Welcome to KimonoFest – Where Tradition Meets Modern Elegance
At KimonoFest.com, we believe in the timeless beauty and cultural richness of the kimono. Our mission is simple: to bring the grace of traditional Japanese attire into modern fashion consciousness while respecting its deep historical roots. Whether you’re an enthusiast of Japanese culture, a fashion-forward stylist, or simply someone who appreciates elegance, KimonoFest is your ultimate destination for authentic and stylish kimonos.
Founded with passion and a commitment to cultural authenticity, KimonoFest is more than an online store—it’s a hub of heritage, style, and storytelling. Our team of dedicated writers, designers, and cultural researchers works tirelessly to bring you not only the finest kimonos but also the stories behind them.
Meet Our Team
👤 Recep Karaca – Founder & Cultural Director
Recep is the visionary behind KimonoFest. Originally a textile entrepreneur from Istanbul with a deep love for Japanese aesthetics, he founded the site to merge fashion with cultural storytelling. After a life-changing trip to Kyoto in 2016, Recep began studying kimono design and symbolism. Today, he curates each product in our store, ensuring that every piece respects the traditional art form while being accessible to global customers. He also contributes in-depth editorial features about kimono history, care, and contemporary use.
Expertise: Traditional Japanese textiles, product curation, cultural commentary
Favorite Kimono Style: Furisode (for its dramatic sleeves and youthful energy)
👤 Emiko Tanaka – Senior Editor & Fashion Historian
Born in Osaka and now living in New York, Emiko brings her first-hand experience and academic knowledge of kimono culture to the team. With a PhD in Japanese Art History from Columbia University, she oversees the editorial content of KimonoFest and ensures historical accuracy across all our articles. Emiko writes passionately about kimono evolution, seasonal motifs, and styling guides for modern wearers.
Expertise: Japanese art, kimono symbolism, seasonal design aesthetics
Favorite Kimono Style: Komon (for its subtle pattern work and everyday charm)
👤 Lucas Meyer – Creative Director & Photographer
Lucas is the creative force behind KimonoFest’s stunning imagery. A German-born fashion photographer based in Brooklyn, Lucas fell in love with Japanese textile design while working on a photo series in Tokyo. His work brings our kimonos to life through rich visual storytelling, styled shoots, and behind-the-scenes content that celebrates form, movement, and fabric.
Expertise: Fashion photography, styling, textile composition
Favorite Kimono Style: Haori jackets (for their versatility and urban edge)
👤 Naomi Rivers – Lifestyle Contributor & Influencer Liaison
Naomi is a biracial fashion blogger and content creator who discovered kimonos as part of her exploration of Asian cultures. Her work focuses on incorporating traditional garments into modern lifestyles—whether it’s styling a kimono with denim or using obi belts as statement pieces. Naomi also connects with influencers around the world to expand the kimono conversation into lifestyle and street fashion.
Expertise: Social media outreach, modern styling, brand storytelling
Favorite Kimono Style: Yukata (for its comfort and seasonal festival vibe)
👤 Kenji Sakamoto – Product Specialist & Customer Support Lead
Kenji is the friendly voice behind many of our customer interactions. With a background in fashion merchandising and a love for traditional craftsmanship, Kenji helps guide shoppers through their kimono selection process. He ensures that every customer finds the perfect fit and understands the cultural significance of their purchase.
Expertise: Sizing and fit consultation, customer service, traditional tailoring
Favorite Kimono Style: Montsuki (for its formal tone and subtle power)
What Makes Us Different?
Authenticity: All our kimonos are sourced from trusted artisans in Japan or designed in collaboration with kimono masters.
Education: Our blog is a living archive of articles, guides, and insights into kimono traditions.
Inclusivity: We cater to all genders, ages, and backgrounds, promoting kimono-wearing as an open, respectful practice.
Global Reach: From Tokyo to New York, we ship worldwide with love and care.
Our Storefront (HQ)
📍KimonoFest HQ
2450 Cherry Blossom Blvd
Suite 21C, New York, NY 10012
📞 +1 (917) 555-0849
✉️ hello@kimonofest.com
Join Our Journey
At KimonoFest, we’re on a mission to celebrate beauty with depth—offering a carefully curated selection of kimonos and a growing library of educational content that fosters cultural appreciation. Whether you’re buying your first yukata or deepening your kimono knowledge, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, let’s honor tradition while embracing the future of fashion.
