Have I mentioned it’s kimono week here on Investment Piece? Have I mentioned that I don’t always go with a theme, but that I love this one?
And the big news? Have I mentioned that I am just in LOVE with Rita Ghanime and her Made With Love Kimonos?
Also: maybe this title is a bit too long? But I had to get all the things that I love in there. I want you to know all about them all!
So here’s the thing, I will often recommend designers and brands to you, I know that. My promise is never to recommend something I don’t (or wouldn’t) wear myself, or a designer I don’t believe in. It goes against everything I am working to build here at Investment Piece. Why I love Rita? I met her at a pop-up in LA. (If you’re looking for one of the best barre based workouts, try LA Barre Belle) Rita had her kimonos for sale, and between the styling, the colors, the textures, and the pictures Rita brought with her, I knew that these kimonos were something that I was into.
With Rita, there is more than one type of kimono: short, long, jacket, wrap. There are sleeves of all kinds. There are all sorts of textures: velvet, silk, sequins. And all sorts of patterns: cheetah, solid color, stripe, these sequins that change color. But the most amazing thing about these kimonos? The woman who makes them, and the love and intention she puts into every single one.
Yes, these kimonos are all hand made. Yes, love and intention are put into each and every one. However, I may not be the best person to tell you all about it. Let Rita Ghanime from Made with Love Kimonos tell you.
Sewing Intentions into Garments: The Essence behind ‘Made w/ Love’
An important element of my daily practice includes Kundalini yoga- a form of meditation that integrates mantras, and chanting, and breath-work with movements to raise our vibrations and consciousness. I personally design and sew each custom order myself. I approach this work as an extension of my spiritual practice as I weave intention and love with each stitch.
For Women, my intentions are to empower and raise her inner-awareness of the Goddess within to unfold like a flower when she slips the robe on for the very first time. I want her to feel the energy and love sewn into this piece. To empower her with Grace and elegance that will help her navigate and flow through her life with mindfulness.
For Men, I believe they have a hard time nurturing themselves, and view it as something more feminine or frivolous. The gift of gifting yourself with something luxurious and beautiful is part of this nurturing. Part of my intention that I sew into their Kimono is that the man feels nurtured by himself and doesn’t need to look externally for this love- rather that he cultivates it within himself.
ABOUT RITA
Most know Lebanese-Canadian (Montreal native) Rita Ghanime as a Los Angeles based fashion designer, stylist and trend innovator. But she is so much more than what she does or what her many titles depict. She is a mother, and in turn- a student of her son’s many teachings (he is 8).She is a closet-poet, free-spirit, playful, untamed lover of living truthfully and fully. She loves her California-yoga-smoothie drinking-Runyon Canyon hiking, daily dancing in her pajamas to The Doors and electronic music-loving-lifestyle- which has been the most direct path to mindfulness, clear communication and self-love and joy. Her cup is always half full, and her heart, ever-expanding and open.
“I am not in the fashion life-cycle industry simply to create beautiful things and make a profit. I need purpose, consciousness and philanthropy to be a big part of it otherwise it is not fulfilling on a soul-level. Fast-fashion is going to change. It has to. Consumers are much more aware than the large corporate giants give them credit for. Domestic production and supporting local artists is already causing a shift in the fashion algorhythm and things can no longer continue the way they are… This is how indie designers and artists are able to hold space. People are waking up and the indie artist community is emerging stronger than ever and their support is heart-felt and sincere.
Creating for Love
Rita is constantly playing with fashion. Her process is organic- she usually begins by designing something for herself… and wears her it for pleasure. A few photos on social media later- friends become clients and request her to make the same thing for them. This is also how her former unisex kids clothing brand, ‘Jules’ unisex kids was launched. She started making clothes for her son, Julien (drop-crotch pants and infinity scarves, etc). Soon after, other stylish parents were asking her for clothes for their kids.
Her intuitive sense of style is what keeps her inspired and maintains a fresh outlook on not only fashion, but life. Having styled everything and everyone from ‘indie’ bands and DJs, musicians, models and actors to Fortune 500 executives to uniforms for Hollywood’s hottest nightlife spots and even boutique hotels in Zurich (Switzerland).
Rita has more than one pre-made kimono for you to buy today; and if there is something specific you have in mind Rita is more than willing to work with you.
Check her out at RGKimono
I hope that you love her as much as I do!
XO RA