News

The Fashion show in Dubai was amazing and I am planning to share all the official and behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram. Find here the first shots!

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Here is just a preview of the new shuhari belts designs.
They will be presented at the Fashion Factor show in Dubai, and after tha,t added to the shop page at ->
https://bartokdesign.com/product-category/fashion/belts

Contact us if you are interested before they are sold out!

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Here is just a home-made gallery with some photos of the new yukata.
You can also find them in the shop-> https://bartokdesign.com/product-category/fashion/yukata

We called this product YOKU-I which is another way to pronounce 浴衣 which actually means literally: 浴=BATH and 衣＝CLOTHES, GARMENT.

Feel free to use YOKU-I as a luxury bathrobe or as a kimono to attend events and festivals.
Also, you can use it casually as a light coat on blue jeans✨

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As anticipated, Bartok design will participate as a main exhibitor at Fashion Factor Fall ’25.

Of course you are invited! Apply as per the instructions at the bottom of the page:

◆ Date: 25 and 26 October 2025. (Bartok design show is scheduled for the 26th. Details to follow.)
◆ Venue: The Agenda – Media City –  Abdullah Omran Taryam St – corner Al Jaddi St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates – Phone: +971 4 580 9159
◆ Products presented:
・one ofuro (Hanabi outlet tub)
・five furoshiki-scarf designs (see shop)
・ten yukata (see shop)
・twenty+ new shu-ha-ri belt designs (see shop)

Yes, these are photomontages for the time being, but an ofuro will actually be on the runway, and I believe it is a world premiere !!
But the real protagonist of the show will be Bartok design original jukata and furoshiki together with the Shu-Ha-Ri belts.

We will use this page to provide more information, so do check daily for updates.
Please scan the QR code below for registration (free) if you can participate, or contact me for a VIP invitation (we only have 20 so please hurry). The VIP invitation will also give access to the gala party on the 26th: expect to meet other super-VIPS and celebrities!

(applies to US residents only)
There is bad news and good news about Donald Trump`s tariffs.

Bad news:
The new tariff rate for Japanese imported goods will be 15% from October 5, 2025 (12:01 AM EDT).
(still better than the 245% for Chinese products…)

Good news:
Therefore, if we can clear customs by October 4th, the tax rate will remain the same as before, at 3.2%.
If you order now and we can ship by September 25th, we should make it in time for the lower tax bracket.
We may not be able to produce in time in case of large tubs, but the timing should be quite safe in case of kadomaru tubs. -> https://bartokdesign.com/product-category/standard-tubs

Also, please note that the above figures are not 100% set as we are still awaiting Trump’s signature (as soon as he gets out from his ofuro!)

In any case, I recommend to contact us ASAP if you are ready to finalize your order!

It was an amazing event. Our Shu-Ha-Ri belts were coupled with Balmain Paris.
I think the photos below are more eloquent than words!

This time I could not physically participate to the event so my special agent Takara-san went on a mission on my behalf. Here is her short reel!

… which made me very envious… (*_*;
Therefore, I will definitely participate in the next Fashion Factor N.12 (October 25th-26th) with belts, original yukata, and even an ofuro on the runway!!
https://fashionfactorme.com/
Let me know if you can come, I will provide you a VIP invitation to the event and legendary after-party…✨

There is news … and there is BIG news.
This is a BIG one!
There is a Fashion event in Dubai from June 13th to 15th called Fashion Factor.
(Incidentally, the Dubai Fashion Week, which is held in February and September, is one of the largest fashion-related events in the world, after Milan, Paris, New York and London.)

And Yes! Our SHU-HA-RI belts will make it on the runway!

If you’re in Dubai, please let us know: we may be able to get you free tickets for the show.
Panel discussions start at 16:00, Shows start at 19:00 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
And if you can’t make it in person, you are welcome to visit the event on the metaverse instead! →​https://lu.ma/q7jwgx15

See you on the runway!

This is an appeal to all our clients and testimonials:
The information that you share can help other people like you!

For instance, Jonathan kindly shared on the testimonial corner info about his builder.
https://bartokdesign.com/91-references/surrounded-by-nature.php
This not only helps fellow Japanese bath lovers navigate the traditionally conservative environment of construction companies and find one with experience and a positive attitude.
BUT…
Also, to bring new business (potentially big business!) to your reliable and passionate builder.

Lovely L. from Hawaii shared her findings about products that can help remove stains without damaging the wood… and this is already helping other friends!
https://bartokdesign.com/9-faqcomment/o3-to-remove-stains-and-water-rings.php

Therefore, don’t be shy!

If you already sent us photos to share in our testimonial corner, please send info about your builder! (homepage, phone number etc. I will try to mask it to prevent automated spam as much as possible.)

If you still didnt, or have additional photos: YES! it can make a difference to other friends looking for help and inspiration. Please share!

Last but not least, if you have tricks about cleaning tubs, covering tubs, repairing tubs, reselling and trading tubs, heating, filtering water or whatever is related, please let me know. I will post it in the FAQ for everybody`s convenience and delight!

Thank you in advance for the kind cooperation!
iacopo

Welcome to the Year of the Snake　~>゜)～～～

In every ancient culture, across continents, the snake is revered as a symbol of wisdom, power, and wealth.

We hope wisdom, power, and wealth will flow into your life in 2025!

The snake is also a symbol of circularity and new beginnings as embodied by the enigmatic symbol of the Ouroboros.

And two snakes twisted together are used as the insignia for the medical profession: a powerful imagery that conceals deep symbolism spanning from the mysteries of Ra to the oriental culture of Kundalini Yoga.

But if I may add what I think is the most stunning  take from our cold-blooded friends, it is that:

they do not walk or run.

but still, they can reach their target and find their way.

They flow. 　~>゜)～～～ 　~>゜)～～～ 　~>゜)～～～

This is not an argument about letting go, or some other zen-nish wisdom.

I am personally enjoying everyday holstering and bolstering (even if sometimes getting frustrated…)

but the realization that you can glide elegantly through the ups and downs of life like a snake, is inspirational.

When the wind is blowing too strong on my face I will try to keep in mind this mantra: 

“let it flow…”

And when it is not enough… I will enter in my ofuro, open the hot water, and let it flow!

Are you with me?

I wish you a truly amazing 2025

Happy New Year!
iacopo

Our client and friend Lorenzo from LA completed his dream house, designed by Tadao Ando.
And the house was featured on AD 2025 special issue (world class 100 projects)
We supplied for this project the ofuro and accessories as well as the shoji, benches and some other furniture.
It is an amazing project and I think that pictures will be more eloquent than words!
That said, I welcome your comments or questions, I am sure that Lorenzo will like to virtually show you around…