Kimono Upcycling: Weaving Japanese and Western Influences Together

I am maiko moda, the creator behind atelier AOITORI, a studio offering garment making and sewing classes.
Whenever I see kimono fabrics, their fine textures and varied patterns continually inspire my imagination.
In autumn 2023, six months after opening the atelier, I held an original workshop at Matsuzakaya Nagoya in collaboration with a sewing-machine retailer. Since then, I have regularly proposed new forms of making using embroidery machines.
In autumn 2024, I studied sustainable branding and patternmaking in Florence, Italy.
In spring 2026, I held a bow-tie blouse workshop at a shop in Udine, Italy, combining participants' used clothing with Japanese kimono fabric. This has now led to consignment sales locally.
My goal is to upcycle beautiful Japanese kimono, which are becoming difficult to maintain, and serve as a bridge to people in Europe who want to experience Japanese culture and wear kimono casually.
Beyond delivering clothing, I want to share the enjoyment and creative excitement of upcycling worldwide. I hope this may eventually also encourage people in Japan to reconsider their own culture and explore new ways to pass it on.