kay me’s holiday gift guide for 2018

Welcome to kay me’s guide to finding the right gift for the special person in your life.

Whether you’re searching for clothing, accessories or bags to give as presents (or making a list for yourself!), we’ve put together a selection of our favorite items for loved ones, coworkers, and (almost) everyone in between.

Our gift guide is of course by no means binding, but our simple suggestions to get you started…

For friends

(Red tote bag, Gray silk wool scarf, Silver PC bag, Lavender long cardigan)

There’s nothing better than a cheery red bag to brighten up winter days, and our surprisingly roomy tote bag is a great way to put a smile on anyone’s face. For a friend who has received a promotion, why not treat them to our silver PC bag, specially designed to carry laptops and documents with minimum strain on the body.

A cosy knit is always in style, and our long cardigans woven here in Japan are perfect for when the temperature drops. The finishing touch is our silk and wool blend scarf, hand-dyed in a gray graduation, a little luxury for every day.

For coworkers

(Pink tassel large pouch, Mosaic cardigan, Valuables pouch, Pink silk wool scarf)

If you’re searching for a thoughtful gift for a coworker, our essentials cases and pouches are a great choice – with an extra large opening and inside zips, our original pouches are the perfect partner to any kay me bag, while our essentials cases are just the right size for business cards, small electronics and other daily items.

If your office is known for its particularly chilly air-conditioning, then our mosaic cardigan and silk and wool blend scarf in pink are a hit regardless of season. Wear our cardigan with mosaic jacquard design weave in black, gray and white over any matching or contrasting outfit, and enjoy draping and knotting our pretty pink handwoven scarf in a variety of different ways.

For someone special

(Mouse gray butterfly cashmere scarf, White tassel tote bag, Bordeaux satin butterfly camisole)

When it comes to the leading lady in your life, make an impression in a bold red dress, naturally complimented by our satin underdress in rich bordeaux with elegant butterfly-like lace.

For accessories, our tote bag in white tassel print can be used for any occasion from work to weekends, and the unrivalled softness of our hand-brushed pure 100% cashmere scarf with individually-placed crystals making fluttering butterflies is sure to be a hit with any recipient.

Are you feeling inspired by our gift guide? Don’t forget that kay me offers free global shipping as standard, with all customs fees included too!

Summer national holidays in Japan 2018

This week on the kay me blog, we’re taking a look at the national holidays that are celebrated during the summer season.

All year long, national holidays are celebrated throughout the country, and naturally summer is no exception. Here at the kay me atelier in Tokyo, we’ve pinned down our favourite summer holidays with styles and colours to match! Keep scrolling for vacation inspiration…

July 16th – 海の日 – Marine Day

(Blue-grey Marilyn, Light blue goldfish, Ice blue stripe cotton)

A day to celebrate the beauty of the sea and its bountiful ocean life. Near Tokyo, the historical Kamakura area is popular with tourists and locals alike, and did you know that Chiba, best known as Tokyo’s adjoining suburb, is now a surfing hotspot?

Capture the freshness of sea breezes with cool blues and whites, featuring hidden goldfish and marine stripes.

Don’t forget to add one of our luxurious handmade scarves in matching tones to protect from UV rays, as well as add an extra style element to your outfit.

August 11th – 山の日 – Mountain Day

(Italian olive cotton, Pothos daily, Aurora wrap)

With Mt Fuji visible from many an office building and apartment in Tokyo, it’s no wonder that this world-famous natural feature is marked on the newly added Mountain Day. As well as Fuji, Mt. Takao, Mt. Mitake and the Oku-Tama countryside are just a train ride from central Tokyo.

Add a natural feel to your wardrobe with our botanical-inspired prints, and shades of green.

Our super stretchy fabrics are certainly comfortable enough for low-level hiking, but we’ve yet to put our dresses to the ultimate test…

September 17th – 敬老の日 – Respect the Aged Day

(Wagasa cache-coeur, Peony grey wrap, Hana kurenai 100% silk)

Japan is know for having some very long-lived residents, with many previous world’s oldest citizens holding the crown. Indeed, the story of kay me begins with brand founder Junko Kemi’s grandmother’s kimono boutique in Osaka, and we celebrate our Japanese heritage every day with our authentic kimono-inspired prints and 100% silk dresses.

Discover the beauty of true Japanese design with our wagasa (Japanese umbrella) and pretty peony print dresses.

Our patented washable silk jersey is practical as well as pretty, using unique techniques developed here in Japan. Learn more about our silk production here.

September 23rd – 秋分の日 – Autumn Equinox

(Beige pink leaf chiffon, Carrot orange wrap, Aka-michelle)

Brining us to the official end of summer, even when the hot temperatures regularly continue to mid-October, is the autumn equinox, this year falling on 23rd September.

Many people in Japan practice koromogae, the act of changing your wardrobe for the seasons by putting away spring and summer clothes such as light dresses and skirts and taking out autumn and winter items such as coats and heavier jackets.

As a nod to the change from summer to autumn, why not introduce rich warm colours again? Start with our glamorous leaf print long dress in chiffon…