Kimono, a Japanese dress, is becoming popular also in Qatar. The kimono trend is again resurfacing in the young generation of Japanese thanks to many designer brands, says a Japanese designer.
"Since 1980, many designer kimonos have been born," said Yumik Mizutani, Professor, Yamaguchi Perfectual University, Japan. "Now many people have started using the dress, especially the Yukata — the summer cotton kimono. They are much easier to wear and casual too," she told The Peninsula.
The Japanese Ambassador to Qatar, Yukio Kitazume, hosted a Kimono demonstration at the embassy yesterday.
Different kinds of kimono and accessories were displayed. A live demonstration of wearing the elaborate dress was also shown.
Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fall to the ankle, with collars and wide, full-length sleeves. Kimono is secured by a wide belt called an 'obi', which is usually tied at the back.
Kimono for women is very long and adjusted to body size by tucking and folding. A woman's formal obi is usually 4 meters long and 60 centimeters wide. The width is folded in half and the obi is wrapped twice around the waist and then tied at the back.
The highlight of the event was the bridal attire consisting of two different kimonos. A pure white wedding kimono, called the Shiromuku is worn for the wedding ceremony and an elaborate rich patterned silk brocade kimono called 'uchikake' is worn over the white kimono as a coat at the wedding reception.
The brides hair is also styled in the traditional hair style and adorned with accessories called 'kanzashi'.
A complete kimono outfit, with kimono, obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories can exceed
$20,000. "Kimono is a very expensive costume. This is due to the elaborate system used to make it. Many skilled artisans are needed to make it. Another factor is the method used to make it, like dyeing, embroidery, paintings, gold leaves and strings. So people do not usually buy kimonos , they are either taken on rent or inherited from ancestors," Mizutani said.
The Pen
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