Rumi Rock

We’re guessing that this is the only place where you can find a yukata featuring a Loch Ness Monster design!

Rumi Rock is a Tokyo-based brand started in 2005 best known for their unique, unisex kimono and yukata (casual summer kimono) which fuse elements of traditional and modern Japanese design:

While Rumi Rock has no permanent retail store, the brand opened a limited-time shop in Tokyo’s Azabu-Juban district on June 24 to showcase their latest yukata collection. This shop will be open until July 4, after which it will move to Tokyo’s Daikanyama district for the period between July 6-24. The openings come at a perfect time as more and more Japanese towns will begin holding summer festivals, during which it’s popular for both men and women to wear yukata. Based on some of their edgy, “rock”-style visual design elements, these yukata would also be perfect to wear at Japan’s annual Fuji Rock Festival next month (nudge nudge)!

To get a feel for some of Rumi Rock’s designs, check out the following products from their 2016 Yukata Collection. All prices displayed are for ready-made yukata for either men or women, sizes small through large, with tax included. Tailored yukata and fabric are also available for different prices, along with a range of yukata accessories such as zori sandals, folding fans, and obi (sash) customizations.

Picture yourself wearing these gems on a night out on the town, in Japan or otherwise!

▼ “Fairy/フェアリー“: Let out your inner child with this gorgeous pattern reminiscent of the 1970s (44,280 yen/US$435).

▼ “Stormy/ストーミー“: Different weather elements combine to make this eye-popping, graphic thunder/hail/rain/snowstorm (42,120 yen).

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▼ “Killer/キラー“: The designer says that this eerie design was inspired by Edo era (1603-1868) craftsman who engaged in assassination attempts using their ordinary tools of trade (42,120 yen).

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▼ “Nessie/ネッシー“: Yup, this is probably the first-ever yukata that features Scotland’s very own Loch Ness Monster, Nessie (44,280 yen)!

▼ “Collector/コレクター“: Colorful bird feathers and butterfly wings grace this stimulating design (42,120 yen).

▼ “Hair Wave/毛波“: The beautiful hairstyles depicted on Edo era ukiyo-e woodblock prints inspired this yukata (42,120 yen).

▼ “Crocodile/クロコダイル“: Here’s a lovely stenciled design paying tribute to the hide of crocodiles (42,120 yen).

▼ “Seediqbale/セデック・バレ“: This yukata was inspired by the 2011 Taiwanese film Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale, which tells the story of the Taiwanese aboriginal Seediq people during World War I (42,120 yen).

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▼ “Bremin/ブレーメン“: Pictures of different animals, including donkeys, cats, and owls, are deftly incorporated into this design (42,120 yen).

Here are some other bonus Rumi Rock fabric designs that left us spellbound:

For more photos of the 2016 Yukata Collection, visit the first group and the second group on Rumi Rock’s official website or Facebook page. Now’s the time to prepare for all of your summer festival needs!

Shop Information
Rumi Rock Yukata Shop / ルミロックゆかたショップ

June 24 – July 4, 2016:
Palette Gallery Azabu-Juban / パレットギャラリー麻布十番
Address: 106-0045 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Azabu-Juban 2-94
106-0045 東京都港区麻布十番 2-94
Open: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; closes at 3 p.m. on July 4

July 6 – 24, 2016:
Gallery Natsumikan Daikanyama / ギャラリー懐美館 代官山
Address: 150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Ebisunishi 1-31-14
150-0021 東京都渋谷区恵比寿西 1-31-14
Open: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; closes at 6 p.m. on July 24

Source: Japaaan Magazine
Top image: Facebook/Rumi Rock Store 
Insert images: Rumi Rock