Kimono to Kamino: How the Kimono Influenced Star Wars?
The Kimono in Star Wars: When the Force meets Japanese tradition.
In the galaxy far, far away of Star Wars, the iconic costumes that have marked generations of fans hide a very earthly secret: the profound influence of the traditional Japanese kimono . From Obi-Wan Kenobi 's demure robe to Queen Padmé Amidala 's sumptuous outfits, the imprint of traditional Japan is omnipresent in the saga. Let's dive behind the scenes of this fascinating fusion of Eastern tradition and Western science fiction .
Summary :
Kurosawa's Legacy: The Origins of the Star Wars Aesthetic
The birth of an iconic aesthetic
The evolution of the kimono in the new trilogy
Rogue One: A Return to the Sources
The Art of Costume in the Star Wars Universe
The universality of the kimono
The Power of Timeless Design
Kurosawa's Legacy: The Origins of the Star Wars Aesthetic
The story begins with George Lucas , the visionary creator of Star Wars. Passionate about the films of Akira Kurosawa , the young director drew his inspiration from the aesthetics of samurai films. Dave Crossman , a seasoned costume designer who worked on the latest installments of the saga (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One and Solo), sheds light on this influence:
Kurosawa 's films are simply incredible, with a unique look and powerful dramaturgy. The inspiration of the kimono is particularly evident in the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi, where the crossing of the kimono and the hooded robe creates a silhouette that has become legendary.
The birth of an iconic aesthetic
In the early Star Wars films, budgetary constraints paradoxically helped create a unique aesthetic . John Mollo, the original costume designer, went to Bermans and Nathans , the famous London costume designers, to draw on their historical stock. This pragmatic approach resulted in memorable costumes, blending terrestrial influences with space-age imagination.
The Jedi robes, in particular, perfectly illustrate this fusion:
- The kimono's characteristic crossing on the chest
- The belt reminiscent of the traditional obi
- Loose sleeves inspired by men's winter kimonos
- The use of simple fabrics like wool, giving a humble and authentic look
The evolution of the kimono in the new trilogy
With JJ Abrams taking over the new trilogy, the costume team, which included Dave Crossman, faced a new challenge: reinventing while respecting the legacy . For six years at Pinewood Studios, the team worked to create costumes that honored the past while looking to the future.
The task was to revive Star Wars in some way, Crossman explains. We had to introduce new characters while paying homage to historical figures like Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.
Rogue One: A Return to the Sources
One of the most striking examples of the kimono's influence in recent films can be found in Rogue One, particularly in the character of Galen Erso, played by Mads Mikkelsen. His farmer's costume is directly inspired by traditional Japanese work kimonos :
- A short haircut suitable for work
- Light padding reminiscent of peasant clothing
- Authentic artisanal sewing
- A silhouette inspired by historical Japanese workwear
The Art of Costume in the Star Wars Universe
Creating costumes for Star Wars is a complex process that involves:
- In-depth work with conceptual artists
- Respect for the visual heritage of the saga
- The subtle integration of diverse cultural influences
- Special attention to historical details
The universality of the kimono
As Dave Crossman points out: "The kimono is an amazing expression, a true work of art. Whether it's the simplest working-class kimono or the most elaborate, each piece has a unique character, a story to tell."
This universality of the kimono, its ability to transcend social classes and eras, resonates perfectly with the themes of Star Wars: the balance between simplicity and grandeur, between tradition and modernity, between East and West.
The Power of Timeless Design
The influence of the kimono in Star Wars demonstrates the power of cultural exchange in artistic creation. In the same way that the kimono has evolved over the centuries while maintaining its essence, Star Wars costumes continue to evolve while remaining true to their roots. This fusion of Japanese tradition and futuristic imagination has created a unique aesthetic that continues to inspire creators and fascinate viewers around the world.
The influence of traditional kimono in Jedi costumes
