Ever wonder how I make Cowboy Kimonos? This quickie tour shows how a doodle morphs into a hand painted denim jacket. Got questions (like how much money did my parents waste on acting lessons) or ideas for a custom Cowboy Kimono? Connect by clicking the button below.
Tag: painted denim
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Confessions of a Fashion Maverick
The Back Story of the First Cowboy Kimono
Francesca Blueher easily identifies as an independent-minded person. She is my older sister, leader of our clan of six children, and a self- described “hero from zero to now.” She is also the first owner of a Cowboy Kimono. As her birthday approached in 1996, I found myself fund-challenged and needing to come up with a zero dollar present—stat! I took a denim jacket from the closet, dusted off my fabric paints, and spawned the first Cowboy Kimono.
It is not unusual for Francesca to act on her own initiative and her Cowboy Kimono (featured above) is a reflection of that. Curious about what appears to be an undying devotion to the garment and an insistence on wearing it well beyond its life expectancy, I asked her to share about her Cowboy Kimono crush.
Do you still have the jacket or has it crossed the rainbow bridge?
FRANCESCA: “I still have it and I will never get rid of it. It is 25 years old, a quarter of a century! Perhaps I will include it in my will – maybe going to my (yet-to-be-born) granddaughter.”
You wear/wore the jacket to tennis matches – what’s the story behind that wardrobe strategy?
FRANCESCA: “I’m not playing competitive tennis anymore, but I wore it as a form of sunscreen until I hit the court and put it back on as I walked off the court. The wardrobe strategy? To be used as a protective garment.”
What’s the oddest / funniest / best / most inspiring encounter you’ve experienced while wearing the jacket?
FRANCESCA: “My daughter said, ‘My gawd, every time you wore that you would get a compliment on it!’ I started putting Cowboy Kimono business cards in the pocket and giving them away when people asked me about it. I’ve worn it to New York, Paris, and Japan. In New York, it gets a lot of compliments.”
Why did you continue to wear it when the denim began to “evaporate?”
FRANCESCA: “OMG it just got better and better as the denim evaporated. It didn’t get older, it just got better – just like me!”
What do you want people to know about it?
FRANCESCA: “I wear it to gala or formal fundraising events – much to my husband’s chagrin. I wear it because that beautiful design on the back is meant to go with anything and is such a celebratory design. The jean jacket is the fancy. “
Do you have any special connection to the jacket’s subject matter?
FRANCESCA: “It fits me like a glove. The design is stunning. Absolutely love how perfect the colors are. I’ve never had a piece of clothing that I love as much as this Cowboy Kimono.
If you have a favorite garment that only gets better with time, please share a photo and your story in the comments. #FashionCrush.
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Painted Portrait Jacket
Just delivered this freshly painted, Cowboy Kimono, to a dear friend and creative supporter. She commissioned the project as a present to herself and wanted something as vibrant as her personality. The few simple asks included maintaining the glory of her silver hair (she earned every strand and it’s a source of pride). Her response to the preliminary sketch was an enthusiastic, “Go for it.” (Love that form of creative cheerleading)
Interested in a custom Cowboy Kimono? Let’s talk!
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Rocker, Raver, or Funky Cowgirl?
A hand painted Cowboy Kimono + faux fur collar + thrift store scarf = THREE-IN-ONE Fashion. Perfect if you like to dress for your current mood.
I’ve been finding used denim jackets and converting them into Cowboy Kimonos for years. This year I wanted to collaborate with my oldest son who sews faux fur vests and hoodies. Together we made this neon turquoise faux fur collar.
Fur Collar with Scarf Check-out the underside…there are loops to hold a scarf in place!
The three elements can be combined for different looks.
Both sleeves of the Cowboy Kimono are hand-painted with dimensional fabric paint.
Sleeve detail This original, three-in-one outfit is now available for purchase.