Mademoiselle Yulia is a multifaceted talent—she is active in the fashion scene as a DJ while also producing her own kimonos. In this series, Yulia, who is well-versed in art and architecture, visits her favorite spots and discusses how she coordinates kimonos that harmonize with the surroundings. In this edition, Yulia explores coastal cities both in Japan and abroad, showcasing three distinct kimono outfits inspired by the unique vibrance and atmosphere of each city.
Heading to Venice, Draped in Oriental Designs
Attending a gala dinner in a graceful kimono that evokes the elegance of a serene waterside garden.
In April, when Italy is at its most inviting, Mademoiselle Yulia visited Venice, the city of water celebrated as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic,’ which flourished through Mediterranean trade. Her journey centered around the Venice Biennale 2024 and the high jeweler Buccellati’s ‘The Prince of Goldsmiths’ exhibition, which she covered and interviewed for the magazine ‘Waraku’ (Shogakukan).
The lustrous floral-patterned obi is reminiscent of a Buccellati masterpiece, perfectly complementing the brand’s rare archival brooch used as an obi-dome. Meanwhile, the ring on her finger sparkles brilliantly, showcasing the brand’s signature intricate craftsmanship.
Venice, a city that flourished as a maritime power and a crossroads of Western and Eastern cultures, continues to exude a unique and creative energy, drawing together a rich blend of artistic influences. During her visit, Yulia wore a beautiful kimono, adorned with vibrant, luxurious flowers.
“I drew inspiration from studying Venetian architecture and traditional Italian patterns. The floral patterns on this kimono, resembling emblems, bring to mind the ‘rose windows’ found in Renaissance churches. The arched silhouettes of the flowers echo the graceful curves of Venice’s famed bridges. The striking turquoise blue, which adds a pop of color, also bring to mind the canals and the refreshing sea breeze.” Yulia explains.
From the wave-inspired embroidered han-eri to the turquoise blue obijime, every detail of the outfit tells a story of the city of water.
The day after attending a gala dinner in a magnificent kimono, Yulia visited the The Prince of Goldsmiths exhibition in a crisp tsumugi kimono. The tsumugi, with its gradient blue reminiscent of the Adriatic Sea, drew attention with every step along the canals.
A beautiful tsumugi kimono with a blue gradient that gracefully mirrors the gentle waves of the sea. The tortoiseshell obi-dome, inspired by ‘Yatsuhashi,’ captures the essence of Venice with its intricate design reflecting the city’s network of canals and bridges across its 120 islands.
The obi she paired with it was a classic sailboat-dyed piece. “It tells the story of Venice’s glory through maritime trade.” says Yulia. Her blend of traditional Japanese kimono with a global narrative likely left a memorable impression on visitors from around the world at the Biennale.
Yulia, with a look of excitement, admires the brand’s rare archival ‘Opera Bag.’ The earrings, featuring finely engraved parallel lines that give them a delicate shine, are another example of Buccellati’s exceptional craftsmanship. You can see the details of the coverage here.
DJing at the Cannes Film Festival in a Furisode Perfect for the Occasion
At Cannes Film Festival’s ‘JAPAN NIGHT,’ she showcased her DJ skills in a kimono. Photo courtesy of YUSUKE KINAKA.
Cannes, a luxury resort on the French Riviera, hosts an international film festival every May, drawing filmmakers from around the world and transforming the city with its vibrant energy. Yulia was invited to DJ at JAPAN NIGHT, an event aimed at promoting Japanese cinema and culture globally while fostering connection and exchange with international film industry creators. To complement the occasion, Yulia chose a furisode with a striking design featuring traditional Japanese instruments like drums and shō. “The figures with the instruments seem to be dancing along with the music. I felt this kimono was perfect for a Japanese-hosted party that hadn’t been held in nine years.” Yulia explains.
First Image: A sophisticated furisode in a pistachio green base color that exudes calmness and elegance.
Second image: The host, MEGUMI, dressed in a chic, all-black furisode.
Traditional Japanese instruments like drums and shō are depicted in a vibrant and dynamic way.
In addition to the elegant patterns of the furisode itself, what stood out from a distance was the striking use of “red,” a color deeply associated with Japan. The deep crimson long juban and obijime, crafted with luxurious shibori techniques, added a vibrant touch to the sophisticated base color of the furisode. Another highlight was the glossy han-eri featuring intricate Japanese embroidery. Although the overall design wasn’t visible when worn, Yulia explained that it features a rooster motif. What’s the story behind it?
“The rooster, or ‘le coq,’ is a symbol of France. I fell in love with the beauty of the embroidery and decided to purchase this half-collar, but I hadn’t had the chance to wear it until now. I’m thrilled to finally showcase it on such a special occasion.” It’s easy to imagine the rooster’s call resonating in harmony with Yulia’s beats.
The striking embroidered han-eri is beautifully complemented by the black date-eri(layered collar), creating a perfect balance of colors.
A Bold Geometric Pattern That Blends Seamlessly with the Art Scene in Yokohama
At the fine art festival, careful attention was given to the outfit to ensure it harmonized with surroundings and did not overshadow the artwork.
The final look features Yulia at the contemporary art fair ‘TOKYO GENDAI,’ held in Yokohama in July. The event brought together 69 leading galleries from around the world, creating a vibrant mix of cross-cultural exchange. For the occasion, Yulia was invited to DJ, and for this occasion she chose to wear a cool summer kimono.
“I played with a stripes-on-stripes theme using the kimono and obi. I felt that bold colors and geometric patterns would fit well with the fine art scene. To complement the refined kimono pattern, I chose a vivid red obi to create a sophisticated marine look” Yulia explains. The woven kimono, with its navy blue and off-white horizontal stripes arranged in a checkerboard pattern, fits perfectly with the nostalgic charm of Yokohama.
The attention to detail extends to the obi, where Yulia selected a finely crafted tortoiseshell obi-dome featuring a sailboat, inspired by Yokohama’s history as a gateway for Western culture with its bustling steamship traffic. The obi is tied in a stylish, compact knot without an obi pillow, and the taiko is kept small to enhance the fresh, breezy feel of the outfit. This elegant look makes even the summer heat feel refreshing.
The sailboat obi-dome adds a subtle touch of port-town charm to the outfit.
The elegant obi knot, also known as the ‘Ginza knot.’
Photo provided by Mademoiselle Yulia
Mademoiselle Yulia
She began her career as a DJ and singer in her teens. Based in Tokyo, Mademoiselle Yulia is actively engaged globally, organizing kimono styling sessions, kimono workshops, and writing columns. In 2023, she co-founded the brand KOTOWA with friends to add stylish flair to everyday wear by incorporating kimono. She also runs a YouTube channel called ‘Yulia’s Room’ where she uploads new content every week.
instagram: @MADEMOISELLE_YULIA
