The vintage Japanese happi coat that I took apart to make this bomber jacket seems to have been modified for daily use – which is quite unusual for festival attire. Pockets and front ties had been added, and there was a good amount of rice straw in many of the hems and seams. As the fading indicates, this happi coat had some serious age and wear to it. The fabrics are all cotton and resist-dyed with plant indigo using stencils. After harvesting the fabric, I made quilted, piecework sections using a dead stock linen quilt for the base a squiggle pattern inspired by a vintage US Air Force jacket liner. The original graphics and writing from the happi coat all got spliced together as I assembled the new bomber jacket. I then made a bias tape using silk crepe from a deconstructed kimono. This is laminated and stitched to all the seams, hems, and cuffs. Cut threads from all the garments I deconstructed to make this one appear throughout. There is one interior pocket on the left side. The length is 24," the sleeves are 30." and the dress form has a 40" chest.
