COOL KIMONO STYLE

Here we'll be featuring individuals that caught our eye at the January 2010 Coming of Age ceremony that was held at the Shibuya Auditorium. While they aren't dressed in the traditional manner, these new styles are becoming part of Japan's fashion culture, and in some ways, are necessary for keeping the cultural heritage of kimonos from becoming obsolete. The “New Kimono” trend began in the early 80's, when kimonos were created with new materials and designs to make them more affordable. In the years following, new styles were created by DC(Designer's & Character's) Brand, etc, and different styles, including the “taisho-roman” style, gained popularity. In recent years the way kimonos are worn has also seen changes. The kimonos worn at the coming of age ceremony are called “hare-gi”, and unmarried women traditionally wear furisode kimonos, while the men dress in haori and hakama. However, in recent years we've seen people with Ageha-style hair arrangements and nail art, glittering accessories, and gyaru-style furisode. Others go for a full-black attire with visual impact, incorporating fake lashes, and Gothic accessories. Yet another new style that is quickly becoming popular is the “Oiran” style, with takageta (high kimono shoes) and sun parasols. Not to be outdone, the men are also adding to the traditional look. We've seen men with voluminous, “suji-mori” hair, wearing haori that bear family crests in gold embroidery, and men in “ora-ora” style, which calls for family-crested haori and bead necklaces and bracelets. With such freedom in styling, kimonos are fast becoming a part of various fashion subcultures. (HINE)