02/11/2026
古今 (Kokin) - bringing back pre-loved kimonos✨
Creative & highly skilled sewing maker with Mottainai spirit♻️
Hi! I'm Makiko (I go by Maki) the creator behind the slow fashion brand Kokin.
I'm from Tokoname, a coastal city in Aichi, Japan, known for one of Japan's ancient kilns. Growing up surrounded by nature and such a creative community, I've always had a passion for creativity and developed a deep appreciation for our traditions and craftsmanship.
The word Kokin (古今) means "old and new" in Japanese, perfectly reflecting what we do: blending the rich history and artistry of kimonos with modern, wearable designs.
My love for kimono comes from my family. My grandma used to wear kimono every day, and my mum often dressed me in kimono for special occasions 👘
Kokin started in 2019, when I received a huge pile of kimonos from my grandma, including pieces she had inherited from her family. They had been sitting in wardrobes for decades, and I couldn't help but feel “Mottainai” (what a shame to waste). That was my little light-bulb moment. I started experimenting with new ways to wear those kimonos, and upcycling quickly became my passion (more like obsession!).
My aim was to save as many forgotten kimonos as possible from going to waste. Since then, Kokin has evolved into something bigger, as I've fallen in love with revamping other pre-loved textiles too!
One of our recent creations is the Revamp Shirts, available at Kazuyo's Collection. Made from thrifted men's shirts, they feature fun and versatile details like matching scrunchies, detachable ribbons/hair scarves and adjustable sleeves.
Upcycling is my favourite form of art, and I take pride in being a slow fashion brand. I believe every little conscious effort counts towards keeping our planet beautiful 🌱
Thank you for shopping Small and Slow! I hope you find a special piece made by me at Kazuyo san’s store❤️