Kanomade
/Show Day
April 11
/Social Media
Kanon Nagayoshi is a Japanese fashion designer and the founder of Kanomade, a brand
dedicated to reimagining kimono as contemporary fashion.
Her creative journey began in early childhood, inspired by fairytale princess dresses, which
led her to draw and imagine garments from a young age. Growing up, she was surrounded
by making—watching her grandmother sew and create with care—an experience that quietly
shaped her relationship with clothing and craftsmanship.
At the core of Kanomade is a deep respect for individuality. Nagayoshi works primarily with
vintage kimono, garments that are inherently one of a kind, each carrying its own history,
pattern, and presence. Rather than treating kimono as historical artifacts, she reconstructs
them through layering, structure, and modern silhouettes, allowing their character to exist
naturally within contemporary design.
Her work is also guided by a strong awareness of sustainability. By using kimono that might
otherwise be discarded, along with leftover fabrics and donated materials when possible,
she extends the life of existing textiles. For Nagayoshi, sustainability is not about perfection,
but about making conscious choices through everyday practice.
Fit and inclusivity are central to her design philosophy. She believes that no two bodies are
the same—just as no two kimono are identical. Instead of forcing people into standardized
sizes, she focuses on creating garments that adapt to the wearer, celebrating the body as it
is. Her designs aim to highlight confidence and presence without asking women to change
themselves.
Looking ahead, Nagayoshi envisions Kanomade as a platform that supports not only her
own creations, but also the people who make them. By increasing the brand’s visibility
through runways and media, she hopes to lead projects that connect opportunities to
emerging makers, fostering a sustainable and collaborative creative ecosystem.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
My love for fashion began in childhood, inspired by fairytale princess dresses and the joy of drawing clothing. Watching my grandmother sew and create by hand also shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship and inspired me to pursue fashion design.
How would you describe your design style?
My design style reimagines vintage kimono as contemporary fashion. I combine layered construction, modern silhouettes, and one-of-a-kind textiles while celebrating individuality, inclusivity, and sustainability.
What can people expect from your latest collection?
My latest collection transforms vintage kimono into garments for everyday self-expression. By combining movement, layered silhouettes, and repurposed textiles, I hope people see kimono not as historical clothing but as fashion for modern life.
Why do you choose to work with vintage kimono instead of new fabrics?
Every vintage kimono has its own history, pattern, and character. By reconstructing these garments instead of creating new fabrics, I can preserve their stories while giving them a new life in contemporary fashion.
Why is inclusivity so important in your design philosophy?
No two people—and no two kimono—are exactly the same. Rather than designing for standard sizes, I create garments that adapt to different bodies and celebrate each person's individuality and confidence.