Welcome to Ziguzagu: In My City

Welcome to Ziguzagu here in my City of Melbourne. Even if you only have one day to spend in Melbourne a visit to Ziguzagu is a must! Kazari is the parent company of Ziguzagu. They are 3 branches in Melbourne in the Richmond area. Ziguzagu is the warehouse where you can find vintage kimono fabric both in silk and indigo cotton, floor cushions, and bolts of silk for dyeing. The other half of the warehouse is for the restoration of Japanese antique furniture. Being a newcomer to Melbourne, I stumbled onto Ziguzagu by chance when I overheard some ladies talking about it in a gallery. I have been back there so many times since. I got to know everyone who works there in both the warehouse and Ziguzagu. They are so friendly and helpful. I love how they just leave you to roam around all day if you wish. I can easily spend 2-3 hours looking around every time I go there. I rummage through the scrap bins,  rolls of vintage kimono fabric and garments spread all over the giant warehouse. To me Ziguzagu has more Japanese kimono fabric under one roof than the whole of Japan. Of course if you are only a visitor to Japan you don't know where other treasures are hiding. I just love the way everything is displayed for easy reach. You have to be able to feel and touch them to appreciate them! 

The lovely Kate Collins is one of the ladies who works there 3 days a week including Saturday. Kate has studied textiles at RMIT so she knows a lot about Japanese fabric and textiles. Kate has also studied indigo dyeing, shibori and natural dyes. She is so generous with her textile knowledge. I have learned a lot by just talking to her. I really do believe that textile lovers are the friendliest people. We do speak the same textile language...!

The reception area of Ziguzagu. This is where the newly arrived books and knick knacks are on display. I just realized that I didn't look at the new books when I was there today. That is an excuse to go back there again soon. 

This is one of the BORO cloths hanging on the wall. There is more of a collection of BORO cloths here than anywhere else I have seen in Japan! I hope one day I will find my very own BORO cloth from one of the trip to Japan.

Jacky and Lee were searching for just the right piece. You do carry around a few rolls with you while looking. Jacky didn't actually get much this time. You are very restrained today Jacky. The fabric on display is colour coordinated in these lovely baskets as well. 

This basket is full of indigo and shibori fabric. I would have happily brought home everything in there (sigh)....!

There is quite a selection of vintage kimonos and yukatas for you to choose from. I did all my kimono shopping a few years ago. I bought a couple of hoaries which I wear often over my jeans. 

Trust Lee our stylist interior decorator spotted a set of three framed pieces of vintage indigo fabric. Before we were even halfway through our search she was already walking back to the car with them. Lee even has a wall waiting at home for them. It's handy having a clever builder as a husband.

As you enter the warehouse there is an information table on the left and on there the lovely Kate has kindly displayed the Japanese Textile Study Tour brochures for us. Thanks Kate your help is really appreciated here. BTW Kate, you look cool in that outfit. The indigoish blue scarf looks great on you! 

After a couple of hours at Ziguzagu we headed to Kazari Cafe only 5 mins drive from there. I had made a booking for Jacky, Lee and I to have a delicious Japanese lunch. We have heard that there is a new chef, Toshio Aihara with 20 years experience in Japanese cuisine, so we couldn't wait to try his food. I will have to continue about Kazari Cafe in the next post. Thanks for visiting and I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy!

Nat