Origins
Back in 2012, when I was living in NYC after college, I was introduced to the wonderous world of Burning Man. For the first time, I caught a glimpse of a life more beautiful, more creative, more connected than anything I had ever known. The people I met at these events changed the course of my life. Their conversations challenged how I saw the world and opened me up to possibilities I’d never considered.
Ever since, I’ve followed the people and the opportunities that make me feel the most alive. That thread led me to meet my soulmate, Gilles. It led me to leave my friends and family behind in the U.S. to travel as a nomadic designer. It led us to Bali, where we got stuck during Covid, and where we built our dream life.
Every step proved the same thing: when we follow what inspires us and put our talents toward something we believe in, we can create the life and world we want to live in.
The Catalyst
In the underground NYC Burner scene where I evolved in my 20s, costume parties were a monthly ritual. I lived for the thrill of putting together a look and watching myself transform. Once inside, the highlight of my night would be watching the spectacle of glorious people, dancing hard in outfits that turned their bodies into works of art. I’d watch how fabrics swirled as they moved, and get inspired to recreate this beauty in our own designs, bringing some of the magic I witnessed home. “Make your life an artpiece” — it’s what we printed on the fans at our Burning Man wedding, and it has been our motto ever since.
And while I loved the life we’d built in Bali, I missed the creative energy of the expressive party scene I’d fallen in love with in New York.
So earlier this year, we celebrated the 12-year anniversary of Yoshizen by hosting our first Light Warriors gathering at Kalinda, the home we designed in Uluwatu. It was a representation of what we want to see more of in the world:
More expression, more clothing that looks like magic, more dancing like no one’s watching, more connection with people who inspire us, and more events that leave us filled with gratitude.
Avatar Activation Styling
At this first gathering, we introduced Avatar Activation Styling: an experience designed to help each guest explore how they want to show up in their next chapter — and express that vision through what they wear.
It gave me so much happiness to see our creations brought to life by such incredible people. Each one reinvented the pieces in their own way, finished with accessories by the talented Elina of Sea Sirens.
Each Avatar is drawn from one of our style archetypes: Desert Mystic, Shadow Alchemist, Earth Guardian, Light Warrior, Light Oracle, Galactic Goddess, and Cosmic Muse. Among our guests, Cosmic Muse and Light Warrior were the most popular of the night.
Our Community
Everyone who came to Kalinda for Light Warriors 001 had a unique gift.
Some build businesses. Some create art. Some teach. Some heal. Some bring people together. What unites them is a desire to contribute something beautiful to the world.
These are the people we design for. The light bringers, the magic makers, the world shifters, the game shakers — the ones who don’t let you play small with your life.
The Next Chapter
Light Warriors 001 was the first physical step into Yoshizen’s next chapter: a community of people who dress for the future they’re calling in, and who co-create it together.
This is what abundance feels like. Beauty, connection, art, music, and presence.
Create the world you want to live in. We’ll see you on the dancefloor.
What’s Next
We’re bringing the Avatar Activation Portal to Oshom on Halloween night — Saturday, October 31 — with WeShyne.
Special thanks to @pinamariaofficial, who the day after the event created an original anniversary anthem that perfectly captured the spirit of the night.
