Started in 2015 on the 10th anniversary of Rebecca’s return from Japan, the Camellia Kimono Club aimed to provide those who loved wearing kimono, or learning about them opportunities to wear their kimono in community. Due to discussions around cultural appropriation with members of the public when out in the community, the decision was made in 2018 to halt the Camellia Kimono club.
FAQ
Do you offer kimonos for sale or offer commission sales of kimono if I would like to sell one I have?
We do not offer these services.
Where can I learn how to dress in kimono?
Please do an internet search; you may be able to find helpful videos or instructors for your local areas. (Camellia Teas does not offer referrals).
Where can I buy a kimono?
Please do an internet search; there are many sellers offering these that can help you. (Camellia Teas does not offer referrals).
Camellia Kimono Fashion Shows
Rebecca began wearing and collecting kimonos in 1998 when she moved to Japan to teach English with the JET Programme. She was trained in Japan by one of the SODO School’s top instructors and competed nationally in 2004 – 2005 in Kimono dressing. She organised a number of Kimono Fashion Shows on behalf of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association and in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Canada at the Canadian Museum of History in 2006, 2008 and 2011. These large events take months of preparation and training for the numbers of models required, the skills and time involved in dressing each model. IDressing a model into a kimono requires 5 – 20 min, depending on the complexity of the dressing involved. Each kimono traditionally has over 20 items for dressing – so this is something to keep in mind when requesting a ‘kimono show’.
Kimono Model Preparation
Many may think the Kimono is something to be put on easily or quickly. Nothing could be further from the truth! Kimono models need to know not only how to wear the kimono properly, but their hair and makeup must be impeccable and traditional. Dressing a person in kimono takes a minimum of 15 min., assuming their hair and makeup and size are compatible with a vintage kimono.
Great care it taken to prepare models in the etiquette, grace and elegance of movement while in Kimono.
Camellia Kimono Club members are people who love the kimono.
In Japan, and abroad, Japanese kimono teachers, sellers, merchant, antique vendors teach, train and sell kimonos to non-Japanese people. The views sometimes, of kimono-wearing inside, and outside Japan may differ (as they do from person to person).
Here is a video on a perspective of the wearing of the kimono by non-Japanese people. Camellia Kimono Club strives to respect, through dedication to wearing the kimono in the best way possible, to enjoy this beautiful gown. We hope everyone can keep an open mind and keep the dialogue of sharing kind and considerate. Just as there are Asians practicing Western artforms, wearing Western clothing, so too can we share and enjoy the beauty of each others’ cultures.