New Edwardian, La Belle Epoque Summer Tea Gowns
For Summer we are concepting a collection of lovely Early 1900s lacey, La Belle Epoque, and Edwardian Era tea gowns for warm afternoons sipin...
Prior to the year 794, Japanese people wore separate upper and lower garments. During the period 794 to 1192, the method of cutting long pieces of fabric and sewing them together in a long dress; a kimono, came into fashion. From the 1200 to 1570s, Japanese men and women began to wear bright colors and elaborate decoration on their kimono, while Samurai warriors wore the colors of their leaders.
Traditional clothing of the Edo period, (1600-1868), included the kimono and obi as we know them today. The obi did not, however, become a prominent part of a woman's ensemble until the mid Edo period. It was then that designers, weavers and dyers all focused their talent on creating a longer, wider and more elaborate obi. Obi measurement was then standardised to 360cm long by 30cm wide.
Edo fashion was influenced by the design and style that courtesans and entertainers wear. Women of the samurai class continued to wear the simpler kosode kimono, tied together with an obi made of braided cords. Outside the samurai class, women experimented with a more elaborate kimono - the furisode, which is often seen on the Kabuki stage. Characterised by long, flowing sleeves, the furisode kimono was accented by a large, loosely tied obi.
For many years, the obi bow was tied either at the front or on the side. By the mid-Edo period, the obi bow was tied in the back position. It was said that this style started in the mid-1700s when a Kabuki actor, imitating a young girl, came on stage with his obi tied in the back. Another reason that the back position became more acceptable was that the sheer bulk of the wider obi became too cumbersome to be positioned in the front of the kimono.
The Meiji era, (1868-1912) witnessed a revolution in the textile industry with the advent of electric weaving looms and chemical dying techniques from the West. During this time, a woman's kimono ceased to be worn in the free-flowing style of the earlier days. The new fashion was to tuck the kimono at the waist to adjust the length of the kimono to the woman's height. These tucks and folds were visible and became part of the art of tying the obi.
The kimono, an expensive piece of clothing, became an heirloom quality garment in the Meiji period. Kimono making is still considered a fine art in Japan.
We have created a variety of beautiful kimonos in a palette of fabrics selected for the discerning geisha or samurai. Complete Japanese costumes, Tabi socks, Geta sandals, fans and parasols are available by special order.
Fabrics out of stock may be substituted with a similar pattern or color.
Dragon and Peacock Geisha Kimono
Dragon and Peacock Kimono This lovely satin brocade kimono has extended flowing sleeves with contrasting Satin lining and features a mock obie for quick costume changes.See color swatches below to choose from. Click here to purchase
JKMR007
Robe Style Kimono This flowing satin robe is designed to be worn independently or paired with an Outer Kimono to showcase a flamboyant character for plays like "The Mikado".Optional mock obie contrasted to the Outer Kimono fabrics can be included.
colors: red/burgundy, turquoise/purple, bronze/gold; sizes: small, medium, large and x-large (see size chart).
Click here to purchase
JKMH007
Hakama
The Hakama (pants) has the traditional tie waist that is accompanied by an elastic band for an extra snug fit.Available in brown, navy and red; sizes: small, medium, large and x-large (see size chart).
Inner Kimono Traditional styling with an easy to wear design, the Inner Kimono has tie closures under the arms.Available in colors shown below and sizes small, medium, large and x-large (see size chart). Click here to purchase
Samurai Outer Kimono
Outer Kimono This Samurai "coat" type kimono has flowing sleeves and can be embellished as desired. Available in colors shown below and sizes small, medium, large and x-large (see size chart). Click here to purchase
Costume Designs 
