Q: When is recycling simply elegant?

A: When luxury fabric are re-made into accessories that are both practical and beautiful.

We recently received this stunning bag made from an obi, the sash used to tie a formal kimono. It was crafted by Carol Ziogas of Kimono Momo. Carol takes vintage (Taisho - Showas eras, which together span from 1912 to 1989) kimonos and obi that were once headed for the trash bin, and give them a whole a new life as scarves and bags. It’s not surprising that people ask about the bag all the time.

You might not expect a bag made from vintage fabrics to be strong but the bag is roomy, practical and the wide strap distributes the weight of the contents better than most bags.

This one is called the NYC Obi Bag and there are many other designs and styles, including elegant clutch bags–many of them one-of-a-kind. The Kimono Momo online shop is a must-visit.

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