"Japanese aesthetic is known for its considered practicality and simple, pared-back style....
Alison Schipp, Founder + Director
Beautiful Robes started in 2010 born out of frustration, when, after misplacing my much-loved 20-year-old Japanese kimono, I was unable to find a replacement robe that was up to the task of family life, balanced with my need for just a touch of style and decent quality. As a new mum with two toddlers in Melbourne, Australia, I kept wrecking other robes and they gave me the feeling that something was “lack” and that I was left wanting more.
I was Looking for Joy
Maybe even a little bit of "Magic".....
....from my dressing gown - to step outside of myself, just for a moment. I quickly remembered that the Japanese aesthetic was known for its considered practicality and simple, pared-back style. A perfect synthesis for harmonious design, I thought.
At the time, I was considering my work options. I was searching for creativity and joy, paired with flexibility, so I could help support my young family. My formerly demanding corporate marketing & management career was no longer feasible, so my learnings were applied to running my own business. It all felt very risky.
To test my idea, I found myself standing in the playground at my children’s Kindergarten, armed with pen and paper and kimono samples. I ended up surrounded by mums, bubs, kids, balls and sticky buns, and by the end of afternoon pick up, I had sold all of my samples and had a full order book. The magic had just begun.
I knew that Japanese kimonos would withstand home-life, but it quickly became evident that they not just great kimono dressing gowns, but they are unstructured kimono jackets and beach cover ups for her AND him too. So versatile!
After ALOT of hard work, we are now celebrating our 10th year. I am so grateful for our makers and customers and so proud of the genuine, caring team we have become. I absolutely love that our kimonos bring our customers joy and a little bit of “magic” in their lives every day.
Beautiful Robes represents finding what makes you feel joyful and present – gone with the feeling of wanting more. Our joy is in supporting you - no matter who you are, no matter how you want to wear your kimono.
So pop your kimono on, feel the magic and live life your way.
Alison x
