kay me’s Contemporary Kimono signature line features a range of elegant dresses inspired by authentic Japanese kimono prints, and are available in kay me’s unique washable 100% silk.
At 170 grams per square metre, kay me silk fabric uses double the amount of threads as standard – this quality silk makes up less than 1% of the silk market, and is unparalleled in the fashion market.
Discover the story of silk, with kay me…
The distinctive silk used by kay me is an investment in terms of cost-per-wear, as well as being a revolutionary time-saver – no need for any more trips to the dry-cleaner or hours lost to laundry.
Silk has a long history of use in Japan, with silk fabrics from 8th century Nara still surviving to this day, and was the clear choice for kay me as an all natural, breathable cloth that also helps to shield the skin from damaging UV rays.
kay me’s washable 100% silk uses a patented process developed with our factory located in historic Kyoto. Drawing on the expert knowledge of Japanese artisans, kay me silk dresses bring kimono style culture to today.
How it’s made:
- Reeling – The silkworm cocoons are first boiled in hot water to soften the material. One worm can produce around 1500m of silk, while 7 to 8 cocoons are needed to create one long thread suitable for later spinning.
- Degumming – Our environmentally friendly patented agent contains a natural protein called sericin, which helps to further dissolve the cocoon. Through this process another protein inside the thread, fibroin, is produced, and this creates the luxurious shine that silk is known for.
- Knitting – kay me’s washable silk is produced in our Kyoto factory, using a circular knitting technique that ensures the back and front of the fabric have the same smooth texture on both sides.
kay me’s search for the perfect washable 100% silk has taken years to perfect, working together with skilled Japanese artisans to turn the dream of washable easy-care silk into a reality.
The process of turning the silk into a fully washable fabric is performed at the same time as printing, creating less waste for the environment.
- Cleaning – The knitted silk is washed again to remove any excess sericin or stains from the knitting process.
- Anti-scratch – Following the second round of cleaning, the fabric is treated with our patent agent that prevents scratches and colour loss. This action guarantees that kay me dresses can be washed and worn again and again, keeping colours bright and patterns sharp.
- Starching – To make the colours on kay me dresses even more vibrant, prior to printing the fabric is treated with a sizing agent. Talented workers at our Kyoto factory check the silk at each stage to maintain the Japan-made quality standards that are prized the world over.
- Printing – kay me’s Contemporary Kimono line is inspired by the long heritage of kimono silks and patterns. From our Kyoto factory to the Ginza store, Contemporary Kimono dresses are printed with long-lasting colourful inks that preserve the tones found in Japanese kimono culture.
- Steaming and washing – Super-heated steam locks the ink to the silk fibres, and a final wash removes any excess.
- Drying and finishing – Our drying process uses the most natural method – the silk is dried in the sun in the enchanting city of Kyoto. This time-consuming process retains the natural shrinkage of the fabric, and means that kay me’s dresses are fully washable with no excess shrinkage following machine washing at home. Additionally, to prevent the silk from losing its shape, all edges of the silk are sewn with a special tape that protects the shape of the silk knit.
kay me’s unique patented washable 100% silk brings the sophistication of the past to today’s busy present – instant elegance with day-long comfort.
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