Traditionally, the Japanese word ‘kimono’ referred to anything one might have worn for everyday purposes, but its overarching style is believed to have been influence by the Chinese ‘hanfu’ robe as long ago as the 5th century.

Some time later, its traditional image and vast capacity for variety in colour and pattern made it a fashion item, and by the 14th century it became disassociated with the accompanying ‘hakama’ samurai trousers and evolved into a highly stylized, ornate form of dress worn for special occasions by both men and women. Collar styles, tailoring, colours and motifs were often used to signify marital status, to bring luck or to celebrate the festival in hand.

Although only women wear kimonos in public today, the calm, neat, timeless elegance of the garment has relevance to both sexes in the West, perhaps because we seem to use them as dressing gowns rather a lot and their peaceful, comfortable feel works for anybody after a tough day!

Made from beautiful fabrics such as fine wool and raw silk, traditional Japanese kimonos are perhaps most interesting for their artistic history; colours, designs, symbolic tailoring and combinations of materials varied from period to period, and Yamatoku, based in Kanazawa, Japan, supply a huge variety based on traditional designs, as well as a select range of beautiful vintage kimonos.

Available online here.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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