Elbeso: A Tale of Two Years in Costume Design
In June 2025, Elbeso, a dynamic costume design brand based in Shibuya, Tokyo, proudly celebrates its second anniversary on the 29th. Under the leadership of Kumi Takakura, Elbeso has embarked on an incredible journey over the past two years, enriching the realms of performance by blending fashion with culture. Throughout its brief but impactful existence, Elbeso has orchestrated runway shows both domestically and internationally, collaborated with renowned music producer Kenta Matsuguma and his cultural unit BADKNee, and hosted pop-up stores in Harajuku showcasing their unique artistic costumes.
Elbeso's ethos centers around inspiring hope and dreams through the creative designs and productions of costumes. Due to their dedicated craftsmanship, the brand has nurtured trust among numerous clients and has emerged as an indispensable costume provider for many artists. As they embark on their third year, Elbeso is eager to expand its horizons further and has exciting initiatives underway.
Incoming Initiatives and Projects
1. Inbound Costume Business
Recognizing the global fascination with Japanese anime and idol culture, Elbeso is launching a costume experience project targeting inbound customers visiting Japan. Kumi Takakura's exquisite designs will offer international visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan's vibrant idol culture, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.
2. Design and Production Archive on YouTube
Costumes created by designers often vanish after they are delivered to artists or agencies, leaving no trace of the designer's contribution. Unlike music or film, costume designers typically do not receive credit for their work, and copyright belongs to the artists. To address this gap, Kumi Takakura is taking it upon herself to showcase her designs and establish an archive on YouTube. This will help raise awareness of Elbeso's achievements among those who seek quality costumes worldwide.
3. My Life Photography Studio: A Contribution to Society
One of Elbeso’s initiatives, a social contribution project since its inception, is the senior photo shoot event. Previously, this event has brought smiles to many seniors, offering them memorable experiences. The next event is scheduled for November 2025, featuring a unique aspect—seniors will be encouraged to bring their beloved pets for a special photoshoot, allowing them to create cherished memories that are often difficult to capture. This collaboration with facial therapist Chika Mikami promises to be a heartwarming experience.
For more details, the homepage can be accessed
here, and past event records are available on their
Instagram.
4. Video Production Services
Elbeso is expanding its services into video content creation, including producing television commercials. The aim is to enhance the brand’s visibility and engagement in various media formats.
5. PR Ventures and Strategies
Over the past two years, Elbeso has made significant strides in public relations by releasing ten press releases internationally, establishing relationships with societal and media entities. Utilizing this PR expertise, the brand plans to support both corporate and individual clients in expanding overseas markets, developing new sales channels, and exploring effective advertising strategies beyond social media.
The Foundation of Elbeso
Elbeso, known for its unique brand Satomi, is led by Kumi Takakura—a costume designer with over 20 years of experience in Tokyo. With a diverse portfolio that includes TV commercials, stage performances, and corporate uniforms, Kumi has immensely contributed to the growth of Japan's idol culture through her costume designs. In 2023, her talent was recognized globally as she participated in international fashion shows. After a successful event in Vancouver in April, she showcased her work at the highly anticipated New York Fashion Week in September. Kumi continues to create extraordinary moments for artists, establishing Elbeso as a prominent global costume brand.
As it continues to evolve, Elbeso remains committed to setting standards in the industry, fostering creativity, and allowing dreams to flourish through the art of costume design.