Upcycled Japanese Obi Shoulder Purse ~ Handmade Bag with Vintage Japanese Kimono Textiles

$256.89 NZD

🧵 The Process

See how this bag was made by watching the video on Madly Kimono Youtube Channel! 
👉 https://youtu.be/gCe5vMEzV7c

📖 The Story

This elegant small purse is a celebration of classic Japanese craftsmanship, reimagined for modern use. The body of the bag is crafted from a vintage fukuro obi featuring a shimmering silver and cream background adorned with intricate, colorful fan embroidery and silver wave motifs.

While many of my bags are designed for daily adventures, this piece was inspired by a desire for something a bit more refined. It’s a small, dressy purse that is perfect for special occasions, yet versatile enough to elevate a casual outfit.

🪭 Design Details

  • The Fabric: A luxurious vintage silk with heavy embroidery. To give the delicate silk more structure, I’ve carefully interfaced the body and used a beautiful upcycled silk hakkake (kimono lining) for the interior.
  • The Strap: An authentic obijime (silk cord) featuring gold on one side and a formal pattern on the other, picking up the rich gold tones in the fan motifs. The strap is adjustable—simply loosen and re-tie the knots to your preferred length.
  • The Hardware: I chose warm gold-toned D-rings and hardware to complement the elegance of the silk.
  • Closure: The bag is finished with a secure, heavy-duty gold snap closure at the top to keep your essentials safe.

👜 Specifications

  • Dimensions: Roughly 18" length x 12" width x 4" depth (bag portion)
  • Body: Vintage Silk Fukuro Obi (Silver/Cream with Fan Embroidery)
  • Strap: Authentic Silk Obijime (Gold/Formal pattern)
    Interior: Upcycled silk lining with reinforced interfacing
  • Origin: Hand-constructed in my studio using authentic materials sourced from Japan

*Note: As this piece is made from vintage textiles, there may be very slight variations in the weave, which add to the unique character and history of the piece.

🌸 Sustainable & Authentic

This bag is a Madly Kimono "remake" project. By upcycling these vintage textiles, I am preserving the artistry of the original Japanese weaver while creating a functional, one-of-a-kind accessory. My sewing process is organic and intuitive—ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly alike.

❤️ Care & Maintenance

This piece is a delicate fragment of textile history. Because vintage Japanese silks and dyes were often natural and not treated with modern chemical fixatives, they require specific care:

💧 Avoid Moisture: Protect the bag from rain and spills. Water can cause traditional dyes or metallic threads to spot or bleed.

🧺 Cleaning: Do not machine wash or dry clean. Spot clean only with a dry, soft cloth if necessary.

🌥️ Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant colors and metallic sheen.

✨ By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure this beautiful piece of Japanese textile art stays as special as the day it was made.