Fashion Februrary Week 4: Kimonos, Traditional versus Modern

It's the last week of #FashionFebruary! *sob*

Plus, I'm sorry this is late (again); it's now March! Hah. Expect #SunflowerBlogger and Februrary Buys posts soon.

So let's see, the fourth topic is kimonos! I don't own any, but I did have a kimono-styled dressing gown when I was younger, but I've grown out of it now. It was so lovely; silk, light and pink. I wish I still had it!

Traditionally a kimono was a Japanese garment. As soon as I picture Japanese kimonos I think Disney's Mulan (even though that film is set in China... oh well). Women from Japan wear them for special occasions, like weddings. And here comes the more accurate history of the elegant, Asian classic which is totally needed.

"Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimonos are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial) and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimono are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi). The word "kimono", which literally means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"), has come to denote
these full-length robes." - Wikipedia

The fascinating, original robes have, in the past few years, gotten a modern makeover with high-street, chic 'kimonos' appearing in Forever 21 and online at boohoo.com. They're shorter, more loosely fitted and have more of a boho feel to them. They usually have a floral pattern, but have no fancy accessories compared to the Japanese kimonos; you just throw it on. More of my glass of Sprite (I don't like tea :P)!

I love both styles; the old version of the kimono is admirable since it is so oriental and foreign to us in the western part of the world. They are very pretty (some of them) and it is a cool style to take on. On the other hand, I think the new take on kimonos are a lot more wearable for today's generation, as you can see on the two models on the collage. I would personally prefer to wear the beach-y, California themed kind, but I still praise the captivating custom of Japan. I so badly want to visit countries of the Eastern world, now that I think of it!

That's it, which wraps up a month of fashion with Ali and other fab bloggers. I must give a huge thanks to Ali for organising this fun challenge; it's given me many ideas on new clothes to try! Thanks again, it was a fun experience.