Vintage! Second-hand haori, jackets for Japanese kimono.
 
When I saw this haori jacket, I completely fell in love with the color, a beautiful deep and warm red. Whether this is the “shu-iro” or “shojohi” color, I don’t know. My eye is not well trained enough to say that for sure. All over the fabric, we can see, directly woven into the silk and according to the komon tradition, the repetition of the same small pattern, a pattern whose name I do not know. It is a leaf pattern inside interlocking rectangles. On the front sleeve, a beautiful Nami wave pattern, an isolated pattern, like a moment framed and captured in a photo. An oceanic motif stylized in a very traditional way, the foam breaking away from low, gently moving waves. This image is associated with femininity, a motif also typical of summer to bring us freshness while the heat is hard to bear day after day. This resplendent red perhaps takes us towards the next season, autumn. This is very often the case with kimono, haori and obi. We are getting ready for the jump to the next season. When you turn the haori over to see the back, you find the same pattern, but on the opposite sleeve. The center and right sleeve have the same pattern. But, this time, in the middle of the waves and crests of foam, ox cart wheels, half sunk in the water, an image from the Heian period. And this is where we see clearly that this picture takes us from summer to colder days. The body of the wheels is indeed decorated with the most symbolic floral motifs of autumn and winter:  Kiku, the chrysanthemum, Kaede maples leaves, Matsu pine and Ume plum blossom. All these high-ranking patterns are also accompanied by the gold of the most prestigious Japanese geometric patterns such as Hanashippo, Kikko, Seigaha, Kanoko, etc... An ingenious way of allowing us to wear this jacket all year round.
On the inner lining of the haori, the haura, a field of Shibakusa grass where we find autumn, winter and spring flowers such as the Botan peony, the iris, the Kiku chrysanthemum, the leaves of Kaede maples, Matsu pine and Ume plum blossom and whose natural beauty the human eye will have captured on sheets of paper.
 
The haori, a jacket worn over a Japanese kimono, is perhaps THE Japanese garment that TABITABIYA fell in love with the most! Cut in the same way as a kimono, the haori also shares its sumptuous fabrics and patterns traditions. But you don't need an obi to keep it closed. It is generally worn open or tied at the front with braided strings made in the same materials as the obijime that is attached to the obi. They are also very decorative. Its easy-to-wear length, its lightness, its more restrained or downright daring patterns make this authentic kimono jacket a super playful and stylish garment that you will never get tired of! There is no limit to how you can wear it because the haori goes absolutely perfectly and creatively with all clothes. For your moments of relaxation on the sofa, your reading times, to enjoy a cup of tea, to make you comfortable at home after your hard days of work, to bring an edgy touch to your jeans outfits, or a more chic note to your skirt or work outfits, for going out in the evening, for invitations to a wedding or a slightly chic aperitif party… Suitable for all your outings, the haori is the fashionable answer for all women, and the ways you can wear it are endless!!! The haori is THE ideal fashion item to add to your wardrobe and your life this so very unique touch of Japanese elegance! A simple and accessible way for all to enjoy the art of Japanese kimono.
In Tabitabiya's flea market, I only feature second-hand Japanese haori that melt my heart. They are not perfect but in good, or even very good condition. The photos will show you the small defects that some may have.