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Kimono Zulu Pop-Up at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, MFA Shop Kicks off MFAH’s New Summer Nights Series

June 20, 2023

Meet brand stylist, Tina Zulu and shop a pristine collection of vintage Japanese kimonos reimagined by contemporary artists and fashion designers

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON – June 20, 2023 – Kimono Zulu, a creative exploration led by Tina Zulu, returns to host a three-day trunk show at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, MFA Shop July 7-9 with a special collection of upcycled zip clutch bags designed in collaboration with Magpies & Peacocks, from vintage obi fabric and supplemental fabrics from the Magpies & Peacocks resource library of post-consumer textiles.

Meet brand stylist Tina Zulu and shop a pristine collection of vintage Japanese kimonos, with a number of them reimagined by local, contemporary artists and fashion designers. The Summer Nights at the MFAH is a new after-hours museum experience where galleries and exhibitions are open in a private setting from 6-9 p.m. every Friday in July and August. Enjoy a cocktail, listen to live music, chat with curators, and spend time up close with your favorite works of art. Entry includes one complimentary drink per admission ticket and access to all exhibitions throughout the entire Museum. Cafe Leonelli at MFAH is open until 8 p.m. with food for purchase, at a discount for MFAH members. Plus, members receive a double discount of 20% in the MFA Shop!

Kimono Zulu draws upon the rich history of traditional Japanese attire, mainly the kimono, and its influence on other cultures throughout Asia and the West. Through artist collaborations, Tina Zulu inspires and initiates the visual conversation for artists to incorporate their own design sensibilities into the vision for the brand, bringing new life to vintage kimonos in a thoughtful, beautiful and often playful way. The reimagined kimonos are embellished and modernized to be enjoyed as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art.

Featured collaborators are Shelbi Nicole, Sebastien “Mr. D 1987” Boileau, Selven O’Keef Jarmon, Janavi M. Folmsbee, Emilie Duval, Christy Karll, Judy Masliyah, Katsola, Matt Manalo, Jennifer Gabiola, Royal Sumikat and Elijah Coccetti.

“It is an incredible honor to present our artist collaboration series at the MFA Shop, which the New York Times recognizes as “one of the most cleverly curated museum shops in America,” says Tina Zulu, Kimono Zulu owner and brand stylist. “It’s the perfect venue to showcase wearable Seart. Our series of artist kimonos gives the artists’ fans and collectors something very special and tangible to connect with. The reimagined kimonos make not only a bold fashion statement but some aim to create awareness for causes, such as the embellished Octopus kimono by artist and marine conservationist, Janavi M. Folmsbee, who incorporates sea life seen on her scuba dives. Another  reimagined kimono to be unveiled at the event is by  Sebastien ” Mr. D 1987″ Boileau, who is incorporating the image from a massive mural he recently painted in Downtown Houston for the Street Art for Mankind’s initiative inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development goals to make our roads safer. The towering mural serves as a public safety reminder for drivers to keep their eyes on the road.”

Kimono Artist Collaboration partner Janavi M. Folmsbee with her reimagined vintage “Octopus” kimono modeled by Zoe Jackson

“Keep Your Eyes on the Road” mural by Mr. D1987 for Street Art for Mankind’s Big Art. Bigger Change. Project will be incorporated into a kimono design to be unveiled at the MFAH Pop-Up.

WHAT:
Kimono Zulu Pop-Up at MFAH’s MFA Shop
The 3-day trunk show will highlight Kimono Zulu’s artist collaboration series of reimagined vintage kimonos by local, contemporary artists and fashion designers and a pristine collection of vintage Japanese kimonos and accessories for men, women and children. Brand stylist Tina Zulu will be available to assist customers in kimono styling and selection.

WHEN:

• July 7 – Opening night for MFAH’s Summer Nights series at MFA Shop – Friday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. FREE entry for MFAH members
• July 8-9; MFA Shop is free and open to the public on Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday, 12:30 – 6 p.m

COST: The Summer Nights event on July 7 is free for MFAH Members and the MFA Shop is free and open to the public on July 8-9. Tickets are available at the MFAH website.

WHERE:
MFA Shop at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston1001 Bissonnet
Houston, Texas 77005
713.639.7360

SPECIAL THANKS
Chris Goins

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ABOUT KIMONO ZULU
Kimono Zulu, a creative exploration led by Tina Zulu, is a fashion brand that draws upon the rich history of traditional Japanese attire, mainly the kimono, and its influence on other cultures throughout Asia and the West. Through artist collaborations, Tina inspires and initiates the visual conversation for artists to incorporate their own design sensibilities into the vision for the brand, bringing new life to vintage kimonos in a thoughtful, beautiful and often playful way. The reimagined kimonos are embellished and modernized to be enjoyed as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art.

Collaborators to date include: GONZO247, David Adickes, Janavi M. Folmsbee, Emilie Duval, Selven O’Keef Jarmon, Katsola, Dandee Warhol, Christy Karll, Jennifer Gabiola of Dawning Soul, Royal McGee, Mina Gaber, Soi-K, Shelbi Nicole, Judy Masliyah of My Flaming Heart, Elijah Coccetti, Uyen-My Pham of NON, Rene Cruz and Ann Brooks. For more information, visit www.KimonoZulu.com and follow on Instagram @KimonoZulu.

CONTACT
Tina Zulu, Zulu Creative
888.520.1789 ext. 1
[email protected]

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