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Okimono Kimono
Here's an exciting and charming addition to the CLAMP collection of works! CLAMP artist Mokona loves the art of traditional Japanese kimono. In fact, she designs kimono and kimono accessories herself and shares her love in Okimono Kimono, a fun and lavishly illustrated book full of drawings and illustrations, interviews (including an interview with Ami of the J-pop duo Puffy AmiYumi!), and even short manga stories from the CLAMP artists. Fans of CLAMP will love Okimono Kimono for the personal glimpse of Mokona's kimono obsession, and people who love the traditional Japanese arts will appreciate the love and detail Mokona puts into her work.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Clamp
747 books3,141 followersŌkawa Nanase 大川七瀬
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
[born: 2 May 1967; Ōsaka, bloodtype: A]
Mokona Apapa もこなあぱぱ
[born: 16 Jun 1968, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
Nekoi Mick 猫井みっく
[born: 21 Jan 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: O]
Igarashi Satsuki 五十嵐さつき
[born: 8 Feb 1969, Kyōto; bloodtype: A]
CLAMP originally began in 1989 as a twelve-member dōjinshi circle, but by 1990, the circle had diminished from twelve to seven. Of the remaining seven, Tamayo Akiyama, Sei Nanao, and Leeza Sei left the group during the production of the RG Veda manga. Other former members of CLAMP also included Soushi Hishika, O-Kyon, Kazue Nakamori, Yuzuru Inoue and Shinya Ōmi. Currently, there are four members in the group.
In 2004, CLAMP's 15th anniversary as a mangaka group, the members changed their names from Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi to Ageha Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi (her name is pronounced the same, but written with different characters) respectively. The August 2004 issue of Newtype USA, a magazine specializing in events of the anime and manga subcultures, reported that the members of CLAMP simply wanted to try out new names. In a later interview with Ohkawa, it was revealed that initially Mokona wanted to drop her surname because it sounded too immature for her liking, while Nekoi disliked people commenting that her name was the same as Mick Jagger's. Ohkawa and Igarashi, wanting to go with the flow of Nekoi's and Mokona's name changes, changed their names as well.
In 2006, they made their first USA public debut at Anime Expo in Anaheim, California. They were well received at the convention, with 6,000 fans in attendance at their panel.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews
April 15, 2021
Okimono Kimono was not as interesting as I hoped it would be. That's not to say it's not an interesting book, I might just not have been the targeted audience.
This book gives insight to one of CLAMPs artists - Mokona - other artistic interests; kimono. She designs them both for CLAMP manga as well as for other projects. In this book, she writes about how her interest grew and how she included kimono into her daily life. She explains a few of the designs she's made and a couple of interviews with other kimono enthusiasts is included.
I think I would have rather learned more about kimonos and their designs as opposed to just Mokona's personal take on them. I also wouldn't have minded more artwork and how the designs were brought together.
I could imagine that this is a nice book for fashion enthusiasts, especially those who make their own designs on clothes.
October 29, 2010
If you are familiar with the CLAMP artist Mokona, you'll know that she's got a fetish for specific articles of clothing. As such, it is entirely appropriate that she create this lovingly illustrated pictorial guide to some of her favorite kimono designs. There's even lots of bonus extra material to please even the most picky of fans!
I have to admit, the pictures & artwork in this are very well done. CLAMP's designs & the gorgeous pictures really make this book shine. It's just unfortunate that in some places the book's design just seemed to harm more than help the pictures. I was disappointed that in the beginning of the book several of the larger pictures were printed over two pages, which didn't work out well at all. With part of the picture going down into the creases between the pages, I really missed out on getting all of the details that I wanted to see & it interrupted the flow of the book. Those pictures really should have been put on one single page, even if it meant making the book larger or putting some of the pictures sideways or having a fold out insert. To be honest, I really think that making the book larger would have helped, since there's tons of gorgeous stuff to feast your eyes on & it'd have been nice to take a closer look at some of the goodies in there. (Towards the end there's a whole section on accessories that I'd loved to have had in larger view.)
Overall, this is a must-have for people who are into Japanese kimonos & into CLAMP. It's definitely a strong book, but it's just the initial layout that kept this from turning into a 5 star review. I was just disappointed- that is such a beginner mistake & since CLAMP is no stranger to oversized books, I don't see why it could have been bigger.
I have to admit, the pictures & artwork in this are very well done. CLAMP's designs & the gorgeous pictures really make this book shine. It's just unfortunate that in some places the book's design just seemed to harm more than help the pictures. I was disappointed that in the beginning of the book several of the larger pictures were printed over two pages, which didn't work out well at all. With part of the picture going down into the creases between the pages, I really missed out on getting all of the details that I wanted to see & it interrupted the flow of the book. Those pictures really should have been put on one single page, even if it meant making the book larger or putting some of the pictures sideways or having a fold out insert. To be honest, I really think that making the book larger would have helped, since there's tons of gorgeous stuff to feast your eyes on & it'd have been nice to take a closer look at some of the goodies in there. (Towards the end there's a whole section on accessories that I'd loved to have had in larger view.)
Overall, this is a must-have for people who are into Japanese kimonos & into CLAMP. It's definitely a strong book, but it's just the initial layout that kept this from turning into a 5 star review. I was just disappointed- that is such a beginner mistake & since CLAMP is no stranger to oversized books, I don't see why it could have been bigger.
September 17, 2024
Okimono Kimono is a brief look at CLAMP artist Mokona's love of kimono. This book discusses how Mokona got interested in wearing kimono, has styling inspo with coordinate suggestions and also has an interview with Ami Okuni (of PuffyAmiYumi fame) all about kimono experiences, wearing anf styling. There are also examples of kimono designed by Mokona that reference CLAMP manga including Tsubasa, .XXXholic and X.
I loved Mokona's attitude and approach to kimono. You can tell from every page how much she loves kimono and h0w it makes her feel. Mokona's coordinate suggestions allow you to try styling your own kimono at home and give you an understanding of Mokona's style. I personally love the fact that Mokona is not afraid to use western footwear and accessories with her kimono coordinates, it helps give an East-meets-West vibe without ruining the overall look. Also Mokona has talent as a kimono designer, the butterfly kimono she designed is breathtakingly beautiful and I'd love it for my collection. The bonus manga at the end was nice to read as well, rounding out an interesting book on kimono.
As for the downsides, the biggest one is that Okimono Kimono is too short! What I'd give for another 10-20 pages of Mokona's style tips or her thoughts on kimono. By the end I was disappointed that it was over so soon and that AFAIK she never did another book on kimono. I also felt that the kimono information was a bit lacking. It could have done with a section on how to wear kimono, or how to mix and match colours for kimono.
I loved Mokona's attitude and approach to kimono. You can tell from every page how much she loves kimono and h0w it makes her feel. Mokona's coordinate suggestions allow you to try styling your own kimono at home and give you an understanding of Mokona's style. I personally love the fact that Mokona is not afraid to use western footwear and accessories with her kimono coordinates, it helps give an East-meets-West vibe without ruining the overall look. Also Mokona has talent as a kimono designer, the butterfly kimono she designed is breathtakingly beautiful and I'd love it for my collection. The bonus manga at the end was nice to read as well, rounding out an interesting book on kimono.
As for the downsides, the biggest one is that Okimono Kimono is too short! What I'd give for another 10-20 pages of Mokona's style tips or her thoughts on kimono. By the end I was disappointed that it was over so soon and that AFAIK she never did another book on kimono. I also felt that the kimono information was a bit lacking. It could have done with a section on how to wear kimono, or how to mix and match colours for kimono.
April 23, 2019
I loved everything about this, from the design sketches to Mokona's philosophy on wearing kimono (including appropriateness for seasons, age, event, etc.), from photos of accessories she has acquired or made herself to photos of herself at work and events in favorite kimono. Of course, I especially loved all the references to her CLAMP work, and how kimono plays into characterization and setting (yes, Yuko was DEFINITELY mentioned here!).
November 20, 2017
A very good book for modern kimono coordination. Great if you want fresh kitsuke looks to add into your wardrobe or to look at (or if you're just a fan of CLAMP).
Make no mistake this isn't a book for traditional kimono or kimono styling but it never pretends to be that.
Make no mistake this isn't a book for traditional kimono or kimono styling but it never pretends to be that.
August 26, 2018
SO INFORMATIVE. Full review to come..
July 13, 2022
Beautiful and fun read!!
March 25, 2013
Mostly a lookbook of kimono outfits either designed or assembled by Mokona. The intro lays out Mokona's desire to spread the love of kimono's after she herself made an effort to wear them daily. Throughout the book we are shown kimono Mokona designed, as well as many lovely antique kimono she owns, and a large assortment of acessroies and dressing tips - though there is no section on how to dress yourself in a kimono. Though Mokona may want to spread the kimono-lovin', this is not beginners guide.
So the audience is largely Japanese women, the few written bits are interviews that are couched in so much modesty and politeness that you don't learn much about either interviewer or interviewee, and yet the pictures make up for any culture shock experienced by the writing.
Mostly I grabbed it because I'm a huge CLAMP fan, and it was nice to see the original sketches and digital art mixed in among the fashion photography. If you have any interest in traditional Japanese dress and extremely popular, all-female manga troupes, it's definitely worth a read.
So the audience is largely Japanese women, the few written bits are interviews that are couched in so much modesty and politeness that you don't learn much about either interviewer or interviewee, and yet the pictures make up for any culture shock experienced by the writing.
Mostly I grabbed it because I'm a huge CLAMP fan, and it was nice to see the original sketches and digital art mixed in among the fashion photography. If you have any interest in traditional Japanese dress and extremely popular, all-female manga troupes, it's definitely worth a read.
August 25, 2014
Full of ideas and (of course) engaging visuals that render a kaleidoscopic view of the many aspects of modern retro-style kimono wearing. I'm new to wearing yukata and kimono as a hobby and I'm enjoying the book as much for the feel, inspiration and attitude as I am the information. If you like Kimono姫, GoHime and the new retro kimono-wearing style or Mori and Dolly Kei you may enjoy this. The Book of Kimono and The New Kimono are good to actually learn to wear kimono, this one will help give you ideas and confidence to wear, style and photograph it your own way. I'm a CLAMP fan so I love the familiarity of Mokona's art and sensibilities.
April 2, 2016
This is just an overall fun read. A very modern take on kimono and kimono wearing, all from Mokona (of CLAMP fame!)'s personal collection. It's really interesting to see the variety and interpretations she has, and most the book is arranged by kimono for a particular event (museum, concert, park, etc). I also liked the custom kimono designs she painted herself. It was very cool to see the process from start to finish, and of course the end results are so beautiful. Very much recommended, and definitely shows traditional dress can be alive and embraced as much today as in the past, and doesn't have to be regulated to just special events and celebrations.
September 29, 2010
I love the Clamp style of drawing manga, particularly the one artist (Mokona, there are actually four women who draw as a group) who does lovely textile work in her art. This book is basically about her obsession with kimono and other textiles and her drawings of kimono and such. Since I am rather obsessed with kimono and kimono culture and I liked her art in manga, I decided to buy this book...basically for the art.
April 4, 2018
Somehow I thought this would be a lot more about the fashion in their various manga series, but it is mostly about Mokona's own experiences with kimono fashion. Dunno why I thought so, but whatever the reason when I realised I had misunderstood I just found that I wasn't too interested. It's a quick read regardless. Mostly pictures and a random little comic.
On the other hand there's a lot of gorgeous fabrics in this book, and I will keep it on my shelf in my CLAMP collection.
On the other hand there's a lot of gorgeous fabrics in this book, and I will keep it on my shelf in my CLAMP collection.
July 25, 2010
I'd actually give this a 2.5.
The idea of exploring kimono from a fashion perspective is interesting, but unfortunately not particularly well executed here. The book is divided into a lot of disjointed subsections that never actually flow into each other.
It's worth taking a look at... but perhaps not worth buying.
The idea of exploring kimono from a fashion perspective is interesting, but unfortunately not particularly well executed here. The book is divided into a lot of disjointed subsections that never actually flow into each other.
It's worth taking a look at... but perhaps not worth buying.
February 22, 2013
Not at all what I expected it to be. While I was looking for something with a bit more information on kimonos and their different aspects, Okimono Kimono is pretty much Mokona’s notes on her own kimonos and her experiences with them.
The illustrations are gorgeous (of course) and the outfit ideas are pretty original, but there really isn’t anything in the book to make it worth reading.
The illustrations are gorgeous (of course) and the outfit ideas are pretty original, but there really isn’t anything in the book to make it worth reading.
September 23, 2010
I found myself just really looking at the pictures rather than reading the text. On top of that the large pictures depicting her designs at the beginning are all across the crease and you just can't see the kimono very well.
January 4, 2016
Second Kimon book in two days. Each has something interesting to teach but this one was just OK. I liked learning about Mokono's design process and reading her interview w/ her go-to kimono man. Otherwise, this book just skims the surface of kimono styling.
February 5, 2011
An odd, beautiful book about making kimonos, including celebrity interviews and an original kimono-oriented manga.
October 23, 2012
A beautiful photo collection with sketches and essays from Mokona (of manga mega group CLAMP) exploring the art of kimono.
September 20, 2013
The only negative thing I can say is that the format should have been larger! Especially for the art shots, a lot of detail was lost in the fold of the book.
July 26, 2016
Very cute
Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews