A message from Sheila
When I came to Japan I, who love fashion and clothing, found in kimono both fashion and tradition and a deep and satisfying system of clothing. I have been continuing to learn about this cultural treasure of Japan, and my journey with it continues to this day.
I believe that the kimono is one of the finest cultural assets of Japan, and that it has always expressed the fashion sense of Japanese people. In addition, Japan’s textile heritage and its variety of dyeing and weaving techniques is unprecedented throughout the world. My aim is to promote knowledge of the kimono throughout the world and support the continued production and wearing of the kimono.
About Me
Born in the UK and relocated to Japan in 1985. Professor emerita of Jumonji Gakuen Women’s University. Education BA from Roehampton Institute University of London 1983. M.Ed. from Temple University of Pennsylvania Japan Campus 1989. Ph.D ‘Revisiting Fashion and Tradition through the kimono’ from University of Leeds 2013. Work History Taught English at various Kanto region junior and senior high schools, and then at Saitama University, Rikkyo University, Kasei University, Surugadai University and worked full-time until professorship at Jumonji Gakuen Women’s University teaching English and kimono related classes. Awards Grade 3 dresser and dressing teacher license from Suzunoya Gakuin 1992 Award for spreading kimono knowledge internationally from The Society for the Preservation of Japan’s National Dress 2002 Ambassador for Tango Chirimen Textiles 2019-2020 Activities Presented kimono research in UK, USA, Korea, Australia and Japan since 2007 Regular kimono writer for Japan Forward online newspaper since 2017 Consulting for Victoria and Albert exhibition ‘Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk’ 2020 Speaker on kimono and its fashion history throughout Japan and abroad Kimono fashion show production Kimono exhibition production TV guest presenter on kimono topics Styling for film
Media
TV
Tetsuko no Heya: TV Asahi
Eco no Saho: TV Asahi
Asa Ichi: NHK
Sekai ha Hoshii mono ni Afureteiru: NHK
Shumi Doki: NHK E-tele
Cool Japan: NHK BS
Japanology Plus, Journeys in Japan, Design Talks, Tokyo Fashion Express, Tokyo Eye: NHK World
Why I live in Japan: BS Japan
Why did you come to Japan: TV Tokyo
People You Should Follow: Osaka Mint TV
Hiei no Hikari: KBS Kyoto
Radio
Shinya Bin: NHK
Chikyu Radio: NHK
Nemuranai Anata: NHK
Woman’s Hour: BBC
Sustaina Days: FM Tokyo
The Lifestyle Museum: FM Tokyo
Lovely Day Hana: FM Yokohama
Sunday Good Vibes: FM Yokohama
Magazines and Newspapers
Kimono Salon, Nanaoh, Katei Gahou International, Visio, Nikkei Otona no Off, The Yomiuri Shinbun, Asahi Shinbun, Nikkei Shinbun, Saitama Shinbun, Kyoto Shinbun, The Japan News, The Japan Times, The Times Higher Education, Tokyo Weekender