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?

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.

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To confirm and reserve a bespoke order - a non-refundable deposit of 10000JPY 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.

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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 10,000JPY. 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 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, 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 2000JPY

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

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For READY TO WEAR item/s purchased on the online shop:

We are happy to accept returns if the item/s are faulty.

The item/s  must be in original up-cycled condition with all tags remaining in place.

Item/s must not have been worn, washed or altered in any way by the customer or a third party.

Unfortunately, we can not accept any returns that do not meet these requirements.

Tokyo Kaleidoscope offers a full refund of the item/s (excluding original shipping cost & the return shipping cost )

*please note Ready to Wear isn’t available currently due to the amount of bespoke orders placed

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