VIMONO by Anastasia transforms authentic vintage Japanese kimonos into versatile, contemporary cardigans, blending cultural heritage with modern style. Each one-of-a-kind piece celebrates craftsmanship, history, and effortless elegance, making traditional garments wearable and relevant for today’s wardrobe.
Where tradition meets contemporary style
WHEN I was first approached to write about vintage kimonos, I found myself fascinated by how these traditional Japanese garments, worn for centuries and celebrated for their intricate fabrics and wrap-around silhouettes, found their way to Malaysian shores.
Vintage kimonos, crafted in Japan between the early 1900s and the 1980s, are no longer produced today. Instead, they are lovingly preserved, resold, or collected for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical value. For some families, passing down a kimono is a cherished tradition. For others, selling these heirlooms becomes a way to share their beauty or give new life to garments that might otherwise remain stored away.
Beyond commerce, a growing community of collectors, artisans, and enthusiasts has formed around the exchange of these pieces. For many, trading or reselling vintage kimonos is more than a transaction — it is a form of connection, a way to build networks with others who appreciate history, culture, and sustainable fashion.
One creative force bringing this heritage to modern wardrobes is VIMONO by Anastasia, a Malaysian brand that reimagines the classic kimono for contemporary living. The Vintage Kimono Cardigan by VIMONO simplifies this traditional garment into something practical yet elegant, designed to complement today’s lifestyle while maintaining the beauty and cultural essence of the original.
Each Vimono is a one-of-a-kind creation made from authentic vintage Japanese kimonos, carefully cut, restyled, and transformed into relaxed, versatile, and affordable cardigans. Designed to be worn both casually and formally, a Vimono retains the grace of the kimono while offering effortless wearability.
The pieces are sourced from vintage, pre-loved, or unused kimono stocks in Osaka, Japan. Subtle imperfections such as tiny marks, gentle fades, or softened textures tell their own story of time and tradition.
As Anastasia Doping, the lady behind the VIMONO brand, explains: “Each piece has lived a life before it reaches you. Those imperfections are part of its charm.”
Styling a Vimono could not be easier. It pairs beautifully with dresses, skirts, tailored trousers, or even denim jeans. You can wear it to a dinner party or simply throw it on for a weekend brunch, she says. However, she advises care when washing: “Most vintage textiles use natural dyes, so it’s best to hand wash gently and air dry.”
Anastasia, a Sabahan originally from Tawau, is now based in Kuala Lumpur. Together with her husband, she co-founded Rentak Sejuta, an influential online platform that has become the go-to source for urban music and performing arts news in Southeast Asia.
Formed in 2006, Rentak Sejuta has grown into Malaysia’s number one English-language independent online urban music news site and forum.
According to SeedSpiller/Nerdy Data Web Ranks, it currently holds a global ranking of 1,064 – an impressive feat that places it ahead of all other music, lifestyle, and entertainment sites in the country.
It was surprising to learn that Anastasia, a warm and dynamic media personality, has also ventured into vintage fashion.
When asked how her passion for kimonos began, she laughs and recalls: “It happened by chance! My husband and business partner bought a few for himself and me. I loved them so much that I started wearing them to events. Then people began asking where they could get one. That was when I decided to start my own label, VIMONO by Anastasia.”
Was it easy to convince people to buy this kind of cultural fashion?
“Not at all,” she admits. “But once they see and try it on, they fall in love. Each piece is unique, fashionable, and fits all occasions, so they pretty much sell themselves. I am also my own model and ambassador for the brand!”
Anastasia’s story does not stop there. She is also an active supporter of the beauty pageant industry, beginning as a sponsor for Miss Universe Malaysia 2011/2012 through Rentak Sejuta, which was the first digital news portal to officially support a pageant in the country.
Over time, both Anastasia and her husband have collaborated with more than 100 pageant brands as their official media or partnership platform. Along the way, Anastasia has been honoured with over 25 ambassador titles for her contribution to promoting the industry and empowering women from all walks of life.
Among her latest recognitions are Women Photographer and Media Queen 2025, MMM Tradisi Malaysia Ambassador 2025, and HITs Saree Idol Malaysia Ambassador 2025. These titles celebrate not just her professional achievements, but also her ongoing dedication to uplifting women through creativity and collaboration.
Today, Anastasia continues to balance her dual passions for media and fashion with the same energy and grace that define her personal style.
