Above, image of fabric repaired using the sashiko (刺し子) technique, a Japanese embroidery technique that reinforces the garment with thick stitches in geometric patterns, often incorporating scraps of fabric to repair holes.
The term “ mottainai ” (もったいない) is an expression in contemporary Japanese that expresses a certain regret regarding the full value of something that is not used to its fullest potential.
Hitoshi Chiba, a Japanese author, writes in a 2022 article in the online magazine Look Japan : “In Japan, we often hear the expression “mottainai,” which loosely means “ waste ,” but which in its fullest sense conveys a feeling of admiration and appreciation for the gifts of nature or the sincere conduct of others.
There's a Japanese trait of trying to use something for its entire useful life or to continue using it by repairing it. In this supportive culture, people strive to find new homes for items they no longer need.
The principle of "mottainai" also extends to the table, where many consider it rude to leave even a single grain of rice in the bowl. There is a fear that this tradition may be lost.
This principle, so dear to the Japanese, also gives rise to another important concept in Japanese culture: that of beauty in imperfection , of the object with a long history that acquires value precisely from the signs of time left by prolonged use.
With the ever-increasing spread of extremely low-cost, easily replaceable objects, we're increasingly inclined to discard even things that would require only a little time and dedication to restore as good as new. Mottainai today means restoring each thing to its intrinsic value , and thus better understanding the value of the work and time someone else puts into creating, repairing, and caring for our objects.
Warew draws inspiration from the spirit of mottainai , recovering waste from the textile industry—among the most polluting in the world—and transforming it into objects of great beauty and value. Specifically, we've chosen to give new life to old kimonos from Kyoto, which are increasingly rarely worn today and often end up discarded. This approach allows us to combine sustainability, craftsmanship, and respect for Japan's cultural heritage.
Every year in Japan, over 500,000 tons of clothing are disposed of, including many kimonos. Even the Japanese now wear them only a few times a year on special occasions; there's no longer any need to have more than one in their wardrobe, and many kimonos end up being sold or thrown away.
By saving these kimonos from disposal, we hope to bring a little bit of Japan into your homes while doing some good for the environment.
warew Discovery Set and the Kinchaku
On our website warew.it, In addition to the wide selection of Japanese skincare products, you can find a very special and one-of-a-kind item: the warew Discovery Set, a collection of 4 products from the warew routine in mini-size format sold as a set with a Kinchaku ( 巾着) bag .
But what is Kinchaku ?
It is a traditional Japanese bag that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), evolving over time following the tastes and trends of the moment.
Today, Kinchaku are a popular fashion accessory and a traditional gift given during Japanese celebrations and holidays. The most popular ones are made from scraps of antique fine silk kimonos: these fabrics are recovered to create unique and sustainable bags that retain the elegance and refinement of the kimonos from which they originate.
Made in Japan
Warew Kinchaku are all handmade in Japan by seamstresses in Shiga Prefecture , using antique Kyoto kimonos .
Their creation requires great care and attention to detail, but the end result is a bag of great beauty, which restores value to craftsmanship and represents an opportunity to preserve the tradition of the Japanese kimono in a creative, innovative, and sustainable way.
We at warew think it could be an excellent upcycling accessory , refined and versatile, which can be used as a clutch or beauty case to accompany you on your travels.
Being created from scraps of recycled fabric, each Kinchaku is unique and inimitable , and no two are identical.
The Fukusa, an accessory to donate
In Japan, on formal occasions such as weddings or funerals, but also when attending a tea ceremony, it is common to carry an envelope with a small gift or monetary offering for your host.
Since a rice paper envelope gets ruined easily, tradition dictates that the gift be wrapped in a special piece of fabric, which can be simply folded or even sewn into the shape of a envelope: the Fukusa .
The use of Fukusa is not purely aesthetic, but a symbol of good manners and respect towards the person to whom the gift is addressed: it would be inelegant and rude to give them a gift that has already been ruined.
warew has decided to reinterpret this particular accessory in a modern key, creating delightful silk fabric clutches to accompany our Gift Vouchers on the most important occasions.
Like the Kinchaku, the Fukusa di warew are handmade in Japan by seamstresses in the Kyoto area, who recover remnants of kimono destined for destruction and reuse them in creative and elegant ways.
You can find them at the warew Flagship Store in Milan, or here on warew.it during the Christmas season or on special occasions.
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