Would you buy kimono and kimono-related accessories (for men and women) in the dealer's room? I'm looking at getting a booth, but I'd like to know if there is any sort of demand before I invest in it, ya know?
I think it really depends mostly on the prices.
There was at least one clothing booth last year, though, granted, it wasn't kimono.
But, I think if the prices are good, you'd find people more than willing to pay for certain things.
Ah, good point. I'd be carrying everything from tabi ($10 or so) to kimono ($40 and up) and other items up to a few hundred dollars. I did a show this month where I sold out of kimono, so I'm looking forward to doing more.
Tabi are those ninja shoe/slippers right?
$10? Thats pretty cool.
Oh hell yes. I collect vintage kimono (so far I have one houmongi, one furisode, one kurotomesode, one uchikake and two obi that coordinate with them all), but I'm sorely lacking in proper accessories. I only have one obijime, no proper obiage, I'd love some fancy collars and even a few datejime and whatnot.
And god, if you can find dress vinyl zouri in either black or soft gold that would fit a western size 10/11 woman's foot, you're pretty much guaranteed a sale there.
I doubt I'll have the budget to buy any actual kimono unless they're very affordable, but accessories, definitely.
If you have plenty of selection then I'd consider buying from you. As people already have said, price does matter and would reflect if people do buy from you or not.
For me personally, I am interested in the kind of accessories you would be selling since I wouldn't bring enough money for the nice, pretty kimonos.
Quote from: abcbadcat on February 27, 2008, 12:28:14 PM
Tabi are those ninja shoe/slippers right?
$10? Thats pretty cool.
They're Japanese socks that separate the big toe from the other toes. uhh... that's all I really know about them.
Well Wikipedia is always your friend for this kind of thing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabi
Tabi for $10 I'm potentially interested in, and I think you'll find a LOT of others interested for that price as well.
XD My biggest issue would be whether or not they'd fit me, considering I have big feet. (I wear a size 10.5 - 11 men's. D': It sucks finding pretty shoes that size for me.)
If you do purchase a booth I can guarantee I'd at the very least come by and take a thorough look at your merchandise.
Well, I'll see what I can do. I sold out of juban at my last show and certainly went through a lot of obijime, so I will certainly be stocking up on kimono gear as much as kimono themselves.
I generally don't carry furisode because a) they are heavy, and b) they are phenomenally expensive, but I do have just about everything else, even a few uchikake (which are REALLY heavy). I'm trying to restock obi right now, but getting them cheap is hit-and-miss. I like to keep my kimono as affordable as possible. It's more fun that way.
And zouri... yeah. I wouldn't mind some myself. Geta I can get. Zouri, not so much.
Yes.
Yes yes.
Yes,
and
yes.
LOL! Then I guess I'd better get the booth fee scraped up somehow. Restocking after my last show has left me pretty skint! ;)
Haha, I totally understand the weight issue. I actually bought my uchikake from a professor at a college I was doing IT for, and carrying it home was a challenge. He brought it to me in a TRASH BAG T_T
It wasn't cheap, but I justified it by the fact that I was giving it a proper home.
His wife had bought it as a decoration for a wall, and then decided she didn't like it, so she stuffed the poor thing in said trash bag and then dumped it in a closet. My heart nearly broke when he told me the story.
Unfortunately, that's not the first time someone has stored one in a trash bag. I helped with an auction fundraiser a few years ago and had to hunt around town to find uchikake to display along with one that was being auctioned off. It would seem that a Hefty bag is the preferred method of storage due to it's size. The only person who DIDN'T have one in a garbage bag was an artist who collects Asian antiques.
I wish I could store all my beauties in paulownia tansu, but sadly, that isn't an option. Every time I get an old kimono or haori that has been stored that way, they smell divine!
Ooh, that sounds lovely.
I just keep mine wrapped in tatou-shi in a cedar-lined ventilated trunk.
Actually, the wrappings are getting quite tattered, I could probably use more, so if you happen to be selling any of those I might snatch a few up.
If I could find a decent supplier for tatou-shi, I would. So far, nada. I guess it will have to wait until I go to Japan and stock up.
haha im tempted to take all money I was going to use on food and anime stuff to buy a new outfit now XD
Food? who needs food? I swear, I consumed about 50 calories a day during the last show I did. I was having too much fun to eat, and couldn't leave the booth anyway. :P I crashed pretty hard after we got home and took the next two days off.
It's a good think my partner isn't going to be coming with me, or he'd blow our budget on videos. Well, maybe not, but I know he's been looking for some in particular and if he found them there he'd certainly snap them up.
Every much so in ther interested group. ;D
Depending on what you have I may buy
Stock so far includes kimono, obi, juban, obijime, haori, michyuki, yukata, geta, and tabi. Non-kimono stuff will include traditional incense, candy, kits for making doll-sized kimono, plus some of my original designs made from vintage kimono and obi fabrics (there's a link in my profile).
I'm working on getting more of the kitsuki stuff together. I like to be able to dress customers right at the booth so they can wear their new kimono all day. :)
Gah, I know where my tax refund is going this year ><''
LOL! my tax refund (I have two adorable deductions :P ) is going to help me stock the booth.
I forgot to mention the kanzashi I should be getting soon from an artist here in the US. She does beautiful work. I'm still sorting out the details with her, and I'm really looking forward to having her pieces at my booth. They are sooooo pretty.
It wouldn't be Gaijin Geisha's work, would it? She makes awesome stuff, and she's really nice.
Unfortunately I recently chopped off most of my hair, but if you have any adapted into metal clip barettes or something, that would be awesome.
Also, I checked out your site, when you say you'll be bringing some of your accessories and original pieces, I hope you mean things like the scarves and messenger bags, they are beautiful, and an awesome way to bring some kimono beauty to more modern outfits.
No, not Gaijin Geisha's work, but yes, there should be some with clips. I'll request some at any rate.
And yes! I am making more bags and scarves to bring to the show.
ah i love kimonos but I have a Yukata since thats what I could afford plus it was summer when I went to japan
=) some accesories would be darling! especially getting hairpins and geta
Quote from: kimono_hime on March 05, 2008, 10:43:04 PM
No, not Gaijin Geisha's work, but yes, there should be some with clips. I'll request some at any rate.
And yes! I am making more bags and scarves to bring to the show.
Ooh, another kanzashi maker, I can't wait to see her work! I think it's awesome that more people are learning how to make them, especially here in North America.
Oh noes! Apparently Gaijin Geisha no longer makes kanzashi for sale (yes, I looked her up and her work is amazing).
Oh, that's a shame. :(
I totally would! Good idea!
I would indeed buy. I was disappointed last year at no kimono both. Especially since I skipped out on buying one at japan-town because I thought "they'll have them at fanime. no worries."
Would you, by any chance, have some furisode for sale? I'm looking for one.
Or anything with crane patterns. =3
A friend of mine is sending me a box of miscellaneous kitsuke accessories and things she picked up somewhere, and has no idea what they are, but from the looks of things there's a really cute pink striped hanhaba obi in there. So I may drag it along with me and see if I can find a yukata that looks good with it ^.^
I am going to raid your booth. :D
Have you thought of selling things from puchimaiko?
http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php
they sell lots of pretty things especially kanzashi
=) im excited
I would!
Oooooh. Kimono booth. ^^
I was wondering if you'll be selling these items at your both?
Kantan Han'eri (Easy Collar)
Koshihimo (Think strips of cloth for holding the kimono together)
Datejime (Narrow flat cloth belt)
Obimakura (Kimono pillow for the obi)
And the kimono under-wear.
If you are can you give me a rough estimate of the price? >.>;
And what's the price range on your kimonos and Yukatas and obis?
As far as accessories, I'm working on it. Most of what I'd like to carry I can't get wholesale from Japan so I'm stuck either paying as much as you would to get it off ebay, or making it myself. I don't like the idea of paying retail plus shipping from Japan just so I can jack the prices on you. Not nice. I won't be going to Japan before the show so I can't pick up a bunch of these at a shop, either. :(
I make koshihimo from strips of muslin, and those are free if you buy a kimono from me. If I dress you at the show, you'll be wearing them, anyway! And no one will know they're just plain cotton, because they're hidden.
Price range for kimono, juban, yukata, etc will start at $30 and up, obi should be around $60 and up for nagoya and fukuro. I'm still getting in new items, so prices are not totally set.
Oh no T_T It's so much easier to justify buying a bunch when they're so affordable!
Do you know which corner of the center you're going to be located at? ^^
No idea. I've been told I have a booth, but haven't received any info from the organizers yet. It's a big show run by a lot of busy volunteers, so that is to be expected, I guess. :)
psst... hey, organizers, send me some info! ;)
Okay, I'm finally officially listed as a vendor. Phew!
So far I've been amassing as many kimono as I can, including a lot of hitoe (unlined) pieces since Cali is warmer than Oregon and I'm sure you don't want to be sweating buckets. My geta stash has already been raided and I'm really low on those, but hey, flip flops are good in a pinch, so bring some if you plan to buy a kimono to wear and don't have geta.
I'm getting the kanzashi order sorted, and the pieces are really nice, including some simple clips and fancier combs.
I will be taking credit cards and paypal (if I get internet sorted out), and cash is always lovely. Checks, not so much.
Awesome to know you'll be taking credit cards, that's very handy.
Quote from: kimono_hime on April 30, 2008, 03:48:06 PM
Okay, I'm finally officially listed as a vendor. Phew!
So far I've been amassing as many kimono as I can, including a lot of hitoe (unlined) pieces since Cali is warmer than Oregon and I'm sure you don't want to be sweating buckets. My geta stash has already been raided and I'm really low on those, but hey, flip flops are good in a pinch, so bring some if you plan to buy a kimono to wear and don't have geta.
I'm getting the kanzashi order sorted, and the pieces are really nice, including some simple clips and fancier combs.
I will be taking credit cards and paypal (if I get internet sorted out), and cash is always lovely. Checks, not so much.
I'm glad you're taking credit card (or paypal). I hate carrying around lots of cash and so far, you're probably going to be my most expensive booth >.<
Woot for paypal!
Holeee carp. My tabi dealer just totally bailed on me. :(
I guess that leaves more money for me to buy kanzashi! :)
Aww!
Kanzashi are much prettier than most tabi anyways ;P
Did you get my last PM, if you don't mind me asking here?
Quote from: kimono_hime on April 30, 2008, 03:48:06 PM
My geta stash has already been raided and I'm really low on those, but hey, flip flops are good in a pinch, so bring some if you plan to buy a kimono to wear and don't have geta.
Oh, damn, I really wanted to pick up a pair of geta, too. :( I have a set of men's, but no women's.
Moonblossom, yes! I finally sent you a reply. Thanks for the reminder. :)
Kyokun, I'll see what I can do. ;)
BTW, I've been informed I'll be at booth #404. ;D
Hurray!
Quote from: kimono_hime on May 05, 2008, 10:50:02 PM
Moonblossom, yes! I finally sent you a reply. Thanks for the reminder. :)
Kyokun, I'll see what I can do. ;)
BTW, I've been informed I'll be at booth #404. ;D
Prepare to get raided! :P
What day/time will you be ready to start selling? Will you be there all con or only a day or two? I'm hoping to get to your booth ASAP upon arrival.
THANK GOD YOU ARE COMMING TO FANIME!!!!!!
I need you cause I need to finish my Kimmono.
How much are the accesories to the Kimmono? (the belt or bow, Sorry I don't know the correct name for it)
What colors do you carry?
The belt is called the obi, and you'll need to learn to tie it into a bow yourself, though I'm sure she will be happy to show you. There's also the Immortal Geisha panels on how to wear kimono that will help you out.
Quote from: Moonblossom on May 08, 2008, 07:05:58 AM
The belt is called the obi, and you'll need to learn to tie it into a bow yourself, though I'm sure she will be happy to show you. There's also the Immortal Geisha panels on how to wear kimono that will help you out.
^ ^ Thank you!!!!!! I'm so freakin happy for your help!!! Now I can search the internet for instructions on how to put it on!
I think my kimono is a yukata (are those the ones with short sleves?) ^ ^ Or it could be that I have really long arms! I am 5' 7'' and I don't think my body type wears kimono's much (I could be wrong!)
Oh If you have any obi that are orange or eggplant (purple) I'm very much would love to see them and maybe by one. Though, I do have a question... Can you wear a kimono with just the obi or do you need koshi-himo belt, a date-jime belt and a obi-jimi?
I've never worn a kimono in my life so this is all new.
Yukata are light unlined cotton kimonos, usually with a cheerful printed pattern. If you have a yukata, getting dressed will still require a few accessories, but it's a lot easier generally.
Oh, then I don't have that one then. Mine is lined and has a busy pattern and the matterial is almost silk like but it's not. Kinda hard to explain. Might as well take a picture of it.
I am just posting a quick note on kimono_hime' behalf - She has been having a lot of trouble connecting to the Fanime boards for a while now, so if she has not replied to a PM you've sent, please don't worry. If you need to get in touch with her regarding the booth or anything, please email her at info at kimonomomo dot com. (email broken down to prevent spam).
Thanks!
Let me just say thank you MOONBLOSSOM!
I'm in today, but yes, please do email me directly as I still have trouble answering messages and posts here. The forum pages load and load and never get anywhere and I get frustrated. Today it's good, so who knows. I blame the internet elves.
I have very limited stock of everything but I will have the following:
Shoyeido incense
Sashiko supplies (kits, thread, etc)
some craft books and shibori DVD
random Japanese fabrics (cotton and silk)
kimono (furisode, kurotomesode, hitoe, meisen, etc)
haori
michiyuki
obi (hanhaba, nagoya, fukuro)
obijime
tabi
kanzashi
uchikake
myamiari
yukata
geta
juban
Folkwear patterns (for kimono, etc so you can make your own)
...and anything else I can think of between now and then.
**NO obi makura (pillows) or other bits like collar stiffeners, velcro belts, that sort of thing. When I can get them in bulk from Japan I will have them on my website, kimonomomo dot com. Sorry!
If you buy a kimono from me, I will do my best to dress you, but please understand this takes a lot of time and I am also trying to sell. If you are already wearing a kimono and need a little adjustment, I can probably do that too.
If I ask to take your picture at the show I will also give you my business card. That way you can contact me later and I can email you a copy of the pic. I use the pics for personal reference and not publicity unless you want me to, in which case I would need something in writing from you first. If you're okay with me posting your pic on flickr, let me know. NO PHOTOS I TAKE WILL BE PUBLIC WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.
My able bodied assistant Chad will be around Saturday and Sunday. He's a cutie so stop by and say hello! I am super excited to be meeting all of you soon. If I don't have what you are looking for at the show, I will have more stock in June and I ship all over the world.
One more thing--
If you are coming to Fanime in regular clothes and plan to change into kimono, I suggest wearing a tank top or sports bra (for the ladies, of course), something without an underwire. I usually wear a tank/cami with minimal support because you don't want excessive boobage, you really need to underplay the cleavage as much as possible. BE COMFORTABLE. Kimono are wonderful to wear, but they can be heavy and hot in warmer weather. Consider that your underclothes need to be light and breathable so you don't want to pass out later in the day.
If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them here as long as my computer and this site are working together in harmony.
>.>;
I have a couple of questions for you, though I've tried messaging you on the forums, but I'm not sure that you have gotten it...
Do you have an email that I could use to contact you with?
Thanks.
Quote from: Rei-Rei on May 20, 2008, 02:37:10 AM
>.>;
I have a couple of questions for you, though I've tried messaging you on the forums, but I'm not sure that you have gotten it...
Do you have an email that I could use to contact you with?
Thanks.
...
Quote from: Moonblossom on May 09, 2008, 07:54:13 AM
I am just posting a quick note on kimono_hime' behalf - She has been having a lot of trouble connecting to the Fanime boards for a while now, so if she has not replied to a PM you've sent, please don't worry. If you need to get in touch with her regarding the booth or anything, please email her at info at kimonomomo dot com. (email broken down to prevent spam).
Thanks!
:D
Thanks. ^^
I'm not one to dress up, but I find myself interested in this.
I'm not sure how to ask this, but, will you be selling something that would qualify as 'mens formal'?
Quote from: Jelly Soup on May 22, 2008, 12:00:35 AM
I'm not one to dress up, but I find myself interested in this.
I'm not sure how to ask this, but, will you be selling something that would qualify as 'mens formal'?
=O
If you do, I want a picture.