NC Kitsuke Club
About Us
Once upon a time, Victoria Hoang had a dream. She wanted to create a world people could rock kimono without getting side-eyed. So, she rallied a group of five friends and birthed the Kitsuke Club. These founding members were the original kimono gangsters, and their passion for traditional Japanese fashion was infectious. Today, the North Carolina Kitsuke Club is still thriving, thanks to the unwavering commitment of its core members.
Founder & President of the Club
Victoria Hoang
Victoria's deep appreciation for Okinawan and Japanese culture began in her childhood, inspired by her parent's time stationed in Okinawa. Captivated by a particular artwork of a maiko gazing at Mt. Fuji, she embarked on a lifelong journey of studying kimono. After visiting Okinawa in 2009, she started collecting kimonos, and for the past 14 years, she has honed her knowledge and connections to this cherished aspect of Japanese heritage.
At-Large Director
Naru
Naru is a vibrant young woman with a deep passion for kimonos, which she wears with grace and elegance. Her love for Japanese culture led her to pursue a degree in Japanese studies at university, where she immerses herself in the language and traditions. Naru's unique style and dedication to her studies make her a standout among her peers. With each kimono she wears, Naru not only showcases her personal style but also honors the rich heritage of Japan.
Marketing Director
Janeé
Meet Janeé! Janeé was first introduced to many aspects of Japanese culture in her Japanese language classes in elementary school. She also visited Japan on a school trip during middle school. Since, then she has continued her interest in Japanese culture, but only recently started learning the art of wearing Kimono.
Vice-President of the Club
Lee
Meet Lee! Lee lives in Japan for four and a half years, teaching English and researching for her Master's degree. Some Japanese friends invited her to try a kimono kitsuke course and she fell in love with the art! Since, then, she has practiced with friends both in Japan and in the USA.
Art Director
Destiny
Meet Destiny! Destiny's journey with fashion has always been a love affair with history and intricate details. From her early fascination with historical fashion to her admiration of mori kei (森ガール), she's always always appreciated the art of dressing up. Though she didn't know much about Kimonos initially, Destiny quickly fell in love with the rich artwork and tradition behind kimonos. Wearing kimonos offers her a deeper connection to Japanese culture beyond what you see online. Destiny feels like a princess in her kimonos, and she loves being part of a vibrant community that shares her passion for dressing up and exploring cultural activities.