Akané FRANCE (EN)

International Cultural Exchange Woven with Kimono

Akané FRANCE is managed by Sarah EHRHART, an official partner of Kimono atelier Akané.

Akané FRANCE Philosophy

We are working to promote kimono culture and create opportunities for international exchange across Europe by collaborating with cultural events and educational institutions in various regions of France. Building on experience gained through kimono rental and photo services in Kyoto, our current philosophy is "International Cultural Exchange Woven with Kimono".
We implement dressing demonstrations and fashion shows throughout Europe, and engage in activities such as kimono dressing demonstrations, kimono conferences, vintage kimono sales, and social media outreach.

Akané FRANCE Official PartnerSarah's Profile

Sarah EHRHART

YouTube Channel

Background and History: Originally from Alsace, France, and currently residing in Bordeaux. Sarah holds a degree in Japanese Language, Literature, and Civilization. Her deep interest in Japanese culture was sparked during her university exchange program in Japan. She met Asako Shochi, CEO of Kimono atelier Akané JP, in Bordeaux and modeled for a kimono dressing demonstration at an international exhibition themed "Japan."

Professional Activities: Following this, she served as a model for the Kimono atelier Akané website, worked as an assistant for kimono lectures, and completed an internship, eventually becoming an official partner. She is an independent entrepreneur and is also active on YouTube , to share her life in Bordeaux and her kimono lifestyle in the region.

Current Initiatives: As an official partner of Akané FRANCE, she utilizes her trilingual skills to conduct cultural demonstrations, lectures, and vintage kimono sales across Europe. She embodies a living, cross-cultural exchange through the kimono, thereby promoting the motto "International Exchange Woven with Kimono."

Services

1Kimono Dressing Demonstrations

We introduce the delicate and highly skilled Japanese culture of kitsuke (kimono dressing) live at events and educational venues across Europe. Although professional kitsuke artists typically perform the dressing today, the opportunity to witness this process up close is a valuable experience, even for Japanese people. Akané FRANCE conveys the charm of Japanese culture beyond words through the serene and flowing movements of the dressing process, where the elegance of a dance coexists with the inner strength of Aikido.

Fee: Kimono Dressing Demonstration (1 Kimono dressing Artist + 1 Model): €150 + travel expenses
Contact for Inquiries
2Kimono Conferences (Lectures & Cultural Introduction)

We provide clear explanations about the types, formality, and inherent meanings of kimonos. Alongside on-screen presentations, guests can touch actual kimono fabrics and feel the Japanese aesthetics contained within the patterns, textures, and layering of colors. In addition to the kimono itself, we present the complete ensemble that adorns the attire, including obi (belt), accessories, zori (sandals), and tabi (socks). Following the main presentation, we introduce the Japanese spirit and beauty that resides within the quiet movements through a video of a dressing demonstration.
We conclude with a Q&A session to deliver a conference that allows for a deeper understanding of the kimono as a culture.
3Vintage Kimono Sales and Event Pop-ups

We sell carefully selected, high-quality reused kimonos and accessories from across Japan at various events and cultural festivals throughout Europe. These items are personally chosen in Japan by the CEO of Kimono atelier Akané JP, ensuring reliable quality. Guests can physically touch the fabric texture, appreciate the charm of the patterns, and feel the beauty of the craftsmanship. We offer the chance to encounter a one-of-a-kind kimono.
4International Collaboration and Educational Support (French and Japanese-Speaking Regions)

We expand cultural exchange within the French-speaking world by collaborating with educational institutions, including the University of Bordeaux, and facilitating social media communication, lectures, exhibition planning, and student exchanges. Moving forward, we aim to further strengthen Franco-Japanese friendship by hosting Japan-themed cultural events with local and academic partners, fostering a new form of exchange where language and kimono connect people.