JUDGES
Former Vogue editor - fashion editor & WAO
After serving as vice editor at Vogue and Elle magazines, assumed position of editor at "Marie Claire" Japanese Edition in 2004. Drew attention as the first Japanese fashion magazine to incorporate articles on social awareness. Since being independent in late 2008, she has worked as the producer of "Craft Renaissance WAO" which launched Japanese traditional crafts to the world. Currently introducing fashion, design, and art curation in Paris, New York, and Tokyo.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture Takarazuka City.
Keiko Ikoma
元Vogue編集長- fashion editor & WAO
Eiko Kobayashi
fashion designer
Fashion designer of creative dress that uses tranditional kimono dyeing and weaving techniques to make antique kimono. Using music, dance, and film as a catalyst to expand the world view using her fashions in many runway shows often in a country's embassy. Her clothing communicates the attractiveness of kimono cultural exchange. Notable are: 2013-2014 Paris Japan Expo; 2014 Switzerland diplomatic relations 150th anniversary commemorative; the Portugal Art Festival, 2015; NY United Nations Japanese Government Ambassador's residence; and 'Beyond Kimono' opening stage act at Flower & Garden festival in Ghent, Belgium, 2016.
Everett Brown
photographer
American, permanent resident in Japan since 1988. Wet-plate photographer, art consultant for the International Center for Japanese Culture, trustee at Takumi Project General Incorporated Association, representative of Brownsfield. Previously a branch manager of European Pressphoto Agency Japan, participated in introducing Japanese culture overseas. Brown has had work published in 'National Geographic' 'GEO' 'Kateigaho International Magazine' etc . In 2012 his efforts were recognized by the of Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan.
Hiroko Takahashi
artist
Renown for her designs of circles and straight lines. She is the head of Takahashi Hiroko Co. Has doctorate in traditional handicrafts at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music with emphasis on the history of dyeing, weaving and traditional techniques. Takahashi use kimono as a representative medium for her unique creative activity. She produces a multitude of design object with the aid of craftmen who practice Japanese traditional techniques. Through her active collaborations, her goods and art are sold both domestically and overseas.
Liza Dalby
author
Liza Dalby is an anthropologist who has written widely about Japanese culture. Her books detail ethnographic, cultural. and historic fashion aspects of Japanese clothing with an emphasis on kimono. She has recently taken up an interest is making hanging scrolls (kakejiku) out of kimono cloth. Dalby has published many books both in fiction and non-fiction.
Rinko Kimino
kimono author
Japanese Cultural Curator and author. Contributes writings in books, magazines, and newspapers mainly concerning kimono, Japanese arts & crafts, Kabuki, etc. She also coordinates projects and is creative director of Japanese arts and crafts, kimono, product development, and event planning. Assist Japanese corporations overseas for their expansion of overseas markets. Kimino has created kimono fashion shows and kimono workshops worldwide as a stylist and creator. Currently resides in Los Angeles.
Ann-Dorothee Schlueter
textile scholar
Garment historian based in Berlin. Researches 18th-19th Century clothing and ornaments, children's clothing and kimono. She contributes many fashion articles on the internet. Schlueter gives lectures on the history of clothing and has been a judge and consultant to art museums, film, and clothing contests throughout Europe. She has curated kimono fashion shows and personally enjoys wearing her self designed kimonos on a daily basis.
Environmentalist. Representative of Greenz NPO / greenz.jp editor in chief. Born in Bangkok in 1976, raised in Tokyo. Editor of 'Monthly Sotokoto' for 3 years starting in 2002. Upon becoming independent in 2006, Suzuki founded internet magazine 'greenz.jp'; its theme "Let's make the future we want". Currently resides in Izumi City, Chiba Prefecture. Currently experimenting living in a small (yet large house) "tiny house" as a family of four - measuring 377 sqft (with wheels attached). Author and frequent media personality.
Nao Suzuki
greenmz.jp Director
Michael Romano
chef
Michael Romano is a well know internationally acclaimed Chef with restaurants in both NYC & Tokyo. Most noted for famous Union Square Cafe. Traveling frequently to Japan, Romano has assembled perhaps the largest collection of men's Kimono in America for his own wear. He has been a judge and model in Kimono events.
Yoshihide Hirayama
Kimono Designer
Head designer for Modern Antenna, a Kyoto Kimono company that has led the revolution in evolving and innovative designs for Kimono. His garments are noted for their youthful and colorful styles; often printed by ink jet computer graphics on Polyester. His company is most noted for their ground breaking NYC exhibition, "Kyoto Kool" that was at Globus Washitsu in Spring of 2016. His Kimono are sold actively on both e-commerce and pop-up stores around Japan.
Rie Yano
Fashion Recycler
Rie is the Co-Founder and CEO of Material World, a designer fashion trade-in service that makes upgrading your closet easy, fast and guilt-free. With Material World’s reloadable debit card, one can instantly earn money each time you trade-in fashions that is no longer worn, and then shop at 700+ retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys. All items traded in will find a new user through resale channels or are donated to charity. Raised in 4 countries with exposure to diverse cultures, Rie is passionate about diversity and individuality, and encourages a lifestyle where you never stop evolving and can experiment with your style in a sustainable way. Rie holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a BA from Sophia University, Tokyo.