The Beauty Of Kimono Style

Every country in the world has its charm which lies in the associated customs, traditions, and beliefs. Japan is one of the most favorite places for tourism. The skyscrapers and villages are rich in Japanese culture and history. The houses and buildings are very distinct from the ones in the western world and so is their dressing style. The elegance in their dresses says a lot about their culture.

The Real Meaning:

The kimono style is one of the oldest modes of grace. The literal meaning of the kimono itself is “clothing”, the kimono also has another name that is ”Gofuku”. In the late 19th century it was also the only dress worn by the Japanese. This is why it is a part of its ancient history as well. Being an important part of the Japanese tradition, it is worn and designed for various occasions.

Kimono As Traditional Dressing:

Though it is well known for being a part of the Japanese tradition yet the kimonos are commonly sighted. It is a T-shaped long-sleeved upper. The kimono can be worn in many different ways anyone wishes to style it, as people other than the Japanese also mark them as fashionable, these cardigans-styled casual kimonos are a popular item. It was the Heian period that took out the old kimono style and brought in the basic western dresses as they are now. Yet still many people that have the essence of traditional art and old-school genes wear the same kimono-styled dresses.

The Importance of Kimono:

The height and length of sleeves of these kimonos changed over time. The women’s kimono dress became more decorative and beadier and the sleeves became wider and longer, this also came into vogue after some time. The history of Japan is full of its culture-making and findings. talking about the women in kimonos when it comes to Japanese culture, one may imagine a woman dressed in a kimono holding a fan or an umbrella. These folding fans hold a significant part in Japanese history and culture as well. Sense or folding fans are presented as the best souvenirs one can get from Japan. These fans are beautifully crafted or calligraphed. Being an invention of the Japanese, these are made up of wood and strips of silk or lightweight paper. In the past, these fans served as a symbol of high social rank. other than the symbolizing part the fan is concerned to be a sign of prosperity as it widens up to open various paths of prosperity. The other thing that became a part of the Japanese culture is the “Or ” simply known as origami which is a form of art used to make designs out of folded paper. It used to serve as a custom in the early period in Japan.

The Importance And Effect Of Colors And Styles In Clothing:

Colors hold a specific meaning and vibe in every culture and tradition. Talking about Japanese culture, they are very specific with colors. There are some colors that are termed as lucky for them, which is also the same case in other traditions. While there are different colors for different occasions that are marked. For kimono, there are some colors especially allied. The Japanese attire (that is the kimono) gives different meanings according to the colors, such as the black kimono which they don't associate with funerals, like many other cultures. White, for them, is associated with mourning. Some combinations are also key, red with white is a protuberant shade in Japan. The colors are used for décor and are worn in important ceremonies and events. The red color denotes passion, while white signifies mourning. The color blue symbolizes loyalty and passivity. The colors gold and silver signify masculinity and strength, whereas the color black means anger and also a mystery. Simply, a color symbolizes certain meanings according to the culture, and the Kimono gives great value to colors.

The Gothic Style:

The gothic notion has been increasing day to day, at first it was not as common as it is today. But now one can find it on tv, in movies, in fashion shows, etc. people have been following it as a modern fashion trend. The gothic style first appeared in the 1970s. This was the time when being rebellious was considered in style. The style was named the “punk style” whereas the gothic style was not very different from it. This is what the gothic style was in the past, all dark and deep. Black was the color of vogue and also so was the metallic jewelry. Whereas the modern goths are the ones that are highly inspired by the vampire theory or in simpler words are more absorbed in the afterlife. The most common color to dress gothic is black. But it is not always compulsory to wear all black some goths also wear some deep staple colors such as dark purple or blue. But still black stays the dominating color in all. they wear silver accessories on top.

The Gothic Kimono And Its Styling:

Styling up these kimonos is a very simple way, today the kimonos are worn casually. Styling up the kimonos in the gothic style is a whole new twist to the dressing. It is the usual kimono but modified with unique styling ideas to suit the Gothic look, and is something that is in vogue at the moment. Other than black, a classic deep red color is also a color that portrays the gothic style. Symbolizing the kimono as a Japanese style a fan can also be used as an accessory, this adds style and a pinch of the beautiful Japanese culture as well. People usually dye their hair black as well to go with the whole look. The long bell sleeves are also in style.

What Makeup Looks Are Best For The Gothic Kimono:

Gothic style, of course, calls for darker colors for an edgier look. This means, without a doubt, that a Gothic Kimono would go best with a Gothic makeup look, i.e darker and bolder shades of makeup. Select the eye shadow color that goes best with the color your kimono is of. Keep in mind that the eyes are the main focus when it comes to Japanese-style makeup. The best combination is red lipstick; it always helps amp up the look. Also, a great example is smoky purple eye makeup to go with a Gothic kimono of black or purple color. According to the Japanese makeup theme, the lips, eyes, and eyebrows are the main features that are focused on the most. The makeup that was common in the Japanese tradition in the past is known as ”Heian Gao” whereas the present kimono face is a full white face. This can be achieved by applying foundation all over the face and down to the throat as the images above show while adding darker colors appropriately for a Goth look. The eyebrows are well-defined and thick in shape.

As Lolita kimonos are a cultural heritage of the Japanese, they can be seen commonly worn by Japanese people every day. However, adding a Gothic twist to the traditional Kimono is definitely a jaw-dropping idea!