Obi – Tradition and fashion
Do you know Kokeshi, a Japanese Doll ? If you have visited Japan, we might have a chance to see or buy them.
And have you noticed that these dolls are usually wear a Kimono around the waist with an obi belt. Obi is a traditional Japanese fashion accessary. Standard size of obi is now about 360 centimeter long by 30 centimeter wide.
The obi became a prominent part of a woman’s ensemble sometime in 16th century. It was then that designers, weavers and dyers all focused their talent on creating a longer, wider and more elaborate obi and becomes decorative elements and even an art.
Japanese culture has inspired many of the world stage in the field of fashion. Armani Prive recently featured a Japanese-inspired design collection. In 2011 Paris Fashion Couture Week, the legendary Giorgio Armani showed an Asian-influenced collection. Armani combine two unique different style of fashion, a Japanese kimono into French chic. Armani’s collection included kimono coats, belts resembling obi sashes, jackets embroidered with traditional kimono patterns such as ume (Japanese apricot) blossoms–all combining traditional and cosmopolitan designs.
In the field of fashion kimono is worn with a blazer cut. An accessory like this is timeless and versatile that we must learn to wear. In terms of style you can combine with the obi with your pants or skirts of high waist.
You will therefore understand, the obi is an important part of Japanese dress codes,it is a jewel, an ancient tradition and not a recent fad. So enjoy yourself if you want a true Japanese obi, the budget is quite high but in terms of Japanese tradition as the authentic wear!
