Recently, young women in Japan have taken to the idea of wearing kimono
as everyday fashion, delighting in scouring secondhand kimono stores and
their mothers' closets for vintage pieces to bring their own wardrobes
up to date. A testament to this trend is the success of Nanao, a
quarterly magazine aimed at this younger market, and filled with stylish
spreads and tips on dressing, finding great but inexpensive pieces, and
customizing, accessorizing, and caring for these traditional garments.
The New Kimono presents, in book form, a selection of the best
articles from Nanao, providing a wealth of information to Western
readers with an interest in kimono. Articles include interviews with
young Japanese women who consider kimono their day-to-day garb, advice
on how to coordinate fabrics and designs, how to choose an obi, how to
choose footwear, how to choose underwear, how to customize vintage
kimono, and fabulous vintage kimono fashion spreads. An appendix
provides clear, step-by-step guidelines on putting on kimono, kimono
underwear, yukata, and obi. A glossary of kimono terms and a shop guide
is also included. Beautiful photographs combine with practical hints,
making this book indispensable for kimono lovers, as well as anyone with
an interest in fashion, Japanese popular culture, or textiles and
design.
