Hat, 1905-1909 ©The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Taishi Hirokawa
Throughout history, clothing and people's lifestyles have been closely interlinked, and tracking the way that clothing changes within the historical and social environment forms the core of research at KCI. The concept of fashion emerged from the modern society of western European culture, and is now a nearly worldwide passion that has a direct impact on the clothing we wear. Fashion is intimately connected with many of the factors that define our society, and KCI examines this from an interdisciplinary academic viewpoint, constantly watching for new social trends.
Akiko FUKAIDirector, Chief Curator
Working from 1979 at the KCI, a chief curator since 1990, a director since 1996. Supervised the collection, conservation, research, publishing and exhibitions. Organized several major fashion exhibitions in Kyoto, Tokyo, Paris, and New York, and supervised the catalogs.
Master's degree at the National University of Ochanomizu in Tokyo, and studied Art History at the Université de Paris 4 (Institute des Arts et de l’Archéologie) in Paris.
Tamami SUOHCurator
Working from 1985 at the KCI, an assistant curator since 1992, and a curator since 2001. Vice-supervisor of the curatorial section. In charge of collection, study of fashion from the 18th to the 19th Century. A graduate of the Doshisha University.
Rie NIIAssociate Curator
Working from 1990 at the KCI, an assistant curator since 2000, and an associate curator since 2004. In charge of Digital Archive, publicity work of the curatorial section, and study of fashion in the 20th Century. A graduate of the Kwansei Gakuin University.
Makoto ISHIZEKIAssociate Curator
Working from 2001 at the KCI, an associate curator since 2009. In charge of KCI's bulletin DRESSTUDY, study of contemporary fashion. Master's degree at the Kyoto University.
Naoko TSUTSUIAssistant Curator, Documentalist
Working from 2000 at the KCI, an assistant curator since 2004. In charge of collecting documents and books for reference. Master's degree at the Kobe Women's University.
Kumiko TOMONARIKeeper
Working from 2006 at the KCI, in charge of the costume conservation and dressing. A graduate of the Tokyo University of Foreingn Studies.
Namika KATAFUCHIConservation
Working from 2007 at the KCI, in charge of the costume conservation.
Master's degree at the Chiba University.
