Kimono sleeves, or tamoto, meaning “by the side of”, were the pockets in traditional Japan that allowed wearers to stash all manner of small items while keeping their hands free.  The unique construction of a kimono from strips of fabric allowed the sleeves to be used in such a manner.  The fabric strip that makes up the sleeve is left open close to the body from the base of the shoulder down but is seamed together on the outer side leaving an opening large enough for the wrist to slip through.    When the arms hang naturally, the sleeves flow gracefully down the side of the body creating roomy pockets where items can be stowed.
Today, Hiroko Takahashi as taken the concept of the traditional kimono sleeve and married it with a modern sensibility to create a line of eco-bags known as Sleeve Bags for her brand HIROCOLEDGE. Building on the the concept of mottenai, or waste not want not, that is a trendy theme in modern Japan, eco-bags are commonly carried and the revival of the furoshiki and tenugui for use as an attractive carry-all is popular in some circles. The furoshiki is the original eco-bag and is a simple square piece of cloth that the Japanese have been using to wrap and carry items for centuries. Today, polyester and rayon furoshiki bearing either traditional or modern Japanese motifs are fashioned into trendy handbags via simple knotting techniques.
The tenugui is the furoshiki‘s more practical cousin.  Made of cotton, the long rectangular ...