HELLO!!

Thank you for your interest and wish to have your own bespoke kimono piece selected from our ever changing vintage kimono collection. I’ve personally created these reconstructed kimono designs to utilise as much of the kimono fabric as possible, minimising waste and giving these gloriously, beautiful kimonos a new lease on life.

If you’re in/visiting Tokyo, you can schedule an appointment to visit our home studio for a fitting and to peruse the kimonos we have available for reconstruction. Please be aware a first appointment can take anywhere from 1 - 3hrs, depending how decisive you are in selecting your kimono from our vast collection, plus taking measurements and deciding on design.

If you’re wishing to place an overseas order, please understand the timeline will be a little longer due to email replies, the possibilities of sending mock ups.

If you’re not sure what you’re after, or you just want to send us some love, please do send us a message! Would love to hear from you!

Please fill out the form below - please give as much information as possible, especially if you’re writing from overseas.

FAQ

1. All our kimonos are photographed to the best of our ability, if you wish to have extra photos to help your choices, please don’t hesitate to ask.

2. Our kimonos are pre-loved, hence due to their history any frays or oddities are all of part of their history & character. 

3. We will only make one of each particular design using a particular kimono, however the same design can be made in a different kimono & vice versa: the same kimono in a different design.

4. We are advocating the move of ‘slow fashion’ rather than fast, therefore we utilize all of the available kimono fabric to create different designs so that there is no waste.

5. Body measurements are very important for any custom order, so taking your bust, waist, hips, height ACCURATELY is crucial. We will send you a list of measurements required.

6.  A custom order generally takes around 1-3 months from when we start unpicking your selected kimono. Please allow for flexibility for this time frame, as numerous fittings may have to occur depending on the design & customer's measurements. 

7. Please be aware there is also at times a waiting list for custom orders. 

8. If you find a kimono you love that you wish no one else to claim but you’re not sure what you want made; the kimono can be held for you for a non-refundable deposit of 10,000JPY. The kimono can be held up for a period of 2 months, after it will be released back for availability.

BESPOKE ORDERS TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. All bespoke order pieces are non-refundable and require a 10,000JPY or equivalent currency deposit.

2. Bespoke orders will be made to the measurements taken on the day of fitting. Any changes to measurement will incur an alteration charge of 5000JPY

3. Once the design is finalized, any subsequent design changes will incur an alteration charge of 5000JPY

4. An installment payment option (lay-by) is available case by case.

5. Final payment must be received before the product is mailed out/given over. Any minor changes/alterations to the finished piece after the customer has picked up the finished order will be charged 5000JPY. Major changes' cost will be discussed individually.

6. We understand life happens, and unexpected things can pop up. If you have chosen a kimono & decided on design, but cannot afford to complete the order. We are happy to transfer your kimono deposit for a *future bespoke order. The kimono you’ve chosen will be placed back into availability for other clients.

*Please let us know as soon as possible *future bespoke order to be placed within 6months ie. choosing of new kimono & design.

7. Currently we have a waiting list, please be aware when making your appointment, If you require a rush order, please email to inquire if it’s possible depending on design & time. (please note:rush orders will have an extra cost depending on the timeline - it will range from an extra 10000JPY - 20000JPY+)


TOKYO
Japan

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FAQ

What material do you use?

All of Tokyo Kaleidoscope frocks & other products are handmade from vintage Japanese kimono, haori or obi.

Where do you find the kimono, haori or obi?

All of our materials are sourced from vintage kimono dealers, shops & vintage markets across Japan.

What are the kimono, haori and obi made from?

Vintage Japanese kimono, haori and obi were traditionally made from Japanese silks, cottons & linens or a combination of blends.

We have tried our utmost to confirm from all our sources that the materials we have chosen are made from such natural materials.

However as these items are vintage, and not all information may have been passed down accurately to the seller over the years, a few of the kimonos may contain polyester blends.

 What condition are the kimono, haori and obi in?

All of our kimono, haori and obi are pre-loved, consequently any marks, flaws or other oddities in the fabric are a by product of it's history & character.

Is there stretch in vintage kimono, haori and obi fabric?

Kimono, haori and obi are largely made from natural materials instead of synthetic man made fibres like lycra & nylon. 

As a result, there is minimal if any stretch in the fabric - so our designs are not suitable for constraining the body (eg.. we do not make bandage dress/corset designs)

Our garments are not meant to be worn during high physical activity, as there is some fragility in vintage kimono material

 What does the kimono, haori and obi material feel like?

The kimono, haori and obi vary in feel & texture depending on what they've been made from. Some of the fabrics are soft & flowing, others hold a bit more shape and are stiff, some can also have a shimmer/sheen to the fabric itself.

For custom orders, we are happy to recommend which kimono, haori or obi are best suited for a design as certain materials works better than others.

Can you make larger sizes?

We do make larger sizes (custom order only) however there is a limited amount of fabric available to be used in all the different types of kimono, haori and obi. Generally the amount of material available can make a frock for sizes XS-L (depending on design)

For ladies that are more curvaceous and depending on the design of the dress  - it is possible to combine two different kimono together to create something beautiful!

Just email us on inquiries@tokyokaleidoscope.com

How do I care for my Tokyo Kaleidoscope frock?

If no stains have occurred, simply hang your TK piece out to air - away from direct sunlight. We love to spray with a bit of Laundress Fabric Fresh on our frocks to help cleanse.

If a slight stain has occurred, spot the stain gently with some cold water & mild soap/detergent. Do not leave your TK piece to soak in the water. Hang out flat to dry away from strong sunshine

OR if you have a dry cleaner you trust, dry cleaning is also an option.

Please be aware that as the material is vintage, various dying techniques in the past were not steadfast. Certain colours such as blues, greens, purples, reds & blacks etc may run/stain in water/sweat.

In addition vintage material may shrink if washed/soaked.

 How do I order a custom Tokyo Kaleidoscope frock?

Please email us on inquiries@tokyokaleidoscope.com to discuss options for your custom order (kimono choice, design, etc) or fill out our CUSTOM form on our website.

How long does a custom order generally take?

*UPDATE DEC 2024:  please be aware there is a substantial waitlist (currently 1 year) for bespoke orders - please consider making an appointment sooner rather than later, if you wish a reconstructed piece for the 1st half of 2026.

A custom order generally takes around 1-3 months from when we start unpicking your selected kimono (for orders in Japan). Please allow for flexibility for this time frame, as numerous fittings may have to occur depending on the design & customer's measurements, as well if there’s a long wait list before you.

If you’re an INTERNATIONAL ORDER, please allow for roughly 3-6 months as reconstruction only starts after all measurements have been fully confirmed, and if a mock up is required to be sent out to confirm certain aspects.

PLEASE BE AWARE there is also at times a WAITING LIST for custom orders. If you require a piece by a certain date, it is advised to place your order AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE.

*

To confirm and reserve an appointment for bespoke order - a non-refundable deposit of 20000JPY is required PER KIMONO reserved. This deposit will go towards your final balance. If the order is to be cancelled, your deposit will be forfeit, any other payment deposits made subsequently will also be forfeit. Bespoke Custom Orders are non-refundable & are made to the measurements taken/given at the initial order.

*

However if you’re unsure of design but find a kimono you love that you wish something to be made from & no one else to claim - the kimono can also be held for you for a non-refundable deposit of 20,000JPY. It can be held for a period of 2 months - if a design isn’t chosen by then - the kimono will go back into availability for other customers and your deposit will be forfeit.

You may transfer your deposit to another kimono, haori or obi choice. The new kimono, haori or obi and choice of design must be decided within 2 months of changing your deposit to another kimono or else your deposit and any other payment are forfeit. The kimonos will be then be made available for others again.

Termination of bespoke order by Tokyo Kaleidoscope

PLEASE NOTE If the order has been placed and begun to the timeline discussed and we do not hear from you within 2 months after trying to contact you; the original kimono/order will be cancelled, and your deposit and any other payments will be forfeit.

  • The 2 month period date starts from the first initial email to confirm any changes, final shipping destination & address, final payment etc

  • We will do the utmost to contact you several times, but if emails/Instagram messages and other points of contact are continually ignored, the order will be cancelled & previous payments forfeited.

  • We understand life & finances may sometimes have difficulties, so please be communicative if one requires more time

How do I make an appointment to order a bespoke piece/what are your opening hours?

The studio is open for appointments only. Please email or DM us to schedule an appointment to choose your kimono, discuss design and take measurements.

Generally the studio opens between 10.30 - 6pm on weekdays. 10.30 - 3pm on Saturdays.

Sundays and times before and after the times mentioned are available case by case as we understand some may have work and child time restrictions.

PLEASE NOTE the studio generally CLOSES FOR ALL OF JULY & AUGUST, AND FROM MID-DECEMBER TO END JANUARY each year; to allow Lia to rest her arm, and experiment with new designs.

Please place orders wishing to be completed for the summer/end of year with plenty of time for reconstruction.

What is your policy on re-fits/alterations?

There are fittings/mock ups sent during the construction period to adjust the pieces if required.

Once pick up/delivery & final payment is completed, any further alterations will have incur a fee after 1 month of pick up/confirmed delivery. Only simple alterations are allowed during this one month grace period - eg. hemming a pant/skirt/dress length shorter.

A fee will incur during the one month grace period if the alteration is to change/alter the design.

We understand that body shapes may change over time, however Tokyo Kaleidoscope pieces are made to the measurements given/taken at the time of first initial fitting. If alterations are required due to a change of measurements/change of design a fee will incur.

For international orders, the same policy applies as we work with the measurements given (please take them accurately).

International shipping costs will be borne by the customer wishing alterations.

Will I have to pay any duties and taxes on top of my order?

Tokyo Kaleidoscope unfortunately cannot be held responsible for any possible duties & taxes which may be applied by customs in the country where deliver is made. The responsibility for any custom duties, foreign taxes or other fees which may be imposed, will rest with the customer. Please contact your local customs offices if you would like to seek more information regarding taxes and duties. We also unfortunately cannot make any international order as a 'gift,' due to law prohibitions.

When will my order arrive?

Orders will arrive after completion within 3- 14 working days depending on the final destination.

Tokyo Kaleidoscope uses Japan Registered Post & EMS Shipping for international orders, and Kuroneko Yamato for domestic purchases and international orders in which Japan Post will not ship too.

How can I track my order?

When your order is shipped, we will send you an email/IG message within 1-2 working days, containing a tracking number which allows you to easily and quickly locate the whereabouts of your order!

If you did not receive this email/IG message, please contact us at inquiries@tokyokaleidoscope.com 

Do you deliver worldwide?

Overseas shipping has resumed for the majority of countries, however please email us to check if your region is not listed, as the situation is still constantly changing for tracked international shipping.

All international orders for clothing pieces are charged at a flat rate of

SOUTH EAST ASIA & AUSTRALIA: 6500JPY

NORTH AMERICA, CANADA, EUROPE, UK: 11000-15000JPY (depending on location)

*Accessories are dependent on size and weight

How much is delivery?

Standard Japan bespoke orders are charged at a flat rate of 2500JPY

Domestic orders will use Yamato Transport with tracking number or you can choose to pick it up at the studio.

Accessories are dependent on the weight and size.

All international orders for clothing pieces are charged at a flat rate of

SOUTH EAST ASIA & AUSTRALIA: 6500JPY

NORTH AMERICA, CANADA, EUROPE, UK: 11000 -15000JPY (depending on location)

*Accessories are dependent on size and weight

What is your return policy?

ALL CUSTOM ORDERS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

THE WORLD OF TOKYO KALEIDOSCOPE | FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM | @TOKYOKALEIDOSCOPE

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