Initially inspired by Berlin and its raw, relentless, and fiercely expressive techno scene, this kimono was born as a reflection of that energy—a garment crafted to embody individuality and power. At first, it was simply another piece in the collection, but as I kept the black one for myself and experienced its transformative essence during countless nights of music and movement, the kimono took on a new, profound meaning.

This story unfolded not long ago, well after the kimono had been made. On a night unlike any other, it brought me to new heights of feeling and understanding. As I danced, I was completely immersed in the moment—a raw, unfiltered connection to the music, my body, and the people around me. In my 33 years of life, I had never moved with such freedom, creating an energy field that seemed to ripple outward, touching everyone in my vicinity. I felt a shared joy in those fleeting hours, as several peers came to me, saluting the inspiration and joy they had drawn from my presence. Even as I write this, the memory brings tears to my eyes. It was then I realized that the craft I pour into these garments had played a role in facilitating this extraordinary experience.

This kimono carried more than just fabric—it carried stories. Woven from the hands of artisans who inherited an ancient craft, its threads are imbued with the heritage and wisdom of countless generations. Each symbol in its patterns speaks of the inner self of souls who lived and felt long before our time. Their strength and beauty resonate through the weave, empowering the present wearer, infusing the kimono with new meaning as it moves into the future. That night, I felt the weight of those stories, not as a burden, but as a source of unshakable strength and connection.

The energies and vibrations of those souls seemed to pour into me, lifting me to a state of bliss and oneness—oneness with the music, the crowd, and, most profoundly, with myself. I heard the music not just with my ears but from within, feeling its full spectrum resonate through my being. My body moved as if guided by a force both external and internal, a force that connected my soul to the world around me.

Between the veil of these two worlds—the external and the internal—lay the garment I wore. It acted as both a filter and an amplifier, capturing and radiating the signals I received and shared. In that moment, I truly felt the kimono’s power, its embrace of my being. It brought clarity to the meaning of my craft: to create something that carries not only beauty but also transformation and connection.

Through this experience, I understood that I am passing on a gift through these garments. They are more than clothes; they are vessels of energy and meaning, capable of empowering those who wear them. That blessed morning, it became clear to me that I am fulfilling my purpose: creating something meaningful that can transform and inspire others. Yugto, the embodiment of transformation, is my gift, and that revelation fills me with immense pride.