kimono

Vintage kimono silk Crazy Cat softie, AUD $35 by sallymac

I spied sallymac's Crazy Cat (pictured above) at Platform (at LIFE inSTYLE). I love his cheeky expression and wild eyes, AND the amazing graphic print on his vintage kimono coat. He had to come home with me...

Japanese cotton play mats (100x80cm) by sallymac. Polyester filling, machine washable, AUD $64 each. Cotton dog softie AUD $15.

The term eto refers to the Japanese zodiac. It is based on the ancient Chinese concept of zoning time and direction into twelve blocks, each block being given an animal name. Your eto is decided by your birth year and the twelve animal signs are the mouse, the cow, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the rooster, the dog & the wild boar.

Japanese cotton machine washable bibs (AUD $15 each) and cotton Dog softie (AUD $15) by sallymac

Sydney designer Sally McCarthy has based her gorgeous range of sallymac softies on the Japanese eto. She combines exquisite vintage kimono silks and contemporary fabrics to create these sweet characters, as well as various baby gifts, accessories and unique kimono silk lampshades.

Japanese cotton Cat softies, AUD $18 each by sallymac

I love the serene expression on faces of the Japanese cotton cat softies pictured above - sleep tight kitties!

Waffle Towel with Japanese cotton hood, 70x70cm, AUD $35 and cotton Sheep softie, AUD $35 by sallymac

This here is just too cute for words!

Japanese red cotton Dog softies, AUD $25 each by sallymac

These pups are perfect for those who prefer bright colours for babies - bold red prints on Japanese cotton. (I think you could be forgiven for naming them Spot!)

Japanese cotton Dog softie, AUD $18 by sallymac

You can see that sallymac's Japanese cotton Dog softie (pictured above) has a classic "cuddle me" shape. These are toys which will become instant favourites with your little ones...

Japanese cotton Dragon softie, AUD $25 by sallymac

This one represents me! The dragon (tatsu) is apparently the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle. Supposedly we are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn, but also honest, sensitive, brave and inspire trust in people. (We can also breathe fire!)

If you're wondering where to find one of sallymac's eto critters, I heard they live in the following habitats:
NSW: MCA (Circular Quay), Bella Emporio (Rozelle), Ekho (Thirroul), Kido Store (Randwick)
ONLINE: Karimu

For a full list of stockists, visit www.sallymac.com.au.

Velcro Obi and Obi Sash Belt available from www.rubykimono.com

Ruby Kimono is a celebration of colour, creativity and Japanese textiles. Jennifer Latimer began the label in early 2006, both to make a large selection of Japanese 'Yukata' cotton robes readily available in Australia, and to introduce her range of custom products made by hand from recycled kimono fabrics sourced from Japan. These include a variety of accessories and sashes which are available from www.rubykimono.com. The site also features a 'design-your-own' sash which enables the customer to combine their choice of style, silks or cottons, prints and linings. Some of the gorgeous vintage kimono fabrics on offer are pictured below.

The variety of styles & fabric combinations is something else - you'll be happy knowing your creation is one-of-a-kind. Styles include the following:

• 1. The Obi Sash Belt with Velvet Ribbons. This consists of a single silk piece or multicolour pieces, from AUD $80.
• 2. The Velcro Obi. This style fastens flat at the back - choose from cotton or velvet with a single silk piece or multicolour pieces, from AUD $60.
• 3. The Padded Obi with Ribbons. This is a stripe or block colour cotton with single silk or multicolour pieces. It is tapered at the ends and tied with a ribbon at the front or back, from AUD $70.

Padded Obi wih Ribbons available from www.rubykimono.com

• 4. The 3 Way Sash. This versatile creation is designed for wearing on the head, waist or beltloops. The self-tying sashes are made using cotton or silks, AUD $35 - AUD $45.
• 5. The Scarf. An elegant piece made from block colour cottons and silks, AUD $38 each.
• 6. DESIGN-YOUR-OWN - Combine your choice of style & fabrics for something truly unique!

3 Way Sash available from www.rubykimono.com