Posts tagged “modern”

Kimono Lesson in New York

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Today, I would like to introduce Hiromi Asai, New York-based kimono stylist and designer.   She produced kimono fashion shows not only in the United States but also in Europe such as  at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and The Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg, Sweden in April, 2011.

She founded MODE & CLASSIC LLC in 2010. MODE & CLASSIC is now recognized as a unique kimono styling / design company in the United States and presented bi-annual seasonal fashion collection, starting as “FUSION” for Spring/Summer 2012 at BK Fashion Weekend.

She is also giving kimono dressing lessons as well as kimono rental service in New York, starting at $40 for a beginning session. Licensed by a Japanese academy, she is also trained to certify students in the art of dressing others. Unfortunately, even many Japanese people don’t know how to properly put on a kimono. Putting on a kimono without help is almost impossible. The kimono with all its accessories can include a dozen components, and the type of fabric used and the manner in which the kimono is folded vary, depending on the occasion and the wearer’s social status. Indeed, the kimono has a long history — more than 1,000 years — but most of the rules that the Japanese rely on today were established just 150 years ago, or less. The kimono has been worn much more freely for most of its history.

We hope that many people  enjoy wearing Kimono & watching Kimono.

 

 

Modern Kimono collection ‘Futurium’

Kimono is tradition but there is a movement among kimono designers seeking to bring the traditional Kimono into the modern world.

Tokyo Fashion Week ran from March 18 through March 24. There were green fashions from the designer who dressed Lady Gaga as well as a modern updates on the traditional kimono.  About 15,000 people gathered for the Tokyo Runway Show to watch street styles, a show put together by Japanese creators seeking to switch to ready-to-wear brands and “real clothes consumers”.  The third generation Kimono designer Jotaro Saito presented his “Futurism” collection, featured beautiful kimono in a variety of bold patterns and vivid colors with models wearing traditional sandals and being trussed up in “obi” sashes with fabric featuring horizontal-lining, checks and polka-dot.

 

Tokyo Fashion Week, 2012, Jotaro Saito

Tokyo Fashion Week 2012, Jotaro Saito

 

Kimono for daily wear is Jotaro’s philosophy. His stunning creations are a respectful nod to traditional kimono design bringing bold colors and modern patterns using the standard kimono form, which has taken the art form to new heights.

He has also carried his art form beyond Kimono to various works of art for restaurants, hotels, museums and shopping districts and his design work has been incorporated into household items and furniture.

If you want to check his collection, his shop is introduced on JINTO(Japan National Tourism Organization) fashion site.