Kimonoshow with Ms. Aiko Imaizumi

10-12 February Ms. Aiko Imaizumi held three kimonoshows. Wednesday 10 February the show took place in Aktivcentret in Gladsaxe, Thursday 11 February the show took place in Information and Cultural Centre, Embassy of Japan and on Friday 12 February the show took place in Kunstindustrimuseet. The three shows were a great success with many visitors and were fully booked several weeks in advance.

Ms. Imaizumi told the audiences about the use of the kimono, how to make a kimono, how to wear a kimono and demonstrated the different types of kimono and hairstyles.

One of the models getting dressed before the show. Ms. Imaizumi had brought four experts in kimono and hairdressing to help with the shows. The results were spectacular hairstyles, each one individually designed to the models face and to suit the kimono. The models were very patient and had to sit and stand for hours while ms. Imaizumi ensured that everything was perfect.

From left: Ms. Minna Olsen from the International Secretariat, Gladsaxe, Ms. Aiko Imaizumi and Mr. Kei Mitsuma from the Embassy of Japan.

The show in Gladsaxe was organised with help from Ms. Minna Olsen of the International Secretariat in Gladsaxe. Gladsaxe city is sistercity to Taito-ku in Japan and is visited every year by students from Taito-ku as students from Gladsaxe also visit Japan. The show took place in Aktivcentret I Gladsaxe with the help of Mr. Ivan Klitte. Aktivcentret could hold more than a hundred persons and was completely full on 10 February. Japanese beer bought specifically for the occasion was served for the guests. At the show was present both Gladsaxe TV and Gladsaxe Dagbladet who took some beautiful pictures. The tv program will be broadcast in the near future.

The beautiful kimonos that the four models wore, were chosen specifically for the shows from Ms. Imaizumi’s vast collection. The theme was spring to remind Danes of the lovely colours and flowers of spring and to encourage springtime to arrive. Here ms. Imaizumi explains the meaning of the patterns and styles of the kimono.

One of the models has her hair done before the show.

Ms. Imaizumi demonstrates the durability of kimono silk at the show in the Information and Cultural Centre. The garment she is holding has been made from a kimono worn by her mother at her wedding.

The audience was encouraged to feel the textures.

Four of the models for the show at Kunstindustrimuseet.

At each of the shows two models were chosen from the audience to show the amazing transformation of before and after. The hall at Kunstindustrimuseet had room for 120 people and was fully packed. The atmosphere of the historical buildings gave the show a very special atmosphere.

At each of the shows the audience was encouraged to ask questions of ms. Imaizumi and take pictures of the beautiful models walking among the audience. The transformation of the models achieved by ms. Imaizumi and her helpers was amazing and ms. Imaizumi’s explanation of the role of the kimono in Japanese culture was very informative. The audience afterward expressed their appreciation of this unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating aspects of kimono.

The Embassy of Japan wishes to express our gratitude to Ms. Aiko Imaizumi for a beautiful show, (to Mr. Kei Mitsuma for translating) and to Aktivcentret i Gladsaxe and Kunstindustrimuseet.