Tae Gessner（ゲスナー多恵）

Founder, International Kimono Club Sydney / Kimono Specialist

Born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Ms. Tae Gessner began learning kitsuke (kimono dressing) around the age of seven by assisting her mother’s kimono business. After completing her studies at a kimono specialty school and gaining professional experience at a major kimono wholesale company, she relocated to Sydney in 1995.

As a Sydney-based Kimono Specialist, Ms. Gessner has been instrumental in leading the cultural exchange between Japan and Australia since founding the International Kimono Club Sydney in 2013. She is dedicated to the popularisation of Japanese culture, actively organising workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitions for kimono culture and Sado (tea ceremony) through her club's activities. Her notable achievements include conducting kimono shows for the opera "Madama Butterfly" and pioneering unique cultural collaborations, such as integrating kimono with Indigenous Australian designs.

At JAPAN EXPO Sydney 2025, in addition to the Photo Booth and Tea Ceremony exhibits presented by the International Kimono Club Sydney, we are privileged to have Ms. Gessner serve as a judge for the International Kimono Competition. Her profound expertise and passion for respecting both tradition and individual expression will bring a valuable perspective to the judging process and contribute to the diversification and development of kimono culture.