Thanks to globalization, our millennial urge to travel, and technology, cultures have expanded across the world showing people like you and me their true colors in the form of music, books, news, photographs, and… fashion!
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Japan, where one of our longtime favorite clothing items was born… the kimono. During this trip, I realized that numerous people across the globe use and love kimono-like garments, and even though most know where it comes from, it’s hard to understand what it means and how did this trend has evolved into the modern style it represents today.
Traditional kimonos are worn by men and women all over Japan and there’s a wide variety ranging from casual for any given day, to extremely elegant for unique occasions. Back in the Edo period (1960s-1980s) kimonos were used as a “code” to communicate social status and dressing out of the designated class distinction was frowned upon and punished. Even though tourists can now rent kimonos and walk around with them all over Japan, there’s a subtle truth to this ancient practice remains within a traditional society as real kimonos can a fortune if they follow the approbate guidelines, and it is an investment made to point out social status and etiquette.
I was lucky enough to be able to wear a real traditional, family-owned kimono and it is extremely different to any kimono I had ever worn before. The whole process of putting it on took around 30 minutes with two ladies helping me and by the time I was ready it was so tight I could barely breathe, my feet hurt, and I was sweating underneath all the layers, but… I was beyond delighted, I felt so effortlessly beautiful even though it took what seemed like forever to put it on.
Through this experience I understood how and have we developed this kimono fashion trend elsewhere in the world. They are mesmerizing pieces of clothing that can catch the eye of anyone coming to Japan with the bright colors, delicate elegance and nature imitating patterns. Now we can find this style in robes, jackets, jumpsuits, or trousers, like the one in the pictures, from Zara. With these you can still feel majestic with a touch of chic and modern heals and accessories without traveling across the world and spending all your college funds on one kimono!
Show us how you wear your kimono with a picture and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista !
