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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 stylising this garment in interesting ways.
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MENTION `KIMONO' and the first thing that comes to mind is the image of Japan. Originally, a Japanese word for clothing and in recent years a word for traditional, the kimono, dates back well over a thousand years.
Over the years, the kimono has undergone many transformations both in its style and in the way it is worn. The kimono has gained a new potential for creative and expressive design.
The style gallery has chosen the `kimono look' this season, which emphasises on patterned fabrics sewn into a garment, ideally worn with a blouse, of varying lengths.
The style ideas are based on `straight-line-cut-method', wherein the garment pieces are cut in straight lines and sewn.
This concept that came in during the Heian period (794-1192), lends a fresh street idea that is 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. Unmarried Japanese women wear 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 where the bottom half is decorated with a pattern is also in vogue. Waist length blouses with cap sleeves and interesting `tie-me-up' strings on crossover fronts are in demand. The elements of the Yukata (casual) kimono are a perfect fixture on the summerscape. 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' is in this summer because of its heightened sensitivity to colour. The Homongi (visiting kimono) and Tsumugi kimono ideas indicate bright and prominent patterns.
The love and reverence, of the Japanese, 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 fashion scene.
The short robes or the happi coats, are being seen as beach wear, bath robes 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 like broad belt (elasticised or otherwise) is 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 satin, cotton and synthetic blends. The surface patterns are woven in, printed or embroidered. Embellishments are on the same lines as seen in uchikake - embroidered and sometimes quilted robes worn over the attire. The geta or thongs, in velvet or vinyl in bright and vibrant colours, complete the look.
The kimono until few seasons back, was known as a flat canvas of artistic expression. But now, it is perceived as a fashion option gaining occidental momentum. The `kimono look' tops the fashion charts. Make sure that you adopt this interesting occidental - oriental style . And stylise the right way!
ANUPREET BHALLA
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
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Kochi
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Thiruvananthapuram
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