Oh Beware... On August 30th, models clad in lush Kimonos sauntered in-between tables of tea and sake sipping spectators as Tatáme was transformed into a runway for its first ever fashion show. KillerPOP correspondent Brittany Middleton met with the designer, Heidi Kure beforehand find out more. Upon entering the tiny archway of P.S. I Love You! Clothing, Kure had me hooked at hello. I followed the bounce of her subtle British accent up the stairs to her second floor studio. It was still a work in progress, but she had already managed to set up a simple display of Getta, the Japanese wooden sandals that she sells in-store. The white walls of the quaint interior were bathed in so much light it appeared we had reached Kimono Heaven. Coming back down to earth, we explored the sewing room, a veritable library of exquisite Kimono fabric. In an adjacent room, my eyes greedily consumed the two ripe racks of color-coded Kimonos and Hakamas, the traditional skirt-like pants that Kure also designs. We then settled into the smallest room at the end of the hall, which functions as a private dressing room and tea area, and setting of our interview. Her accent, as I learned, is credited to her hometown of Liverpool, England. She studied textiles and design at Liverpool Poly Technical before skipping Across the Pond to Orlando in 1987. At that time, as she recalled from the kitchenette in the corner, “there was no fashion in Orlando.” After opening a boutique that same year with no luck, she moved on to costume design, working in film, movies and conventions until the birth of her son, who was soon diagnosed with Autism. Kure then left costuming and began designing safety vests and other garments for children with special needs under the label P.S. I loved you! Clothing (P.S. honoring her son, Phoenix Sebastian). The necessity for simplicity in that line translated into Obi Wear’s unfussy concept. “To be honest with you, I dreamed the whole thing” she says as passes me a brimming cup of green tea. Obi Wear’s inception may have sprouted from a reverie, but the waking reality of its functionality and durability is soon to catch on. The Kimonos evoke the lightweight designs of the Japanese bathing garments called Yukata and are cut from breathable cotton, of which one Kimono requires about 6 yards to make. Each piece incorporates a block pattern style in which selected blocks of fabric are fashioned together to create a patchwork effect. “I’ll play around with [the fabrics] for a few weeks and then I’ll know when it clicks,” she says, her intuition ensuring that no two Kimonos are ever alike. Lotus flowers, paisley and a full color spectrum that includes cheery peaches, oceanic blues and classic black and white, replace expected imagery, such as Asian styled dragons. “I think that kind of scares a lot of people; it’s too aggressive for them,” Kure says. Along with the Yukatas and Hakamas, Kure also designs Haori, a shorter kimono style jacket. The Yukatas and Hakamas come in two cuts: a shorter cut and a longer version, both in men and women’s sizes. Every Obi Wear piece includes a Semori, or traditional good luck charm of a Phoenix sewn into the back of every garment and each is numbered for authenticity. Buyers even receive special directions for storing their one-of-a kind pieces. Pricing for the longer Yukata Kimonos is $120 (short Yukatas are $105), Haori jackets are $95, and Hakamas range from $85-105. Try topping off the look with one of Kure’s signature Obi belts ($40) and collection of Getta slippers ($22.50) and Tabi socks ($8). Obi Wear’s pieces may seem pricey, but consider the uniqueness of each piece and know that they can be taken to the pool, beach, and of course, your neighborhood couch. Go ahead and toss the terrycloth because when it comes to lounge wear, Obi Wear’s got you covered. For more info visit obiwear.com. Story by Brittany Middleton