When the Matsuno-Mori Initiative reached out to Samford University, a collaboration rooted in centuries-old Japanese tradition began to take shape inside a School of the Arts costume lab.
Theatre production design students, led by Mary Gurney, assistant professor of costume and instructional design, spent the semester turning cultural research, creative risk and global collaboration into wearable art. Their original designs will debut in the Matsuno-Mori Modern Kimono Fashion Show on Sunday, April 12, at the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center.
The fashion show celebrates the longstanding sister city relationship between Birmingham and Japan and is part of the Matsuno-Mori Initiative, which connects academic institutions, cultural leaders and the Japan-America Society of Alabama to foster international understanding through the arts.
Thirty original kimonos designed by theatre and dance students will be featured during two runway presentations. Approximately 45 students participated in the semester-long project as designers and models, working with authentic Japanese fabrics sourced specifically for the collaboration.
Students followed a professional design process that mirrored industry standards, beginning with cultural research and conceptual sketches and progressing through patterning, construction and final presentation. Faculty critiqued and guided each phase and challenged students to balance historical reverence with contemporary creativity.
“As a Japanese cultural ambassador at Samford University, it has been a privilege to support this collaboration between Matsuno-Mori and Samford students,” said Eri Taguchi, Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator with Samford Global. “Seeing their creativity take shape through designs inspired by traditional kimono has been deeply rewarding—planting another seed of Japanese culture here in Birmingham for future growth.”
Designs range from garments that closely honor traditional kimono silhouettes and symbolism to bold reinterpretations influenced by global fashion trends. Working with authentic materials and construction methods pushed students to adapt their techniques and think critically about cultural context and artistic responsibility.
“Our theatre design classes are rooted in real-world preparation,” said Gurney. “By working on fully realized projects from concept to stage, students graduate with practical skills, creative confidence and an understanding of collaboration. Projects like this cultural exchange are especially meaningful today, fostering global understanding and a deeper appreciation for diverse artistic traditions.”
In addition to the runway shows, guests can explore an exhibition of traditional kimonos displayed in the Sirote Theatre lobby. The display offers insight into historical craftsmanship, emphasizing the kimono’s role as a living, evolving art form.
The program will open with a multidisciplinary performance featuring tap dance, shamisen and marimba, setting the tone for an immersive cultural experience that blends music, movement and fashion.
Performances are scheduled for 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., with doors opening one hour prior to each show. Tickets are available through the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center. All proceeds will benefitthe Birmingham Sister Cities Commission and its ongoing cultural exchange programs.
