Our Mission

Every piece of fabric has its own beautiful story. Take dyed cotton, for instance. It all begins with the careful cultivation and harvest of cotton, which is then spun into yarn, dyed, prepared for weaving, and finally woven into fabric. Each step involves skilled hands and dedicated hearts. In our busy world, where trends shift quickly, it’s easy to overlook the artistry and effort behind every piece of cloth. I was in that same boat until I visited a weaving workshop in Mitsuke, Niigata this year. There, I discovered a world where tradition and craftsmanship come together, moving gracefully into the future while preserving cherished practices. These workshops focus on regenerating and reusing materials, rather than discarding them. I’m excited to share stories about these remarkable ateliers and the inspiring collaborations they foster.

About “mono-katari”

The Japanese term “mono-katari” translates to “telling a coherent story” or “sharing a traditional tale passed down through generations.” Here, “mono” signifies something with a distinct form or shape, embodying a unified essence. The brand “mono-katari” embodies this concept by not only showcasing unique creations but also delving into the stories, processes, and the talented individuals behind them.

Kazuyo Kashiwagi
Shopkeeper and story-teller of mono-katari.com
Kazuyo was born in 1967 in Nagaoka City, in the Niigata Prefecture. She attended a no-uniform academic high school and spent her days creating fashion designer outfits on a sewing machine.
After graduating from university, she worked as a convention organiser for approximately ten years. Through events such as Japan Week at the World Expo, Kazuyo became aware of the uniqueness of Japanese Culture.
In 2000, Kazuyo moved to Australia. After living in both Sydney and Lismore, she settled in Brisbane in 2006.
While raising her children in Brisbane, Kazuyo began repurposing kimonos and creating kimono bags and dresses. In 2008, she opened a store called Kazuyo's Collection in Paddington, which specialised in consignment sales of artists' works.
In 2013, the store relocated to its current location in West End. Kazuyo likens the store to a, "cozy, messy grandma's house," which is open to all, and features work by both hobbyists and professional artists without curation. The store exhibits around 50 artists work.
Kazuyo values storytelling and loves to learn of the background context of pieces of art, as well as getting to know the artists themselves. This has resulted in a welcoming atmosphere within the store and has created an artistic and close-knit community, with artists, customers alike.
Image by Melanie Hinds @meldoesphoto
Painted by @lake_kelly

Past events

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