Just like the papyrus scrolls on which the Egyptians recorded the lives of the first antique sedentary civilizations, the kimono was the medium for the history of Japan, expressing eras, techniques, and the usage of various materials. This key element in Nippon and broader Asian culture has traversed centuries and customs alike.
Originally worn by all, the kimono is a large piece of fabric worked with minute detail, woven and painted. A kimono is not simply a garment, but also a status symbol of a savoir-faire and an era of yesteryear. Indeed, kimonos that are expertly made of precious fabrics are considered to be real works of art. A garment that possessed a rare and affined elegance for several centuries, an essential piece in the Asian wardrobe, embroidered with gold threads, made of the rarest silks or a modest cotton, the kimono is first and foremost the label of a nation. But in the beginning of the 20th century, the kimono practically went out of style. Little by little the Emperor Meiji dressed public employees in the Oriental uniform. Between 1920 and 1930, schoolchildren would abandon the hakama in favor of marine outfits, while women adopted skirts and blouses.
Today, this Japanese icon of yesteryear is being reworked by a number of fashion houses and designers, who are bringing it back in line with the times. The kimono, like a silent force, has been making an appearance little by little in Western wardrobes for a few years now, considered by some to be the new summer blazer, both elegant and refined, or as an important piece in the Homewear category. The kimono is living out a second youth at the hands of some of the greatest contemporary designers. Rick Owens designed a pure and minimalist line in black fabric while Céline invented a white version that is tightened around the bust. Dries Van Noten conferred it the authenticity of painted designs on fabric that boasts fluidity and a shorter cut. And so, the Kimono, forevermore a part of Western history, is now anchoring itself in a new lifestyle and conveying brand new meanings.
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