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AI-Generated Art Reimagines the Iconic Japanese Kimono in Surprising Ways

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

The kimono is an icon of traditional Japanese style and culture. Lately, however, an increasing number of creatives have been reimagining the well-known silhouette and distinctive patterns into new forms. Carolina Kawakubo is one such individual who shares AI-generated art on her Instagram account. Resembling realistic oil paintings, these images merge kimonos with fashion trends from different parts of the world and different eras.

Originally from Germany, Kawakubo has been working and living in Tokyo for over 10 years. Her love for Japanese design can be seen in her portfolio of illustrations, all of which are created through the AI app Midjourney. “I like to combine Japanese aesthetics with unique and surprising features, blending in ancient or futuristic art elements,” she tells My Modern Met. “I use mostly vibrant colors in my artwork in a combination of a classically beautiful, yet fresh look.”

In these pieces, women wear a range of bold garments. Some of these kimonos are merged with other art styles and cultures, while additional outfits are paired with modern accessories such as over-the-ear headphones. And while they vary greatly in execution and inspiration, each one depicts an exploration of Japanese fashion.

You can purchase prints of Kawakubo's art via RedBubble, and keep up to date with her latest creations by following the artist on Instagram.

Tokyo-based Carolina Kawakubo, better known by her Instagram handle @japan.midjourney, reimagines Japanese fashion and design.

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

Her AI-generated paintings feature models wearing kimonos in an array of patterns.

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

AI Generated Art Inspired by Japanese Fashion by Carolina Kawakubo

Carolina Kawakubo: Instagram | RedBubble

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Carolina Kaawakubo.

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Margherita Cole

Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. She wrote and illustrated an instructional art book about how to draw cartoons titled 'Cartooning Made Easy: Circle, Triangle, Square' that was published by Walter Foster in 2022.
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