my mother and all my aunties would fight over the ones they thought were the most beautiful. That is how my familie's collection was purchased and grew to what it is today... what a luxurious way to shop! Once they selected their favourites, each kimono was custom made to fit.

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Kimonos for Japanese people aren't just a garment, but a part of our broader traditions and heritage. They are usually passed down from mothers to daughters for many generations. I wore my mother's kimono to my daughter's graduation ceremony and it felt as if my mother was there with us. My daughter has also worn the kimono my mother made for me when I was a child to many special occasions. There are not only memories but also family histories behind each dress. Despite these traditions, it is important to me that kimonos don't become a thing of the past. I encourage all people to wear them to keep their memories alive!

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I founded Kimono Australia as the first overseas certified kimono dressing school certified by The Japan Tradition Technique Instructor Association (JTTI). JTTI has 44 certified kimono schools and private practices around Japan. My goal is to expand knowledge and awareness of Japanese culture through teaching kimono dressing. 

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Let me show you how to dress in kimono authentically but also the different ways to style and dress beautiful kimonos. They are there to be enjoyed by everyone, not only people with Japanese heritage. You will be amazed by how versatile the kimono is and how divine they can make you feel.​​

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So come and join us at Kimono Australia, make new kimono friends, enjoy kimono outings, and most of all let's just have fun and enjoy your kimono life!

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Kyoko Hodgkinson

Kimono Grand Master

Japan Tradition Technique Instructor Association

​Sydney - Kimono Australia

 

 

ホジュキンソン恭子

和装高等師範

着付け講師・着物スタイリスト

日本伝統技術インストラクター協会

シドニー認定教室キモノオーストラリア主宰

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