Our Mission

Isaboko is an independent Brooklyn based garment project founded by designer Isabella Li Kostrzewa. We are dedicated to finding Japanese kimonos at the end of their life, and transforming them into new garments so that the quality and beauty of the material can be seen and enjoyed again.  

We design with zero waste patterns, so our garments can honor the history of the kimono, which were also designed with zero waste patterns. Our processes minimize waste and the carbon footprint of garments, as well as the longevity of them, ensuring that you will be able to pass these pieces down to the next generation.

Japanese Kimono silks and cottons are some of the most high quality and versatile materials in the world. They are at the same time elegant, luxurious, durable, and breathable. Our designs take inspiration from the materials and are versatile enough to take you from hiking in the woods, to work, to a party, then to sleep. 

Isaboko pieces pull from Eastern and Western influences, and are intended to be worn by anyone. We design with gender free intention, both as a way to maximize the wearability of a garment and the time a garment is in the world, and also as a nod to the history of Kimonos which were the same cut and shape for all people.