ABOUT KAYO

designed in San Francisco, CA 

handcrafted WITH LOVE in Bali

.✦ ݁˖


THE KAYO ANIME STORY:

Born and raised in Japan, Kayo always dreamed of one day becoming just like the heroes and heroines of her favorite anime series.

As she grew up, she realized everyone probably has experienced these dreams of becoming somebody else, or a different version of themselves. Everyone dreams of becoming as powerful and cool, or gorgeous and smart as the heroes in our favorite cartoon shows. 

Anime and cartoons may depict imaginary worlds, but these worlds of non-reality are only steps away from reality. We hold unlimited potential, and with this in mind nothing is impossible. We can even alchemize non-reality into reality.

Kayo has not created a fashion brand, but a fashion bridge between imaginary and tangible worlds. 

By combining the non-reality of anime with the reality of street fashion, KAYO transforms wearers into different characters created within themselves (an alter ego, so to speak), bringing out unique aspects of the self through unique clothing designs.

The integration of anime and fashion is only the beginning of endless possibilities; the world is inherently intrigued by interactions between entirely juxtapose media. 

KAYO aims to always intrigue and surprise by helping the audience uncover previously unknown facets of character through our pieces, because Kayo herself believes that fashion is merely an expression of what is already carried inside of us.

 

MEET THE MAKER:

 

Kayo is a San Francisco based fashion designer from Japan. Her designs are 100% original.

I design, pick fabric, often make patterns and first sample then bring to factory or workers. All my productions are handcrafted by my beloved tailors in Bali, where my heart lives. 

I love the culture and people there. Focusing on making fun, comfortable unique clothing for men and women. My customers are performers, fire dancers, singers, belly dancers, and people who just appreciate hand-made, small production, unique designs. 

"All products are ethically crafted in a positive, family-oriented environment. Anyone supporting Kayo Anime products can feel good about how they are made and where they come from. I was introduced to my tailor, Made, when I first visited Bali 7 years ago.

When I first met Made, he taught me all about Bali and Balinese cultures. He took me all around and found me a sewing machine as well as any kind of sewing supplies I needed. When I showed him my designs, he loved it! We worked together often in a workshop he built in one of the rooms of his house. He has about 5 sewing machines, a cutting table, and a pattern shelf in his home workshop. He let me use his machines to make, fix, and cut samples from his leftover fabrics. I really liked his hospitality and work ethic, and that is why I choose to work with him."

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"My detailed designs are done by his family, and I have become close with them through this training process. His aunt, nephew, and son are now trained to do all the small grommets, studs, strings, metal beads, and chains. They even use an extremely small needle to make each tiny hole for the grommets and press each one by hand.
 

The work environment is family oriented, warm and inviting. I often sit and work with them, as we all talk and laugh. But of course, they do a much better job than I do now! Because of his help, I am now able to produce high enough stock to sell wholesale. I treasure our friendship as well as our business relationship."



"I choose to work with my tailors in Bali because they are especially good with small detail craftsmanship. My work is extremely detail oriented using macrame, strings, small grommets, pleats, and cut-outs. The Balinese are well known their for creativity and intense attention to detail.

Making my first macrame sample by hand, I was able to train one of my workers how to tie the macrame knots. Now all the tailors making macrame for Kayo Anime have been trained by that first worker that I trained! The small stud details on many of my garments also require very special skills. It is very time consuming, working with very small needles and hardware to create the desired effect. 

Kayo Anime hardware are original pieces as well, as each one has been drawn, carved in wax and casted to create a unique signature look. I test wear all new designs to ensure the fabric feels comfortable, is durable and will stand the test of time."

Made and his family have an amazing work ethic and environment with intense creativity and attention to detail. My goal is to have more and more people to wear my clothing, looking and feeling happy and beautiful. Bringing good vibes everywhere and to everyone.