|
In 2004, Janine's kimono supplier retired and transferred the importing and wholesaling business to Janine at which time she opened her Boulder, Colorado showroom. This magical place holds anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 kimono at a time, in every color, texture, weave (damask, ikat), embellishment (embroidered, shibori - tie-dye, hand-painted) as well as every style of kimono such as uchikake (wedding kimono), haori (short jacket), michiyuki (traveling overcoat), yukata (cotton kimono) and hakama (split pant/skirt usually for men). Janine's knowledge of the Japanese garment culture is enhanced through books, industry experts, and people with a shared passion and desire to keep the kimono tradition alive. Janine is also available for speaking engagements on the subject of Japanese Kimono. |
Embracing her love for fabrics as a young adult, Janine decided to turn this passion into a career and studied fashion design at CSU, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her inspiring educators created the opportunity for Janine to become a designer and dressmaker specializing in custom dresses for discriminating, quality conscious customers. During this period she expanded her knowledge in textiles and fabric from around the world including an introduction to a disassembled vintage kimono fabric source. After learning more about these elegant fabric pieces - the story behind each painting, the delicate embroidery or extraordinary tie-dye, the curious family crest or reflective jacquard - Janine placed her first order of kimonos to transform into scarves and other garments. When the order of assembled kimonos arrived, Janine's plans changed. The kimonos were too magnificent to take apart. So in 2000, she began exhibiting vintage kimono and haori at summer fairs across the U.S.