About Us

Fashion is complete only when people and clothing come together.

We are drawn to the beautiful journey of kimono—worn on special occasions, passed down as family heirlooms, and eventually reborn as Western-style garments.

Upcycled kimono meet people once again, breathing new life as a new form of fashion.

Each pattern and design carries heartfelt wishes for the wearer’s happiness. Kimono seem to live like people—offering comfort, holding hope, and longing to be needed.

We hope to help these kimono reconnect with people, be loved again, and shine once more.

 

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Designer Introduction

Kimono Upcycling Designer / Kiwa Anraku

Since 2003, I have been captivated by the beauty and potential of kimono, creating garments that upcycle them into contemporary fashion.

As a kimono researcher, I aim to revalue and revive kimono culture by incorporating it into modern fashion through design and creative approaches.

This unique method has been recognized by artists such as actresses, singers, flair bartenders, and flamenco performers, for whom I’ve designed stage costumes.

In 2013, I launched the “Toukazuki Project” to share and celebrate kimono culture. As its founder and director, I have led 11 performances to date.

 

Career

  • 2001: Graduated from Bunka Fashion College, Fashion Design Course
  • 2003: Began exhibiting and selling in Nishi-Shinjuku
  • 2004–2009: Participated in department store exhibitions including Printemps Ginza and Shinjuku Takashimaya
  • 2006: Won Gold Prize for “Haru no Hana” at the 5th Artist Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
  • 2008: Costume design for Karagumi’s “Yusaka Doji” / Solo exhibition “Wedding Dress – From That Day –”
  • 2009–2010: Temporary break for childbirth
  • 2010: Opened “Wa Studio KIWA” / Hosted floor show
  • 2015: Published book “Kimonoji de Tsukuru Kawaii Kids & Baby no Odekakefuku” (Nitto Shoin)
  • 2015–2016: Second maternity leave
  • 2016: Costume design for actress Yuki Fujii (Karagumi) for the 25th Yomiuri Theater Awards
  • 2017: Lecture at Spring Kimono Seminar (National Kimono Culture Education Association) / Fashion show support for Kids International Festa / Costume design for Spanish dance productions / Received Kawakami Suzuko Spanish Dance Award
  • Lecturer at Asahi Culture Center Yokohama / Career talk at Tokyo junior high school / Guest on FM “Crystal ISM”
  • 2019: Costume design for Karagumi’s “Vinyl Castle” (Yuki Fujii as Momo) / Costumes for flair bartender Akiko Tomita and singer-priest Suzue
  • 2020: Published 10th anniversary design book “KIWA ANRAKU design work book”
  • 2021: Concert costume design for Suzue’s album “Kokoro no Furusato” produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu
  • 2022: Costume collaboration for Seikou Nagaoka’s “Land of the Sun” (Himemiko Project)
  • 2023: Costume support for Seikou Nagaoka’s concert at the 40th Saio Festival
  • 2024: Presented collection at Vancouver Fashion Week (Spring/Summer) / Featured in VOGUE (Portugal & Italy editions) and ELLE (Japan edition)

Links

Kimono Remake Workshop (YouTube)Instagram

Activities & Publications

  • Solo Exhibition “Wedding Dress — From That Day On”

  • 2015 Book: “Cute Outfits for Kids & Babies Made from Kimono Fabrics”

    Purchase (Amazon) 

Media

Costume Design & Collaboration