unKimono® | nº1 en France de kimono japonais et de robe kimono femme

A dive into Japanese clothing terminology. 着物 (きもの), pronounced " kimono ", literally means "thing to wear" in Japanese. This ancestral term encompasses all of Japan's traditional clothing heritage. In the Japanese archipelago, the kimono is divided into several names depending on its style and use: the furisode with long flowing sleeves intended for single women, the more sober tomesode worn by married women, or the montsuki haori hakama, the formal masculine ensemble. This wealth of terminology bears witness to the cultural importance of the kimono in Japanese society, where every detail, from the weaving to the patterns, tells a story of refinement and centuries-old clothing tradition.

The subtleties of Japanese elegance. The kimono and the yukata , although sharing a common aesthetic, are fundamentally distinguished by their construction and uses. The traditional Japanese kimono , a noble garment made of precious silk, requires several layers of underwear (nagajuban) and an elaborate obi. The more casual yukata is made of lightweight cotton or linen, requires only a simple belt and is put on directly against the skin. Historically used as a bathrobe, the yukata has become the preferred summer outfit for festivals (matsuri) and summer evenings, while the kimono remains the preserve of important ceremonies and formal events that punctuate Japanese social life.

An investment in artisanal excellence. Investing in an authentic Japanese kimono reflects the exceptional know-how of Japanese artisans. A traditional silk kimono , made using ancestral methods, can reach several thousand euros in the prestigious districts of Kyoto or Tokyo. The most refined pieces, decorated with hand-painted patterns or woven with gold thread (kinran), can exceed 10,000 euros. However, the market today offers a varied range: quality vintage kimonos are available from 500 euros, while contemporary versions adapted to Western ready-to-wear offer new accessibility, with prices starting around 200 euros. This diversity allows everyone to find the kimono that corresponds to their aspirations and their budget.

The evolution of respectful terminology. Contrary to popular belief, the term kimono remains perfectly appropriate and continues to be used, both in Japan and internationally. This confusion sometimes comes from a concern for cultural precision, with some preferring to use specific terms such as furisode, tomesode or homongi to designate the different styles of kimonos. Respect for Japanese clothing tradition is expressed precisely in the knowledge and appropriate use of the term kimono , which still embodies the very essence of Japanese refinement. Contemporary designers and haute couture houses continue to celebrate the kimono, reinterpreting its codes to create modern pieces that perpetuate the legacy of this iconic garment.

The secrets of a perfect drape. The kimono dress , an elegant fusion of traditional Japanese clothing and contemporary fashion, enhances all silhouettes thanks to its flowing and enveloping cut. Its wearing requires particular attention to the drape: start by adjusting the V-neck by delicately crossing the front panels, always the left side over the right, according to Japanese tradition. The modern obi belt, thinner than its traditional counterpart, is tied at the waist to structure the silhouette while maintaining the characteristic ease of the garment. The loose sleeves, directly inspired by traditional furisode, can be worn long or three-quarter length, offering a graceful gesture that evokes the elegance of geishas while adapting perfectly to contemporary urban style.

The art of Japanese layering. The refinement of wearing a traditional Japanese kimono lies in its successive layers, each playing a crucial role in the final appearance. The first layer, the hadajuban, a lightweight cotton or silk undergarment, ensures comfort and absorbency. The nagajuban, an essential underkimono , then creates a smooth and protective base, its immaculate white color delicately revealed at the collar. The koshi-himo, a thin support belt, stabilizes these preparatory layers before the datejime, a crucial ribbon that holds the kimono in place, is added. This technical layering, inherited from centuries of Japanese sartorial refinement, ensures an impeccable silhouette and preserves the precious silk of the outdoor kimono.

The timeless elegance of Japanese clothing. The kimono transcends its function as clothing to become a true artistic and cultural expression. Wearing a kimono today is a bold stylistic choice that marries tradition and modernity. This iconic garment captures the essence of Japanese refinement, where each motif, whether majestic cranes, delicate cherry blossoms or rolling waves, tells a story. The universal cut of the kimono, unchanged for centuries, offers a slender silhouette while celebrating the diversity of body shapes. In our contemporary society in search of authenticity, the kimono represents a commitment to a more conscious fashion, where the quality of materials and artisanal excellence take precedence over the ephemerality of trends.

The art of enhancing all silhouettes. The kimono, in its ancestral sartorial wisdom, celebrates all body types thanks to its adaptive cut and ingenious adjustment principles. For a curvy silhouette, choose kimonos with elongating vertical patterns and deep shades such as black, midnight blue or burgundy, enhanced with delicate patterns. The obi, this traditional belt, becomes your best ally when it is positioned slightly higher than the natural waist, thus creating a slender line. The ample sleeves of the furisode or the straight cut of the houmongi harmoniously balance the proportions. Noble fabrics such as heavy silk or chirimen (silk crepe) offer a flattering drape that elegantly accompanies the curves, proving that the kimono is truly a universal garment that magnifies each silhouette.