DESIGNER/CREATOR
01
Modern and Eco-friendly Kimono Fashion
Junko Fukuda has launched her brand Wa-Miyabi and offers creations using vintage Kimono and the recycling of traditional Japanese textiles. Precious materials and functional designs, for a fashion that is at the same time in tune with the times, respectful of the knowledge and symbols of traditional Japanese culture.
02
The origin of Wa-Miyabi
“I majored in French literature, but since I was little, I have loved crafts, in particular sewing and DIY. I made children's clothes and bags, and I took a sewing course to make women's clothes. Also, I love wearing the Kimono to go out. That's why I wanted to understand everything about the Kimono. The art of painting on Kimono, the charm of silk, the techniques of weaving and dyeing, fascinated me. Whilst living in Paris from 2018 to 2020, I wanted to give rare and unique Japanese gifts to my friends there, to express my gratitude to them. This is how I started using silk Kimonos and Obi in my sewing works, then I finally decided to launch the Wa-Miyabi brand to present my creations."
03
Current activity
"My current focus is making bags, clutches, splendid scarves, very feminine skirts and dresses. I adapt designs and colors to the lifestyles of clients, and the range of my products has expanded with that in the use of my materials (vintage Kimonos, ceremonial flags, judogi, wedding Kimono dresses, etc.). Faced with the overexploitation of resources, I am happy to use vintage Kimonos to protect the environment. It is an exceptional material, made using ancestral techniques, with embroidery of incredible delicacy. The old Kimonos have kept their bright colors and they are "alive" like nature. Used Kimonos can be both restored or used as a material to create original accessories for your home and fashionable accessories."
04
What I want to convey through my work
”The Kimono is the emblem of the aesthetics of Japan. It expresses the intimate sensitivity built up over the centuries, the relationship to transience as well as a lasting duration, beauty, and communion with nature. I would like through my works to extend the history and symbolism of old Kimonos and Obis, while offering fashion that fits into everyday life and decorative objects that enrich life. We are currently making custom dresses and bags; the customer can thus choose the shape and the fabric. In the future, I would like to organize workshops to allow people to experience Japanese culture through Kimono fabrics, but also to interact and share the joy of DIY.”