The kimono's influence on every-day fashion has been experiencing a renaissance, staking its claim as a fashion statement that is more relevant than ever.
Why is it that we’re seeing more and more kimono-inspired fashion? Whether authentic vintage or fresh spin-offs, kimono style has been popular ever since the turn of the Century. But recently, the kimono’s influence on every-day fashion has been experiencing a renaissance, staking its claim as a fashion statement that is more relevant that ever.
The recent opening of “Kimono Style: the John C. Weber Collection” at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is an immersive exhibition that conveys the evolution of the kimono’s influence on Western fashion design. Since the turn of the century the kimono’s shape has evolved to adapt to new ways of living. Kimono-inspired garments have a cross-cultural appeal that transcends nations and genders
I was fascinated by an article, “The Kimono in Street Style,” recently published by Vogue about the exhibit and the resurgence of kimono-inspired design in the fashion industry as well as what we see being worn as street style. https://www.vogue.com/article/street-style-fashion-week-kimono-street-style-history
As we emerge from the pandemic, we are enjoying getting dressed up again, but are doing it in a more sophisticated, less complicated way. We are moving towards elegant simplicity and prefer quality over quantity. We are craving an elevated ease that is comfortable and adaptable to any occasion. Relaxed silhouettes and interchangeable pieces are more popular than ever, as well as mixed prints and fresh new takes on bold color combinations.
Tokyo, fall 2022 ready-to-wear
Photographed by Kira/tokyofashion.com
Later this summer my husband and I are planning to see the Kimono Style Exhibit at the Met. We will dress for the occasion in our own version of kimono street style and hope to see others doing the same!
