KIMONO Illustrated by Cindy Claudia
きもの
K
IMONO is Japan’s timeless sense of beauty.
Each intricate design and carefully placed stitch has its own meaning and story. It refers to the outer garment of traditional Japanese dress, a long robe with wide sleeves made of various materials and in many patterns.
Spring
ć˜Ľ haru
S
EASONS still very much
dictated the Japanese’s life. The layering colors of kimono and the patterns on the surface vary with the season and even the month. Colors in spring would be light and fresh such as peach, burgundy, or yellow. Popular patterns are cherry blossoms, magnolia, and willows.
� n a ts u
S
UMMER kimono is usually Yukata,
the most informal kimono made from light cotton. The colors in summer need to be cool to give the cool feeling both for the wearer and people around. Patterns on summer kimono frequently are flowing water, fish, or hydrangeas.
Summer
Autumn
秋 aki
C
OLORS of kimono in autumn need to be warm
and depict the season, such as slate blue, rose, or grey green. Typical patterns for autumn kimono are maple leaves, bush clover, ginkgo, and chrysanthemum.
冏 fuyu
K
IMONO in winter is preferably in rich/bright
colors such as lavender, deep blue, sprout green, and crimson. The patterns can be winter flowers such as plum blossoms, camellias, or bamboos as head of a season.
Winter
HANA KANZASHI Flowers hair ornament
Kimono
OBIJIME To keep the shape of obi in proper position
KINCHAKU Drawstring pouches to pair with kimono
TABI White socks
GETA High soles sandals
HAN A O B IJ IME
TAB I
KIN CHAKU
G ET A
Accessories
OBI
OBI Belt that has to match the colors and design of kimono
KUSHI KANZASHI Rounded comb for hair ornaments
KUSHI
M A KI E
MAKIE KANZASHI Fan-shaped hairpins
ZORI
ZORI Most formal footwear used with kimono
FU R IS O DE
Formal kimono for unmarried women. The sleeves are long and hang down the side. Worn during Coming of Age ceremony.
H OU M ON G I
All purpose kimono for married women. Less colorful and attention grabbing. Seamless pattern run over the kimono.
IRO MUJ I
For both married/ unmarried women. It has solid 1 color without any pattern. Usually worn during tea ceremony. White color is for burial clothes and black is for mourning.
Types of
Y U K A TA
T OM ES ODE
KO MO N
IR O TOM E SODE Most formal kimono for women. The pattern starts below the waist.
Casual summer attire for everyone at any ages. It has bright colors and simple pattern/design.
KURO TOMESODE Most formal for married women. Usually worn by mother of the bride or groom.
Kimono
Casual attire for day to day basis for every woman. Wore to go shopping or theatre.