Now and Zen
Vintage Kimono ware, Asian Clothing and Accessories
ladykimono@roadrunner.com
(626)333-5572

Hello! My name is Esther (ES) and I am a 3rd generation Japanese-American. I have been crafting as a profession since 1986 when I started "A Touch of Nature"

18 years ago I applied the art of Chinese macrame to jewelry made from old Asian coins and serpentine stones. The "Asian" look was just coming into vogue and my crafts and I were turning Asian.

In 1998 with the passing of my parents, I inherited several vintage kimonos with my family crest (mon). Being Japanese I valued the beauty of the kimono but being very American I knew I would never wear them. Being the crafty person, I restyled my kimonos into short jackets to wear to my art and craft shows. To my surprise customers wanted my jacket. So was the birth of my "Now and Zen" line of clothing made entirely from vintage Japanese kimonos.

In developing my clothing designs my thought has always been to keep the kimono as pure as possible. What I mean by this is I do not cut up the kimono fabric and use it patchwork style or add new or other material into my creations. My customers love their one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces and can appreciate the beauty of the original kimono. My hope is that their purchase becomes an heirloom that can be cherished and enjoyed by generations to come.

My macrame jewelry is still available at all my shows.

In 2002 I became a designer and sales associate for Y&S fashions. I work closely with Connie Moonlight. This is a line of clothing made from fabric from Japan called "chirimen", a rayon acetate blend. Many of the styles and designs are Asian inspired. The fabric is wrinkle resistant, washable, very comfortabe and great for travel. Please click on Jackets to view available styles. I will have this line of clothing at most of my shows. link Jackets

NOTICE
All Coats, Jackets, Long and Short Vest and 3-pc outfits are currently 40-70% off. (call or e-mail for measurements and a fitting) Now is the time to get your one-of-a-kind vintage kimono outfit. These are heritage items that can be enjoyed by generations to come.
link Kimono

NOTE: I am leaving on March 28-April 12th to Japan for a Vacation/kimono shopping trip.
If I find some quality Tomosode kimonos and haoris then I will start marking more kimono ware.


      
SPRING SHOW SCHEDULE

JUNE 8-10: Contemporary Crafts Market
   
Santa Mornica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. Santa Monica, 90401
    Fri-Sun, 10-6 Daily, Space #516(East Room) see site map below

    For free entrance ($8) download 2 free passes at: www.contemporarycraftsmarket.com


To my loyal customers: This will be my last convention and kimono show. Please email me for a 20% discount coupon on all items over $100 and a 10% discount on items under $100. This includes all kimono and chirimen clothing. A 40% discount will be offered on all kimono ware over $100 and a 20% discount on kimono ware under $100, on Sunday, June 10th only. This discount will be in the form of a downloadable coupon. If you are out of town or cannot attend this show the 40% and 20% will be offered (via a code word) on June 20th on any unsold kimono ware.    

JULY 21 - Venice Japanese Community Center
    12448 Braddock Dr, LA 90066, 9-3pm

If you know of a show, boutique, tea, fashion show or charity event that I can consider kindly e-mail me.

I am currently booking home and office shows. 10-15% of sales can be earned by the host, given to charity of choice or given back to your guest. Call or e-mail if interested.

Please return to site at a later date: I will post my Spring Shows as I'm accepted.
     

         Contemporary Craft Market site map          go to: www.contemporarycraftsmarket.com
to download free entrace passes ($8 value)                          
           (click on map to enlarge) space #516 - East Room      

                                   NEW STORE I have opened an Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/nowandzenclothing

link accessories

NEW - white or beige shawl with kimono fabric embellishment
NEW FOR SPRING SHOWS: Fasinator (small hat on a headband) with an Asian Flair - great for bad hair days. Yes, only our hairdressers knows but sometimes we need to cover those roots. You will be surprised on how many people will compliment your hat. Get one in every color!!

CA sales tax will be added to all orders. You can save shipping charges if you can arrange a pick up at my condo In Torrance, or my home in Hacienda Heights.
RETURN POLICY: Clothing items, except special orders (made for you), can be returned w/in 7 days for monerary refund. Customer is responsible to pay for shipping both ways in the form of a check.        

CUSTOMER LIST Please click on ladykimono@roadrunner.com (below) and send me your e-mail address to be on my mailing list. You will be notified about SALES and show reminders. E-mail or call if you would like to place an order. Hope to see you at one of my shows. ladykimono@roadrunner.com


Thank you for viewing my site. Please return to view periodic updates, sales and new additions.