Michail Gkinis Aoyama expands overseas, First Pop-up Event in London ～Japanese culture at a five-star hotel in London

"MICHAIL GKINIS AOYAMA" (Location: Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo), a brand by artist/designers Michail Gkinis and Yuko Gkinis Aoyama, who were born in Greece, studied fashion in London, and are now based in Tokyo, will hold its first pop-up event on September 14 (Saturday) and 15 (Sunday), 2024.

MICHAIL GKINIS AOYAMA -Wearable Art- Drape yourself in creativity.

Fascinated by the excellence of Japanese textiles and craftsmanship, Michail Gkinis has reinterpreted traditional Japanese craftsmanship from a unique perspective. The pop-up event in London, as part of the London Design Festival, will offer a unique Japanese experience combining elements of "wearable art stolles," ikebana, rare sake and craft sake tastings.

Event Details

During London Design Festival

Date & Time: September 14 (Sat.) & 15 (Sun.), 2024, 13:00 - 20:00

(Demonstrations: 1st demonstration from 14:00, 2nd demonstration from 17:00)

Venue: The Prince Akatoki London

50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD

The pop-up event at The Prince Akatoki London, a five-star London hotel, will mark an important step in the international expansion of Michail Gkinis Aoyama, offering fashion-conscious Londoners a fusion experience of Japanese tradition and modern design through all five senses.

At the event, the brand's signature "Wearable Art Stole" will be on display and for purchase. The "Wearable Art Stole" is inspired by Japanese architecture, kimono, and origami. It features a unique design that is reminiscent of the ancient Greek concept of clothing. It can be worn as a single stole, jacket, or coat. During the event, we will be demonstrating twice a day how to wear the beauty of Japanese textiles in functional and playful silhouettes.

Love for Japanese textiles from artist/designer Michail Gkinis.

I have lived in Japan for the past 18 years as an active artist and designer and have been endlessly fascinated by the Japanese culture, architecture, nature, and people. Among other things, my love for Japanese fabrics is deeply connected to my soul and inner being. When I touch Japanese fabrics, I feel the passion of the craftsmen and the unique relationship between tradition and modernity.

Michail Gkinis Aoyama has been able to source beautiful and sophisticated Japanese textiles directly from fabric makers. However, several fabric makers have ceased operations due to lack of successors. In order to preserve the beautiful Japanese heritage, I will continue my work in this field and start this creative journey from London to introduce Japanese textiles to the world through the work of wearable art stoles (wearable art).Please join Michail Gkinis Aoyama as a member of this journey to introduce the wonders of Japan to the world, and let's create the future together."

■London Debut Commemorative Event

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Tuesday, September 10, 2024

at MICHAIL GKINIS AOYAMA

1A 4-5-9 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

To celebrate the London debut of Michail Gkinis Aoyama, a brand that loves Japanese textiles and aims to inspire people to feel confident and creative in a genderless and timeless way, an event will be held from August 1 at the Tokyo Todoroki main store and on the website. We have prepared special items for everyone who supports the dream of Michail Gkinis Aoyama.

[1] Sale of Michail Gkinis Aoyama's dream bag (limited to 15 pieces)

The special Michail Dream Bag (Fukubukuro), including the brand's signature "Plain Cornice Stole" and other specially designed one-of-a-kind and archival items worth 30,000-50,000 yen, will be sold for 11,000-22,000 yen (including tax).

[2] Sale of E-gift certificates with 10% reward

E-gift certificates with 10% reward can be purchased from 10,000 yen to 50,000 yen per person (no expiration date). 10,000 yen gift certificate purchase can be used for 11,000 yen worth of purchases. Please look forward to our new fall/winter collection. (Gift certificates can be used for regular merchandise. Not applicable for grab bags.)

[3] Request for project support (donation)

We will continue to promote the excellence of Japanese fabrics to the world. We would like to continue this journey together with you toward a future where Michail Gkinis Aoyama's "Wearable Art Stole" will connect people beyond national borders. If you support our activities, please click on the link below to make a donation, and those who donate 3,000 yen or more will be invited to the triumphant return party to be held at Michail Gkinis Aoyama atelier/shop at a later date.

Please see the details page for the London debut celebration event.

https://www.michailgkinis.com/topics/464/

*Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 16:00 to 21:00 during the event.

BAR MICHAIL will also be open to serve drinks during the event.

■Future Development

The event in London is scheduled to continue next year and beyond. In addition to London, we are also looking at other major cities around the world for the project to promote Japanese culture to the world.

■Outline of the store

Store name ： MICHAIL GKINIS AOYAMA

Location ： 1-A  4-5-9 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0082

Phone number ： 03-6809-8540

Hours of operation ： 13:00-19:00 

(Sunday, in the morning, and after 19:00 can be visited by appointment)

URL ： https://www.michailgkinis.com

Instagram ： https://www.instagram.com/michail_gkinis_aoyama/

Facebook ： https://www.facebook.com/michailgkinisaoyama/

■Company Profile

Company Name ： MICHAIL Ltd.

Representative ： Yuko Gkinis Aoyama, Representative Director, and Michail Gkinis, Co-Chairman

Location ：1-A 4-5-9 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0082

Establishment ： May 2, 2008

Business activities: Design, Planning, manufacturing, sales and import/export of women's clothing, men's clothing, fashion accessories, interior decorations, and art works.

Capital: 8 million yen

URL : http://www.michailgkinis.com