Project Details‍

An e-commerce Brand Identity, Kosode is a clothing shop that caters to the Japanese community while enriching traditional Japanese fashion and culture throughout the United States.

The Purpose

With 1.6 million Japanese Americans, there are limited shopping resources for traditional Japanese clothing within the community nationwide. This led me to create a store brand that caters to traditional clothing in the community, while also providing opportunities for people in the United States to learn about Japanese clothing, language, and its cultural significance. Throughout the entire process, from research to implementation, I used elements of iconography, photography, and patterns to create the brand Kosode. The meaning behind the name originates from the first type of kimonos, dating back to the Edo era in Japan. This gives the brand its connection to Japanese cultural and historical significance.

Brand Identity for the project, Kosode. Shows 2 rows of different design. Starting from the top right corner is two logos in black and white for the brand Kosode. The top left shows the font family, Sukhumvit Set text and bold format was used for the brand design. 9 colors, iconography and photography were used through out the bottom poportion of this image.
Research Behind Kimonos
The Importance of Kimonos:
During the Meiji Period, Japan experienced a significant process of westernization that influenced its culture. This transformation modernized Japanese fashion, aligning it more closely with Western trends. At the same time, it allowed Western countries to appreciate and engage with Japanese culture, leading to a rise in the popularity of kimonos in Europe. Today, the kimono remains an essential aspect of Japanese culture, symbolizing tradition and formal values.
Why Kosode?
The Kosode is the original form of the kimono. It featured small sleeves and was used as outer garments for the lower class or as undergarments for the upper class. However, during the Meiji period, the concept of this attire evolved into what we now refer to as kimonos. As the original style, the Kosode best represents the brand's name, creating a deep and personal connection to traditional Japanese culture.
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Types of Kimonos
Furisode
Formal kimono type. Often uses repetitive patterns and worn by bachelorettes for it's eye catching designs.
Komon
Causal kimono type, most common type worn everyday. It’s designs have repeating patterns often with vertical stripes.
Kimono
Multi-layered and formal type. It is the universal term for the traditional Japanese attire  for special and traditional events.
Yukata
Casual single-layer type. It is popular with its lightweight and cotton materials for hot festive events.
Inital Logo Concepts
Final Logo
Deliverables
Flow Diagram
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