Learn how to make a kimono style jacket with Nimesh Gadhia
- Written byCarys Thomas
- Published date 05 March 2025
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The beauty of the kimono is its lack of complicated procedures; there are no buttons, buttonholes, fiddly pockets, pleats or vents. It’s comparatively easy to make but substantial enough to look and feel impressive on completion.
For anyone interested in learning how to make their own kimono style jacket, our workshop at London College of Fashion is the perfect place to start.
We caught up with course tutor Nimesh Gadhia to find out more about his creative practice and hear about what students can expect from the Kimono Style Jacket Workshop Short Course.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I graduated from Westminster University over 20 years ago and I've been in men's fashion design ever since. I've worked across a wide range of product types: high street to tailoring, denim to workwear, military to sportswear and everything in between. Some of these brands include River Island, Ozwald Boateng, GSTAR and Scotch&Soda.
But I'm a little over fashion now. I say: I love clothes, but I hate fashion.
I'm focussing more on sustainable practices in the industry - trying to educate people on garment construction and manufacture, teaching masterclasses and guest lecturing at various London universities. I've also started an upcycling brand where I take unwanted garments and transform them into garments that hopefully people do want.
What do you do day to day?
It varies considerably: some days I get into the studio for 7am to prepare a lecture, upcycle a raincoat, pattern cut a new jacket, etc... stopping only for meal and bathroom breaks.
Are you currently working on any creative projects you can tell us about?
Yes! I'm working hard on the next collection for my upcycling brand: Out Of Stock. My recent obsession is looking at second-hand men's suits and taking them apart to make oversized streetwear (photoshoot coming soon).
What do you most enjoy about teaching?
My main joy comes from opening the eyes of students to the reality of the garment industry. There's a dangerous disconnect at the moment between the work that goes into making a garment and its perceived value. When students see how much work is involved, their appreciation for value increases - and in turn they begin to see the dangers of fast fashion.
How do you keep yourself inspired (in your practice/line of work)?
It can be hard when you're working on your own. But I find if I keep in touch with like-minded people (fellow designers, musicians and other creatives) and take an interest in their journeys it encourages me to keep moving forward. Surround yourself with people that have similar ambitions - it's much less lonely. For me it's also important to keep setting deadlines - it's that kind of pressure that keeps me going.
Do you have a ‘go-to’ method to extract new ideas?
Not really - a lot of my work comes from dissecting and analysing existing garments. And this process usually fills me with ideas. But I find that a walk around the more fashion-forward areas of London or taking a trip to one of the many modern art galleries usually manages to shake up the brain.
What’s your advice to someone who’s feeling stuck within their practice?
Eat some protein-rich food, go for a walk, have an early night, sleep on it and in the morning, remind yourself why you started. The solution should present itself.
Who are your favourite industry peers / artists / influences?
There are a few upcycling brands that are killing it at the moment: @remake_by_yi, @elvdenim, @white_weft, @elvisandkresse. Go check them out.
What’s your best piece of advice for a beginner?
Always have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. If you have that in mind at all times, you'll usually know if what you're doing is taking you in the right direction.
What would you say are the main benefits of the course?
The main benefit is that by the end of the 2-day course, each student will have a beautiful and unique kimono style jacket that will last them a long time. But along the journey, the student will have the opportunity to learn/practice/hone their skills in laying out patterns, cutting, sewing, pressing and to some point, designing.
Feeling inspired? Explore your creativity with the Kimono Style Jacket Workshop at London College of Fashion.
Check out our full range of fashion making short courses or take a look at our upcoming short courses to see what’s coming up.
