A few months ago, I had an Instagram message from a group called the Association for Platinum Age. This group is trying to increase the profile of older members of society, who are often invisible or sidelined in society. We often hear the term silver applied to such people, but this association calls the older age group platinum, a far more valuable metal. I was interviewed by skype and I talked about what I do with kimono, and how I want to promote it as Japanese fashion. They had decided that I would be honoured in the fashion category rather than in the cultural category, and this pleased me greatly, as before something becomes culture, it is just great fashion. People express themselves through clothing, and what is valuable and lasting remains as culture. This happened in the UK with mini-skirts and punk style, now icons of British fashion culture.
I went to a ceremony and was awarded the 2024 Platinum Agest Fashion award. It was a proud moment for me as I stood alongside famous and notable Japanese stars including enka singer, Kobayashi Sachiko. I really hope that Japanese will become more familiar with wearing kimono and be proud of their wonderful fashion
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