- kirakiraartistry
MIYABI AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: BACKSTAGE
Updated: Oct 1
I was so grateful to have the opportunity to assist Team Miyabi during their exhibition in 2022 and throughout New York Fashion Week, as they prepared for the big show (read about their journey here)! Ahead of the event, after rehearsing with Shoko, we all decided that we should capture the show opener in some of the most iconic places in the city! photoshoot adventure in NYC took us from Times Square, to Bryant Park and finally to the famous Grand Central Terminal! I was so happy to have the opportunity to photograph one of Miyabi's pieces in such a unique environment. Although it was a terribly hot day, everyone worked hard to capture the beauty of her designs as we walked the city streets. Even in such an extravagant and heavy garment, Shoko, of Ninja Ballet, posed and modeled with all of the poise and grace expected from a professional dancer! Needless to say, I was impressed (and hot - it was 100+ degrees).
Pre-Show Photoshoot Day: Team Miyabi, Emi Kikuchi (Kimono Experience NYC) and Shoko Tamai (Ninja Ballet), Kyami Osi (Behind the Lens, KiraKira Artistry)
Pre-Show Photoshoot Day: Team Miyabi, Emi Kikuchi (Kimono Experience NYC) and Shoko Tamai (Ninja Ballet), Kyami Osi (Behind the Lens, KiraKira Artistry)
Pre-Show Photoshoot Day: Miyabi Prepares Shoko Tamai, assisted by Emi Kikuchi, for her Times Square Photoshoot
Photos of Shoko Tamai, Featuring Garments + Hair + Makeup by Miyabi, by KiraKira Artistry
Team Miyabi, Emi Kikuchi (Kimono Experience NYC) and Shoko Tamai (Ninja Ballet), Kyami Osi (Behind the Lens, KiraKira Artistry), Javier (Equis Garcia)
When they day arrived, from morning light to moonlight, we were so busy I didn't get to capture as much as I would have liked - but it was amazing seeing the day unfold and meeting the wonderful coordinators and models who helped make the show a reality. After model selection, the president of Miyabi guided the models and prepared them for the catwalk. When the time came, they all demonstrated absolute finesse as the donned their garments and took to the runway. Shoko Tamai, founder of Ninja Ballet, opened and stole the show with an outstanding dance number she choreographed herself. As the models walked down the runway, I saw how moved the entire team was to see their creations on the international stage - all of their hard work and effort being recognized. They've come a long way, overcome challenges and created not just a unique brand image - but true, relateable art in the form of kimono. The audience was truly captivated by what they were seeing and the vocalized their . At the end of a long day, we packed up, stepped outside and were greeted with the most spectacular rainbow I've ever seen in NYC and the most vibrant I've ever seen in my life. It's as if it was there to congratulate them itself - celebrating the vibrance thet have in common and Miyabi's new beginning as an internationally recognized designer! When I looked it up later, photos showed that this rainbow spanned almost the entirety of NYC. A fitting end to an amazing event. We ended the night where it all began, at Globus Washitsu.
Videos Taken Backstage (KiraKira Artistry)
Everyone Gathers to Celebrate Post-Show
↑ "Hey, it's me and Miyabi!" 🤩 [Watch This Video Here]
The Rainbow: Outside of the Venue
The Rainbow Over NYC: Image Captured by Gary Hershorn