About LOOP STUDIO | Blending tradition and sustainabilty by upcycling kimono and obi

Intro

Hi, I’m Riina, the founder of LOOP STUDIO :)

In 2022, in Kyoto, Japan, I started this brand to combine my love for fashion with my growing interest for sustainability by upcycling second-hand kimonos and obis.

At the time, I was majoring in international studies at my university, but after graduating, I decided to fully dedicate myself to learning the craft of making clothes. With no formal training, I spent a year teaching myself everything—from pattern-making to sewing—mostly through YouTube and hands-on practice

And here I am today, running LOOP STUDIO from my home studio in Montreal, Canada, where I take care of every step of the process with love and care. From designing and cutting to sewing, packing, and shipping, each piece is made with intention 

Inspiration 

Every step of my design process—from deconstructing traditional kimonos and obis to transforming them with different techniques—reflects my belief in embracing openness and adaptability. Having lived in Japan for most of my life, I’ve often questioned the “rules” and “restrictions” that exist simply because “that’s how it has always been.” Whenever I asked why, the most common answer was just that—because it’s tradition. But I’ve always believed that tradition and change can coexist. Why can’t we think more freely, embrace new ideas, and adapt to the modern world while still respecting the past? This mindset fuels my creativity. I see fashion as a way to break barriers, challenge norms, and reimagine what’s possible to make space for individuality and progress. 

Mission

At LOOP STUDIO, every piece is upcycled from a secondhand kimono or obi—not just to offer a unique, sustainable fashion piece but to inspire conscious action for our planet and society. 

I believe that sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about making thoughtful choices, no matter how small. Maybe that means switching to a plant-based breakfast for a week, staying curious about social issues, following activists who inspire you, or finally taking that step toward something you've always wanted to do. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a greater change. I believe fashion should be more than just clothing—it should tell a story, challenge conventions, and encourage us to think differently. LOOP STUDIO is for those who dare to rethink fashion, embrace individuality, and take part in shaping a better future.