The health room teacher who sews up play clothes
This summer, we are bringing you the cutest curated summer play clothes for babies & kids with Rosette Closet’s adorable traditional summer wear, called the Jinbei. We did a little interview with the maker, Shirakawa-san, a health room teacher on how she became a full-time maker in her home atelier in Hokuto-city, Hokkaido.
Shirakawa-san, what made you start Rosette Closet?
It was when I became a mother of one, and I wanted to start something at home while being a full-time mom. Getting an office part-time job was out of the question because I used to work with kids as a health room teacher. Hence I wanted to continue working on something with close relation so I started making clothes for kids with functionality in mind.
Tell me more about the play clothes you make?
Most of my pieces are made with natural fabrics, subtle, simple yet functional without being too loud or difficult to wear. Jinbei is usually worn with a ribbon tied, so while keeping functionality in mind, I designed my jinbei with a ribbon-hook to save the hassle of tying and un-tying ribbons on babies and kids because they’re just too busy exploring the world than letting us tie ribbons on them!
Made with 100% cotton, they’re comfortable, breathable yet strong enough for daily washes especially with Japan’s super hot summers!
They come in sizes for 1 to 3 years old.
Shop the Summer Unisex Cotton Jinbei HERE.
So a Jinbei is not a Yukata or Kimono?
Jinbei are usually worn as pyjamas or house clothes in Summer and are considered very informal clothing, as compared to the Yukata and Kimono. Back in the old days, the Jinbei are typically only worn outside of the house when running a local errand, collecting mail or while shopping at the local grocer. Read more about the differences here. (External link)
Ok, we know you’re from Hokkaido! We love Hokkaido so where do you personally recommend us to visit when in Hakodate City?
Definitely the infamous Hakodate Ropeway! It’s one of three best night sceneries of the world. Also, I love making trips to the Hakodate Morning Market where we get the freshest catch of all sorts. For food, we definitely will want you to try our local burger shop, Lucky Piero and Kantaro Revolving Sushi Belt, soooo gooood!
