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The kimono touch
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The kimono is a creative and expressive option today. Sport the kimono look this summer by remixing this garment in interesting ways.
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TO US, the word `kimono' is synonymous with our image of Japan. The mere mention conjures up intense interest. Originally, a Japanese word for clothing and in recent years a word for traditional, kimono dates back well over 1,000 years.
Through the lanes of time, kimono has undergone many transformations both stylistically and in the way it is constructed. Not afraid of the SARS attack, the trends scream a `kimono touch' this summer. The kimono has gained a new potential for creative and expressive design.
The style gallery has a window into Japanese culture for the western world. The `kimono look' talks of patterned textile sewn into a garment ideally worn and a blouse of varying lengths.
The style ideas are based on `straight line cut method' cutting pieces in straight lines and sewing them. This concept that came in during Heian period (794-1192), lends a fresh street idea that is anti-fit, comfortable and ideal for the Indian summer.
The shoulder-sleeve seam in a kimono does not stop at the natural drop of the shoulder but extends downward to the upper arm. This style concept sits cosy under the summer fashion tree.
Unmarried Japanese women typify the Furisode kimono and declare this love for a man by fluttering the long-flapped sleeves. This classic idea is reclassified in women's blouse with crossover front and long sleeve details.
The traditional Tomesode worn by married women with short sleeves with bottom half decorated with a pattern is also revitalised this season. Waist length blouses with cap sleeves and interesting `tie-me-up' strings on crossover fronts form an absorbing section of the style gallery.
The elements of the Yukata (casual) kimono are a perfect fixture of a summer streetscape. Breathable fabrics with simple detailing (band collar with asymmetric front closure, three-fourth airy sleeves and frog buttons) reflect a high degree of modernity.
The `kimono look' talks a leap on the summer calendar, because of its heightened sensitivity to colour. The Homongi (visiting kimono) and Tsumugi kimono ideas indicate bright, prominent patterns.
Japanese love and reverence for nature is reflected in current summer trends. Chrysanthemums, maple leaves, plum blossoms, horse racing scenes, flowing streams, fans interlaced with bits of poetry... all formulate a summer setting inherited from the Oriental. Also, tropical Hawaiian prints that feature in the style gallery, take the kimono look to the beach. Roomy, kimono robe like blouses with tropical prints on linen and cotton form a part of the summer scene.
The short robes or the happi coat, as they are conventionally termed, are being seen as beach, bath and night robes. This season, happi coats feature over T-shirts teamed with shorts.
Kimonos are conventionally worn with a sash called obi. The ornate obi that traditionally holds the kimono in place creates a new look this season. The obi is seen as a broad belt (elasticated or otherwise) worn over a blouse making a chic statement.
The `kimono touch' comes in a wide array of fabrics. Silk, silk brocade, silk crepe, satin, rayon, cotton sateen, cotton and synthetic blends. The surface patterns could be woven, printed or embroidered. Embellishments are on the same lines as seen in uchikake - embroidered and sometimes quilted robes worn over the attire. Complete the look by slipping into geta - thongs in velvet or vinyl in bright, vibrant colours.
When compared to the three-dimensionality of western apparel, the kimono until few seasons back, was known as a flat canvas of artistic expression. The Kimono body has grown out of a cultural lesson and is today, perceived as a fashion option gaining occidental momentum. The kimono look absorbs the apex of the summer fashion tree. Make sure that you adopt this interesting occidental - oriental mix. Remix the right way!
ANUPREET BHALLA
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
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Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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