Kimonos Evolve
Kimonos Evolve - While the Western world had an impact on Japanese dress, the same was conversely
true. The interaction with Japan roused interest in Europe and America, and it
wasn't long before a fascination with all things Japanese was sparked. Kimono
became a frequently exported good to the West. By the 1870s, kimono were
available for purchase in shops, and American labels started appearing on
kimonos that were sold in the United States. Designers purchased these "dressing
gowns, " as they called them, and then tagged the clothing under their own name
to sell. These past 100 years have seen the kimono go to a retail format, a
multitude of garments all labeled under the single rubric, always associated
with traditional Japan.
Kimonos Evolve
The 19th century saw advances in technology that
textile designers greatly benefited from. New techniques for patterning were
developed, and new dyes were introduced that brought about bright, dazzling
colors. The bold and brilliant patterns of the kimono were easier to produce,
and tailors became more confident with their designs. The kimono became commonly
adorned with large, dramatic visual statements that beautifully reflected nature
and the modern culture. The technological advancements also allowed for the
boost in production speeds, as power-operated looms and spinning machines caused
the kimono to be more easily created. The fabrics used for the creation of the
garments also increased in quality, as silk became easier to maintain at more
affordable prices.
Post a Comment