Kimono Style: Edo Traditions to Modern Design

The kimono's modern history, influenced by Western culture, transformed its designs to accommodate modern lifestyles and the emancipated "new woman." This book showcases Japanese textiles from the John C. Weber Collection alongside Western couture, placing the kimono on the global fashion stage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

The kimono, a traditional Japanese garment, has undergone a remarkable transformation in modern history, influenced by its interaction with Western culture. In the mid-nineteenth century, Japan's engagement with Western clothing, culture, and art sparked a cross-cultural sartorial dialogue that continues to this day. This publication delves into the fascinating modern history of the kimono and its significant impact on Western fashion. Initially, kimonos were used to signal the wearer's social position, marital status, age, and wealth. However, as the twentieth century progressed, the demands of modernized and democratized lifestyles, as well as the preferences of the emancipated "new woman," led to a shift in kimono designs. Older kimono designs gave way to more versatile and comfortable styles, reflecting the changing societal norms.

Conversely, inspiration from the kimono's silhouette liberated Western designers such as Paul Poiret and Madeline Vionnet from traditional European tailoring. This book showcases a unique juxtaposition of never-before-published Japanese textiles from the John C. Weber Collection with Western couture, placing the kimono on the stage of global fashion history.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cultural exchange between Japan and the West. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, will host the exhibition from June 7, 2022, to February 20, 2023, providing a platform for fashion enthusiasts and scholars to explore the enduring legacy of the kimono.

Dimension: 286 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397522