Posts Tagged ‘japanese kimono’

• Vintage Japanese Kimono

  Date: 2010.09.11 | Category: Japanese Kimono Fabric | Response: 0

  Vintage Japanese Kimono

  The vintage Japanese kimono takes its roots from the 8th century AD Chinese culture. It used to have overlapping collars that are commonly worn by women during those days. During the Japanese Heian Period, kimonos became very fancy and a half-apron piece would be attached or worn over the kimono. During the Muromachi Period (again, a period of time, a measure of Japanese history), the kimono lost the apron or the overskirt or trousers under it.

  When the Edo era came, the kimono sleeves were made to be much longer especially for the unmarried women. Sometimes, the sleeves could even reach the floor. The obi got wider and new ways of tying were innovated for fashion. At present, the kimono that you are probably more familiar with as it is worn by the Japanese, highly resembles that of those from the Edo era.

  The best kimonos around are still made out of hand-dyed silk. Thus silk kimonos are worn to formal events. This would cost you around ten thousand US dollars an authentic looking piece made with this fabric. To care for this kimono, it is washed by taking it apart. There are also synthetic Japanese kimono fabric materials like rayon and cotton kimonos but are not worn to formal events.

  It is not considered in good form to wear a silk kimono to informal events such as during an Obon ceremony. If you accidentally wear one to a Bon dance, we advise that you do not take part in the dancing no matter how much you want to or you will be pointed at and frowns will be appear on spectators watching the dance.

  Traditionally, the art of wearing a vintage Japanese kimono would pass down from generation to generation. Today, there can be schools which will teach students the right ways to wear one.

  Juban – the under slip. This is the first step in wearing a kimono. It used to be a full suit kimono alone but women prefer wearing a collar to ensemble it for comfort since a juban is hot when layered with the kimono itself.

  Tabi – the socks. Bending over in a kimono with an obi on is very difficult. Put the kimono on and make sure the back seam should be at the center. Wrap the right side over your trunk first since wrapping the left side is for dead people. Adjust the juban to even out with the collar.

  Obi – the corset. Just tie it around and you are done.
  

  
  The vintage Japanese kimono is a valuable piece of art carved from generations to generations. Western women are mystified by this. Many women use the help of professionals to wear a kimono correctly. This art is sacred and should be preserved for eternity. Or at least wear the correctly or be embarrassed for eternity!

• Traditional Japanese Kimono

  Date: 2010.08.27 | Category: Japanese Kimono Fabric | Response: 0

  Traditional Japanese Kimono

  Ancient Japanese used to wear the traditional Japanese kimono and they still do but their style has changed over time. But with this regard, the kimonos of Japan still bear the resemblance that of Ancient Japan’s.

  From Japan’s history until present, the Kimono has always been an essential part of Japanese culture and fashion – changing with time and lifestyle. Weaving and dyeing have improved over time equally improving the quality and design of the kimono.

  Traditional styles are still used today by the Imperial Family that would date back to the Nara Period. They use it for special ceremonies or rituals.

  Men of Ancient Japan wore kimonos that were grey, brown, white or blue. Women wore conservative designs.

  On the waist, a narrow sash can be tied by a knot on the back known as Obi. During summer, although in Japan it is not that humid, a Yukata is worn by the Japanese. A yukata is like a kimono but is lighter and thinner which usually have blue or white colors.

  In martial arts, Japanese men may use a Hakama, pleated pants, on top of their kimono along with a Haori which is a type of jacket. A braided material would tie a haori.

  I know what you’re thinking, when we think of a kimono, we think of the long flowing wrap with huge sleeves but technically, the word kimono actually means: Attire or clothing so, really any form of clothing can be considered a Ki-Mono.

  A single woman would wear a Furisode which is a vivid kimono that would reach the ankles. Married women can wear a similar-style kimono but with shorter sleeves. The obi can be very flamboyantly long and wide. It may actually take up to an hour to tie in properly.

  A bride usually wears a white kimono with a red-orange outer garment. For children, brighter patterns and prints are used. Japanese still wear kimono during the holidays or on special occasions although they are not that commonly seen at present.

  A technique to produce kimonos is to buy Japanese kimono fabric panels that are already cut into eight pieces. The whole panel is sewn so as not to waste. A lot of the embroider techniques you see today have originated in China.
  

  
  Japan is no longer the single country that wears the traditional Japanese kimono. Around the world, people want to try wearing this clothing. They even buy Japanese fabric and turn it into skirts or pants.

• Japanese Kimono Fabric

  Date: 2010.08.08 | Category: | Response: 0

  Japanese Kimono Fabric

  Weaving and dying of the Japanese kimono fabric originated from Korean and Chinese cultures. A Kimono is one of the most treasured pieces of Japanese culture. As far as the Japanese culture, the kimono has become one of the most valuable artifacts to date.

  The traditional Japanese kimono is a handmade item and the fabric is used to symbolize many meaningful events. Different fabrics are made for different reasons and each is unique from the other.

  In essence, the Japanese kimono fabric is similar to tattoos only the print is captured on the fabric instead of the skin. For example, a common wedding kimono fabric design is the family crest, a common tattoo design throughout the world.

  There are many styles of kimonos that are worn for various reasons. Older, traditional men and women wear a different style from the younger, sometimes avante garde kimono styles. So the younger generation, might, instead of the chrysanthemum, sakura Japanese fabric prints, select Hello Kitty or Kikaida patterns for their non-traditional apparel.

  If your intent is traditional, then you need to understand and take special attention as to the reasons behind each style of kimono and what they represent.

  The kimono can be used as formal and informal. A kimono that is made up of woven patterns is more likely informal. The formal kimono fabrics such as that which is used for the wedding kimono and for funerals have more free-style, special designs printed on them such as the family crest or what is called the “mon” in Japanese.

  The kimono itself is made up of four main strips of fabric. Two patterns will be used as panels covering the body and two more panels for the sleeves. Additional strips will be needed for the collar and narrow front sleeves.
  

  
  The formal kimono and its obi (belts) were only made of silk. This kind of material is quite expensive hence companies limit its production. Most of the kimonos and its accessories today are now made of the most common synthetic fibers like cotton and polyester.

  Even if you are not necessarily interested in creating a kimono but are intent on using a Japanese kimono fabric for your project there are some gorgeous fabrics out there to choose from. I’ve utilized the The Kaffe Fassett Crimson-Magenta Kimono fabric to create some sofa pillow covers and a matching smock. It is perfect for any fabric creation where you would like to bring a touch of the flavor of the kimono.