I wonder if it was back in Grade 5, when I tried on my first Kimono at a friend's house, that I started to love all things Japanese? And then years later, I found myself in a similar situation while traveling with my friend Sandra, wearing this Kabuki (dance) costume in Japan!
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| Sandra and I, June 2001 |
Then just last week, I was part of the
Matsuri Toronto Japanese Summer Festival showcasing my 100% silk Art Scarves:
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| Migrating Monarchs Art Scarf, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Feathery Ferns Art Scarf, photo by Che Rosales |
It was a celebration of Japanese and Canadian artists, drummers, dancers and designers. The second year running, they included their first fashion show, a new experience I also had to give a go!
Styled in a Japanese-inspired bun and a Bon-Voyage-Birds-blue skirt, Jen flowed down the runway wearing two Art Scarves:
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Jen in Migrating Monarchs and Bon Voyage Birds,
photos by Che Rosales |
Jen and I after our bow on stage:
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| Jen and I, photo by Aniqa Rahman |
Over at the booth, people of all ages were drawn to the mountain cards and watched the time-lapse of me painting the Mountain Mural:
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| Mountain Cards, photo by Che Rosales |
The new Art Cards were popular, especially the sakura (cherry blossom) image:
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| Art Cards, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Art Cards, photo by Che Rosales |
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| Original Artwork, photo by Che Rosales |
Art Scarves are currently for sale on my
Etsy shop or you can
email me directly. Art Cards will be there soon too!
It was a fun show and there were many who helped make it happen. An extra special thank you to:
Luke and everyone at Kurakake Company; Kelly who helped shop, style and seem to be my personal assistant; Jen my beautiful model and friend; Siobhan, Hoann, Sharona, Janice and Erica who took care of my booth and displayed my products in unexpected, creative ways; all the positive comments and encouragement from everyone; and Julian for inspiration, set up, take down and for always making me laugh!
