New York designer Kelima loves to create imaginative, beautifully crafted clothing. Of Japanese American heritage, Kelima feels a deep connection to the legends and folklore of ancient Japan. As a child, she was enchanted by stories of her colorful Genji ancestors.

This Japanese influence can be seen in her use of gentle, muted colors, and in the details of her designs. Her knotted dresses, for example, stem from childhood memories of the tie dyed obi sashes her grandmother would bring back from Japan. Today, Kelima mindfully creates delicate knots as well as origami-like pleats and folds, in the fabric of her dresses. She also creates spectacular dresses and jackets made from her richly hued collection of antique and heirloom kimonos.

Born in the magical Pacific Coast area of California, Kelima grew up surrounded by the ocean and blue skies. The elements of nature which she loves, are reflected in her floaty, ethereal, designs, and her use of luscious, natural fabrics. Dresses have names like; "walking on waves", "floating cloud", and "rain dress with spilled water train". The collection is currently available at the Kelima K retail store in the Soho /Nolita area of New York. She will be doing fittings and showings in Paris, SF, and LA at least once a year.