Modern Kimono
Traditional Japanese clothing is most associated with the
wearing of “Kosode”, a geometrical t-shaped garment comprised of two
rectangular fabrics draped over the shoulders with seams at the back and each
side. Today, we know this garment as
“Kimono”.. Kimono is a relatively
modern term for this centuries old garment worn by both men and women. In the late 1800s there was great western
influence in Asia and with the defeat of the Russians in 1904 (Russo-Japanese
War) Japan became recognized as a civilized non-European power and western
clothing (white shirts, suits and ties) were adopted by Japanese business
men. Simultaneously, western women
adopted the beautiful silken robes, kosode.
It was at this time that the traditional garment was renamed “kimono”
The traditional kimono began to blend contemporary elements
of color and design in the Meiji (1868-1912). This evolution progressed to
include modern fabric production, synthetic colors and art designs that
included current events.
In September, as part of the Textile Society of America’s
biennial symposium, I visited LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and
viewed a very impressive exhibition, Kimono for a Modern Age. Curated by Sharon Takeda, the exhibition
featured over 30 modern garments from the LACMA collection. The modern kimonos were visually startling
with vibrant colors and a variety of patterning techniques. There was also the use of modern synthetic
fabrics and contemporary themes such as space exploration and abstract art.
These photos illustrate the wide range of modern influences upon a most traditional garment.
This child's garment featured ice breakers and penguins.
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