A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 2

Section 2 - Traditional dresses in Japan

Fashion in Japan has evolved over the years. Clothing used in Japan today is very much similar to that in other parts of the world. This section studies the dresses that have traditionally been used in Japan.

Japanese traditional dresses include kimonos, hakama, yukata and jūnihitoe.

Kimonos

The kimono, meaning 'clothing' in Japanese, is the national dress of Japan. It is perhaps the most well-known symbol of Japan.

A kimono refers to a robe that is T-shaped, free flowing, and has a straight line to it. Both men and women wear kimonos. Typically, it is full-sleeved and reaches up to the ankles. A kimono is generally wrapped around the body of the wearer, from left to right. It is secured with a wide sash, commonly known as 'obi'. The sash is tied at the back.

There are different types of kimonos, worn by different classes of people and on different occasions. Kimonos are available in different kinds of materials as well. Kimonos range from highly formal to casual. The extent of formality of a kimono is determined by its fabric, pattern, and colour, as well as the number of crests in it. Having about five crests (known as 'Kamon' in Japanese) on one's kimonos signifies the highest level of formality. A kimono made of silk similarly signifies a high degree of formality, whereas those of cotton and polyester signify casualness.

Kimonos for men are commonly available in the basic shape only, in muted colours. Conversely, women's kimonos are available in a variety of styles, patterns and colours. Men's kimonos are usually found in a single, standard size, while women's kimonos can be found in varied sizes.

Traditionally, kimonos for unmarried girls are more elaborately patterned and have flowing sleeves, sometimes floor-length. This is an indicator of their single status. These kimonos have bold colours, and the sash or 'obi' is also of a bright colour. This type of kimono is called 'Furisode'. The word 'Furisode' means 'swinging sleeves' in Japanese.

Kimonos which have simple patterns on them, typically a geometrical pattern or a dotted one, usually made of cotton and similar fabrics, are called 'Edo Kamon'. Such kimonos are considered to be more casual. When small patterns are repeatedly used on the kimono, it is referred to as 'Komon'.

The kind of kimono worn by performing artistes (geisha) in Japan is known as 'Susohiki' or 'Hikizuri'. It is longer and more free-flowing as compared to an ordinary kimono, and trails on the floor.

In Japanese weddings, the bride usually wears a heavily embroidered white kimono that is quite heavy. This type of kimono is known as 'Shiromuku' and is usually worn with an elaborate hair accessory. The groom wears a black-coloured kimono made of Habutae silk, along with a pleated skirt known as 'Hakama' and a black coat known as 'Haori'. The groom carries the crest of the family to his wedding, as a tradition.

While attending funerals, both Japanese men and women wear simple, black kimonos. In case of a wedding, the black kimono worn by men is accessorized by a white-coloured tie, while a black-coloured tie is preferred in case of funerals.

Different colours in fashion street

Colour is the first thing other people notice about us, and its impact is immediate and long-lasting. Our fashion colour choices say a lot about the image we are trying to portray and how we feel about ourselves. So what does colour tell people?

Within seconds of meeting you, others will respond to the 'colour messages' flashed by your clothes. Different colours can make people feel a certain way. In fact, it has been determined by medical science that colour can influence the viewer's hormones, blood pressure and body temperature. Colour also has an impact on:

* Your apparent shape;
* Your apparent weight;
* Your apparent personality;
* Your emotions
* Others emotions

Other important considerations are how appropriate the colour is for the location, occasion, time of year, your age and of course, your natural colouring.

We are all influenced by colour every day, whether we realise it or not. If we're having a bad day and not feeling good about ourselves, we tend to automatically choose clothes in dull neutral colours like black, grey or brown because they match how we're feeling. Just as when we're happy and feeling great we will go for something a bit brighter.

Have a look in your wardrobe and see how many different colours you own. Do you have a veritable rainbow of outfits? Or are there just 1 or 2 colours that you wear a variation of all the time? You may find you are stuck in a colour rut. Knowing this, why not experiment with the colours you wear and surround yourself with.

Sometimes it is not just the colour itself, but a combination of colours that create the affect. Colours produce different reactions when used in different fabrics and when put together in different colour combinations. For example, a red jacket worn with a white shirt to a business meeting exhibits confidence and power, but a red jacket worn with a lacy red top may be interpreted as saying, "I'm sexy and exciting and I have other things on my mind besides this business meeting".

Red is actually not the best colour to wear to a job interview as it can set the scene for an uneasy interaction between females. So what colours are appropriate for what situation?

Here is a list of the colours that men respond well to, both socially and professionally.

* Yellow: Holds their attention and keeps them alert; indicates the start of something new

* Yellow-based reds: Energetic colour that keeps conversations going

* True reds: Exhibits confidence

* Burgundy: Reflects class and sophistication and attracts the same type of men

* Mid-range blues: Puts others at ease and allows interactions to go smoothly

* Sky blue: A calming colour

* Navy blue: Signals that you want to be taken seriously; it inspires others to listen to what you have to say and displays that you are trustworthy

* Blue-based reds: Suggests intelligence and femininity

* Red violet: Suggests strength and creativity

It is most important though, to choose colours that are a good fit for your natural colouring. There is no point choosing a colour that suggests creativity and confidence if it also makes you look washed out or sick.

Wearing your best range of colours can have a huge impact on your wardrobe and your confidence. The right colours can make your skin tone appear more even, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and make you look brighter and healthier. While on the other hand wearing a colour which isn't so good for you, can make you look tired, dull and even ill. A colour analysis with a professional image consultant will show you exactly which range of colours are best for your clothing, makeup and accessories.

In short, our fashion colour choices tell the world a lot about us. Knowing how to use colour to your advantage can change the way you dress and boost your self-confidence.