KIREI...From Robert James
KIREI translated into English means BEAUTIFUL....
For some reason, I have always resonated with the Japanese part of me. I love the culture, I love the food, I love the art, I love their way of "being".
In 2014 Keith and I went to Japan for the first time. We visited Tokyo, Kiyoto, and Hiroshima. I felt this "connection" to my roots that I cannot even begin to explain. In some ways, it was very spiritual. I, of course, took many photos to remember our trip by....not knowing at the time that I would be using these to apply to garments.
In 2017, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a couple of local fashion shows. When I first started the clothing line, I was very focused on doing "Hawaiian" and "Island Inspired" designs. After attending the fashion shows, something inside of me....a "lightbulb"...went off. It was like I was given "permission" to step outside of the " box" I had kept myself in. I am part Japanese. My Great-Grandparents immigrated from Hiroshima, Japan. Why not pay homage to that part of me? My "Roots"....
So I sifted through my Japan photos and pulled the ones I thought would look good on garments. I left my mind and heart open to allow my creativity to flow. The word KIREI kept coming to me. I have been told by some that when they wear my designs, they feel beautiful....BOOM! That's what I will call it! For me, there is always a deeper meaning to things and it is my hope that when you slip into my designs, YOU WILL FEEL BEAUTIFUL....You will allow your inner beauty to shine....KIREI
I dedicate my "work" to my Grandma and Mom...they are my angels and have guided me constantly....I am grateful.
For some reason, I have always resonated with the Japanese part of me. I love the culture, I love the food, I love the art, I love their way of "being".
In 2014 Keith and I went to Japan for the first time. We visited Tokyo, Kiyoto, and Hiroshima. I felt this "connection" to my roots that I cannot even begin to explain. In some ways, it was very spiritual. I, of course, took many photos to remember our trip by....not knowing at the time that I would be using these to apply to garments.
In 2017, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a couple of local fashion shows. When I first started the clothing line, I was very focused on doing "Hawaiian" and "Island Inspired" designs. After attending the fashion shows, something inside of me....a "lightbulb"...went off. It was like I was given "permission" to step outside of the " box" I had kept myself in. I am part Japanese. My Great-Grandparents immigrated from Hiroshima, Japan. Why not pay homage to that part of me? My "Roots"....
So I sifted through my Japan photos and pulled the ones I thought would look good on garments. I left my mind and heart open to allow my creativity to flow. The word KIREI kept coming to me. I have been told by some that when they wear my designs, they feel beautiful....BOOM! That's what I will call it! For me, there is always a deeper meaning to things and it is my hope that when you slip into my designs, YOU WILL FEEL BEAUTIFUL....You will allow your inner beauty to shine....KIREI
I dedicate my "work" to my Grandma and Mom...they are my angels and have guided me constantly....I am grateful.
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