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At ESMOD Tokyo, we held a ‘Summer Festival’ from July 27th (Sat) to July 31st (Wed).
Today, we are excited to share a report on the first day’s (July 27th) ‘Yukata Workshop.'”

What is the Summer Festival?
The Summer Festival is an open campus event held at ESMOD Tokyo over five days, from July 27th – 31st.
It is designed not only to introduce the classes and skills you can learn at ESMOD Tokyo but also to offer a creative and enjoyable fashion experience unique to the summer season. The event featured a variety of programs, including workshops and talk shows.

Day 1: Yukata Workshop
On the first day, we held a Yukata Workshop where participants created their own obi (sash) and coordinated it with a yukata they brought with them. To wrap up the day, everyone attended the “Ebisu Station Bon Odori” in their newly styled yukatas!
This workshop was made possible thanks to the full support of students and teachers from the “Kimono Club,” which was established this year at ESMOD Tokyo. The “Kimono Club” is a group where students interested in kimono gather to learn the basics, create their own unique kimono styles, and engage in kimono-making activities.
The designs and fabric combinations for the obi created in this workshop were conceived by the students and teachers of the “Kimono Club.”

Let’s Start by Learning More About Yukata!
The workshop begins with a lecture from our instructors.
When do people start wearing yukata? What types are there? These are questions that may seem simple, but there’s so much more to discover! For example, in Edo, it was customary to start wearing yukata after June, once the Kanda and Sanno festivals had concluded.

Yukata also come in various types depending on the fabric and dyeing methods used. The most common materials are cotton, hemp, and silk. Looking at dyeing methods and designs, you’ll find more than just familiar printed yukata — there are also hand-dyed yukata and shibori (tie-dye) yukata, among others.
By deepening your knowledge, you can enjoy wearing yukata not just as a garment but by appreciating the history and the craftsmanship behind it!

With our excitement for yukata rising, it’s time to move on to the creation process.

Let’s Make an Obi!
The instructors demonstrated how to create an obi, and then it was time for the participants to get started!
Here’s an overview of the process, featuring some of the wonderful creations made by our participants.

Choose Your Favorite Fabric
First, participants selected their favorite fabric from a wide variety provided. The choices included unexpected materials like tulle, silver, and denim — fabrics you wouldn’t normally imagine being used for an obi. You could really sense the unique, Western-inspired creativity of the ESMOD instructors!

Sew the Fabric Together
Next, participants sewed their chosen fabrics together.
Many of them were beginners with sewing machines, but with guidance from the instructors and student staff, everyone carefully and diligently completed their sewing.

Time for Fun Customization!
Participants then enjoyed a creative session, freely using ribbons, felt, and other materials to add their own unique touches.
As expected from a group with a passion for fashion, each obi showcased the individuality and style of its creator!

Completion!
Participants immediately tried on their yukata and put together their unique outfits.

Here’s a Coordinated Look Featuring an Obi Made with Suede Fabric.
The flower decoration made from the same fabric resembles a pattern on the obi, adding a beautiful touch to the design.

On the Left: The two-tone obi and tulle are perfectly coordinated with the colors of the flowers on the yukata, creating a harmonious look.
On the Right: The silver obi, paired with a simple yukata, adds a cool and refreshing touch to the overall outfit.

Photoshooting
Each participant had their moment on stage for individual photoshoots!
Certificates of completion were also presented to everyone.

Off to the Festival in Yukata!
With their original yukata outfits, participants are sure to add even more fun to the festival!
This event perfectly blended ESMOD’s Western fashion sense with the summer tradition of yukata, marking a fitting start to the Summer Festival.

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Instructors for This Session

• Uematsu Sensei – Textile Instructor
• Sakamoto Sensei – Third-Year Modelism Instructor
• Shermeen Sensei – First-Year Modelism Instructor
• Kazuyo Sensei – Saturday Course Modelism Instructor

Join Us for the Next Open Campus on September 14:
“Create a Zero Waste Dress — ZERO WASTE PATTERN”

Beginners are welcome to participate!
When making clothing, fabric scraps and waste are inevitable. This time, we will focus on creating patterns with minimal fabric waste, based on the concept of “zero waste pattern.” You’ll design a dress that is both environmentally friendly and resource-efficient.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Writer’s Profile
Wako
A fourth-year university student currently interning at ESMOD TOKYO. Through the fashion student organization “Keio Fashion Creator,” Wako has spent two years learning fashion design at ESMOD. She feels that the charm of ESMOD lies in its “perfectly balanced scale.”