Kiyomi Reid is a handbag designer, whose work has been exhibited nationally. Kiyomi was born in Saitama Japan in 1970. Graduated from Koshigaya-Sogo Technical College with the Certificate in Fashion Design and Dressmaking, she worked in one of the leading Japanese fashion houses for a number of years. Kiyomi migrated to Australia in 2000 after marrying her Australian husband, then founded Sashiko Design in Tasmania in 2001. Kiyomi is now based in Melbourne.
When Kiyomi starts creating her work she sees it as making a puzzle. She always has a clear vision in her mind of the colours she is going to combine. Japanese Vintage Kimonos have such a diverse range of colours which can be used to create amazing combinations. The gratification Kiyomi sees on people?fs faces when they look and touch her work gives her enormous satisfaction and is the main drive for Kiyomi to continue creating her unique range of stunning bags.
Kiyomi skillfully incorporates the traditional Japanese textile and the handcraft techniques into her stylish contemporary designs. She uses denim as her back medium to give her designs an Australian feel while introducing Japanese culture by using Kimono fabrics and Sashiko stitching, thus combining these two cultures in harmony.
