While we were in Kyoto, considered the cultural epicenter of Japan, we visited Kumagaiji, M collection, the business of Mrs. Masami Kumagi.
She and her daughter were attendees at our wedding seminar last year. This family’s business opened its doors in 1879.
It was so nice to reconnect with them and see their wedding shop and kimono designs.
First, they graciously showed us, a Shiromuku kimono worn at a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony.
This example is decorated with a design of cranes, who mate for life and are symbols of longevity.
Before joining her family and friends for the reception, the bride would exchange the white outer-kimono for an elaborate and brightly-colored one.
This is an elaborate and traditional Wedding Kimono.
The patterns that adorn kimono are very significant, for it is through choice of color and, most importantly, decorative motifs that the wearer’s gender, age, status, wealth, and taste are articulated.
The cloth used to make a kimono is traditionally all one piece of fabric, that is hand-stitched together.
Historically, kimono worn by women, particularly the young, are the most richly decorated. It is generally this style that are collected by museums. Such kimono were the designer clothes of their day.
Then they showed us some of their original designs from a recent collection which I thought were very modern, young and stylish. A great way to be contemporary and traditional at the same time.
This kimono reminds me of something that English designer Paul Smith might come up with .
The choice of obi, ( fabric belts) and accessories, such as combs and pins worn in the hair, are also important. Historically only the elite regularly wore luxurious kimono; the majority of people would only have donned silk garments on special occasions and were sometimes forbidden to do so all together.
We also visited a shop specializing in hair ornaments.
These incredible hair ornaments were hundreds of dollars some made with semi-precious stones.
With high speed travel, and internet communications, the world is getting quickly homogenized. Everywhere you go you see the same tennis shoes, designer bags and fast food. I think as time goes on, we will culturally share more and more in common. It is my hope we will also value what makes us different and unique.
