Obi With An African textile From Chikako Kimura

Many Japanese fashion magazines feature a yukata in July. Yukata is a a casual summer kimono usually made of cotton fabric. There are many festival and events for people who love a yukata in summer in Japan, and I love the fireworks near my parents' house. Unfortunately, I couldn't go there because I'm tied up with my work. However, I wear a yukata every day when I practice a traditional Japanese dance at home for the stage of a shrine near my home. I have performed the dance to the god to the shrine since 2011. I practice for only 10 minutes a day, I sweat a lot in summer. I think it is a kind of exercise.

７月は日本のファッション誌で浴衣特集をよく見かけます。日本の夏は浴衣で出かけたくなるお祭りやイベントも多くて、ウキウキしてきます。わたしも、毎年実家の近くの花火大会を楽しみにしているのですが、今年は仕事の都合で行けなくて残念。でも、浴衣は毎日着ています。2011年から、北澤八幡さまの例大祭で奉納舞を舞わせていただいておりますので、夏は毎日浴衣で練習します。一日、たったの１０分しか練習しませんが、夏は汗がたくさん出ます。舞は、まるでエクササイズのようです。

When we wear a yukata, it is easy to wrap a obi (kimono belt). Wrap twice or third, and tie like a shape you love! I first wore this obi with an African textile that I found at the CHO × TOGO - Illustration/photo/Cloth - Exhibition at Ebisu on April. African textiles go well with traditional Japanese textiles of a yukata. I was so excited!! In addition, this circle bag which is one of trendy items is very good with a yukata, too!

浴衣の帯は簡単に結べます。２〜３周、体に巻いて好きなかたちに結ぶだけ。今年４月の『CHO×トーゴ～イラスト・写真・布展～』で見つけた半幅帯を初めて締めました。アフリカのテキスタイルが浴衣の伝統的な柄と見事にマッチして感激です。さらに、トレンドのサークルかごバッグも浴衣とよく合います。みなさまも、ぜひ試してみてくださいね！

Chikusen yukata, Chikako Kimura obi, Wagu geta(sandals), Maison N.H Paris bag