ABOUT KAVKIMONO

Can be used for many years,
The strength and beauty of cowhide


KAVKIMONO is made of cowhide leather, which can be used for many years if you continue to care for it carefully. Smooth, shiny, and beautiful, it will blend in and develop its own taste as you use it.

“Nishijin brocade”
folded with dyed threads

Nishijin brocade is a yarn-dyed patterned fabric produced in Nishijin, Kyoto. It is a high-class textile that requires many processes and techniques to complete because it is not dyed after weaving, but rather the yarn is dyed first and then intricately woven to create the pattern.
* Nishijin brocade is a registered trademark of the Nishijin Textile Industrial Association.

History of Nishijin brocade

  • After the Onin War, which had been going on since 1467, ended, weavers who had fled to Osaka and Sakai returned to Kyoto. The place where they restarted their business was where the headquarters of the Western Army was located during the war, and it came to be called “Nishijin. This is where the name Nishijin textile was born.
  • After the unification of Japan by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Nishijin textiles established its own style of “weaving patterns with yarn dyed first” by adopting techniques introduced from Ming Dynasty China. This is the origin of today's Nishijin textiles.
  • In the Meiji period (1868-1912), with the support of the Kyoto Prefectural Government, Nishijin textiles were modernized by learning Jacquard loom techniques in France. A style was established that incorporated new techniques while preserving tradition.
  • Nishijin brocade has continued to evolve throughout its long history and was designated as a national traditional craft in February of Showa 51 (1976).

Kyoto braided cords are used.
It is beautiful and the knot will not come undone.

The braided cords used to fasten kimono obis were adopted as shoelaces for sneakers. We were surprised to find that kumi-himo, which has a long history as a traditional craft, was suitable for shoe laces.
There is the uneven surface of the braided cord and the beautiful shine that comes with it.
And since braided cords are elastic, knots will not come undone. Loosely tightened, the knot is firm. After wearing the prototypes for several months, we were surprised to find that there was really little need to re-tie the laces.

The sole is made by Finproject of Italy.
Extralight is adopted



The sole of “KAVKIMONO” is made of “Extralight,” an ultra-lightweight material produced by Finproject of Italy. By using a special technique to make the rubber sole contain air, thickness and volume are achieved. It is characterized by high cushioning, lightweight yet robust, and soles that are resistant to wear and tear.
* Extralight is a registered trademark of Finproject, Inc.