KIMONO new generation featuring YOSHIKIMONO

From the YOSHIKIMONO COLLECTION 2017

These days, it seems there are more opportunities than before to catch a glimpse of women dressed in kimono walking along the streets of Tokyo. Some are dressed for traditional events such as the festival day for children of ages three, five and seven or the coming-of age ceremony; some are dressed in the yukata, a summer attire that is showing signs of a popular resurgence; others are college girls dressed in hakama for their graduation ceremonies. The world of kimono culture has evolved amidst the various changes of the times, and artist YOSHIKI, who is active worldwide, takes up the challenge of succeeding in this world. What is the appeal behind the new generation of kimono?

Born as the eldest son to a family that runs a kimono fabric shop, YOSHIKI developed a strong desire to spread the appeal of Japan’s traditional clothing culture of kimono to the world after spending close to 20 years of his life overseas. The brand YOSHIKIMONO, named after himself, was born with this vision in mind. This was achieved through his encounter with Keigo Kano, the creator behind SCOPE COCO Co. Ltd, an old and established kimono-maker from Kyoto. In October 2015, the brand unveiled its first full collection in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo. The numerous items in the collection came in delicate and beautiful weaves and designs that combined Japanese and Western styles, as well as classical and contemporary patterns. There were also fun and innovative stylings of what is known as the “dress kimono.” The brand’s unique view of the world was reflected in the collection, which presented highest levels of traditional techniques that Japan takes pride in alongside with a global sensibility. The collection drew much attention and became the talk of the town.