Wa studio Kiwa
/Show Day
Sep 11, 2023
/Social Media
Career of Kiwa Anraku
Since 2003, I have been captivated by the allure and possibilities of kimono, leading me to create upcycled clothing from Western garments. This innovative approach garnered recognition, and I transitioned into becoming a fashion designer specializing in stage costumes for artists such as actresses, singers, flair bartenders, and flamenco performers. In 2013, I launched the "Toukabetsu Project," dedicated to promoting kimono culture, and took on the role of its representative. To date, we have successfully completed ten performances.
和studioKIWA
With a perspective that regards kimono as a textile, I propose original and upcycled custom fashion. The innovative designs, inspired by the patterns of kimono, are the hallmark of the KIWA brand.
Collections
The timeless classical poetry of "waka" continues to resonate in the hearts of contemporary people, seemingly linked to the revival of kimono culture in the present day, transcending time and space. Drawing inspiration from the "One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each" (Hyakunin Isshu) collection of waka poetry, I create garments. Using kimono fabrics to their fullest, I fashion dresses, formal wear, and stylish casual attire, mirroring the structure of haiku with one, five, seven, and five pieces corresponding to each poem, culminating in a presentation. The concept behind this collection is "The Revival of Kimono Culture in the Modern Era."
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
I was drawn into fashion through my fascination with the charm and possibilities of kimono, and that interest led me to start my own brand in 2003. I learned Western sewing techniques at Bunka Fashion College, and I learned kimono from my grandmother.
How would you describe your design style?
I treat kimono as fabric rather than a finished garment, and I upcycle it into custom, one of a kind pieces built around traditional kimono patterns and motifs. I call this approach Kimono Reincarnation: taking inherited textiles and reshaping them into clothing that fits naturally into modern life.
What can people expect from your latest collection?
My latest collection, Yōkai Rebirth, was created for Lake Como Fashion Week in Italy and includes ten one of a kind pieces. Each piece is inspired by yokai from Japanese folklore and rebuilds old fabric, obi, and scraps into wearable art.
What does your creative process look like, from concept to finished piece?
My work centers on custom orders and small-lot production, and I handle everything myself from the design proposal through pattern-making to the final sewing. This lets me carry a single idea through every stage of making a garment.
What are your goals for Wa studio Kiwa going forward?
I want to make kimono a more familiar part of everyday life, using both antique fabric and new materials inspired by kimono design. I also want to make full use of the leftover fabric scraps from production by working with other makers and creators.