Name: Made in Japan*: From the Floating World to the Digital Age
Start: 2026-02-07T10:00:00+07:00
Location: The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage

Made in Japan*: From the Floating World to the Digital Age

This year, Dr Navamintr Tom Vitayakul will bring his collections of classical kimonos to juxtapose with contemporary creations of Issey Miyake. Kimonos are the vibrant, trend-setting garments that keep evolving from the Edo-period “Floating World” (Ukiyo-e) culture, documented in prints of samurais, actors and courtesans, to modern interpretations blending tradition and digital innovation.
The talk will start from the traditions of kimono in its history, identity, status, seasons, and occasions. Then it will explore the artistry of designs and techniques from weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and printing to create patterns, colours, textures, and symbols. Kimono isn’t just clothing but a statement signalling social rank, personal taste, and even allegiance. It will further move to the transition to modernity in Japonisme, the widespread influence of Japanese art, fashion, and aesthetics on Western culture in the mid-19th to the early 20th century, which brought the craze for all things Japanese. Through trade and public exposure, Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and textiles impacted visual styles and art movements. Finally, in the Digital Age, the late designer Issey Miyake will be honoured for his fusion of creative philosophy and fashion innovation in technology-driven clothing and objects. Miyake’s designs from special collections will be displayed and discussed. Come and join this TTS Collector’s Corner in your favourite kimono or in a conversational piece by Issey Miyake to celebrate all things “Made in Japan*”.
Dr Navamintr Tom Vitayakul co-owns and works at The Rose Hotel Bangkok, The Rose Residence and Ruen Urai Fine Thai Cuisine. He is a Council Member at The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage and a Textile Advisor at the Thai Textile Society Committee. He spoke at four former Collector’s Corners and has contributed to Thai and English magazines on art, culture, travel and lifestyle. As well, he wrote several articles and provided exceptional photographs for the TTS Newsletter and Pah Thai magazine.