This gorgeous kimono inspired frock is made from… a kimono! It was made for me by a talented Japanese designer named Kazuko Nakazuma.
The dress itself was a gift from a good friend Yuko. She knows how much I love the vibrant and decorative Japanese garments which have inspired much of my artwork. In addition, it’s interesting to see so many Japanese women wearing them out and about, particularly at formal occasions.
However, kimonos are challenging to put on. Wearing one requires several under-kimonos then the obi (sash), with ties to keep everything in place. You may need help! As a result some people even gain a license to become kimono dressers at weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies.
Many Japanese women must have beautiful, traditional garments that are languishing in their wardrobes. And nowadays Japanese women are like any others. They prefer to wear more practical modern fashion. Hence Kazuko had a great idea. Why not turn old kimonos into something modern and wearable and bring them out of hiding?
KIMONO INSPIRED FASHION FROM OLD FABRIC
Where did all the fabric come from that Kazuko uses? Some of them were old kimonos that friends gave her and some she bought. Many families own ornate silk kimonos, ornate family heirlooms that are passed down from mother to daughter. So the ones Kazuko recycles are more everyday ones. What a great way to breathe new life into beautiful clothes that would otherwise gather dust.
The chiyogami paper that I use in much of my work is inspired by kimono fabric. Kazuko told me to choose the the one I wanted for my dress. In her workroom were several drawers of old multicoloured kimonos, all gently unpicked and waiting to become something new. Although she makes a lot of easy-to-wear clothes from kimono fabric such as loose tops, there was no way I was having something practical.
There was to much stunning fabric to choose from. Nonetheless, the right one stood out a mile. It had to be the red.
AN ADVENTURE
THE KIMONO INSPIRED END RESULT
Finally my holiday ended and I flew back to London. Then a few weeks after my holiday in Japan a package arrived. All beautifully packaged in red tissue paper and with Kazuko’s label sewed into the back.
Wow!!!
I’m very happy with the result. The dress is a simple shape, which I like because the colour, sheen and pattern fabric stands out. It’s very easy to wear, fastens with a good old-fashioned zip and is fully lined. Like most of my dresses it’s sleeveless. Sleeves make me feel claustrophobic! I know they’re a good idea in winter, but that’s why God invented cardigans.
Naturally, you can see I’m partial to the colour red. Wearing it always makes me feel happy. Which is just as well, because it’s an Aries colour if that’s your thing. I teamed my new kimono inspired dress up with more red. A bracelet from Largs, a red bag from China via Italy, a red sakura necklace from Kokura and a red hairpin from a Japanese student.
Furthermore, it’s fascinating to know that this used to be part of a real life kimono! What kind of adventures did it have in its former life, I wonder. I’ll be taking my red frock to Tenerife this winter (so won’t be needing a cardy). It’s a wonderful, contemporary on a traditional garment. Not only do I have a dress in my favourite colour, but a one-off gift combining modern and traditional Japan.
MORE CLOTHES FROM KIMONOS
Do you have a kimono? Tell me in the comments below.
