Part One - Boro: Japanese Rag Textiles from Shabby to Chic Video

Yoshiko I. Wada is the celebrated author of two books on Shibori, and the organizer of the 7th International Symposium on Shibori in Paris, France.

Her interests in textiles have gone from classical shibori to Afro-American quilts, and recently she has been working on a new book with her editor, Kim Shufftan, on 'Boro', which literally means 'rag' in Japanese.

The Boro movement was a period in Japanese history about 100-150 years ago when peasants constructed quilts, coverlets, and work clothes made from recycled Japanese kimonos and yucatas. Not conceiving of the present-day value and interest towards recyclability or renewability, but instead the practical needs of people too poor to afford new clothing, these garments defined fashion for the lower classes for many years as they sought comfort, warmth, and protection from the elements.

A wonderful overview on Boro, and a glimpse into a new book from Wada, sure to be a hit!