If anyone has been shopping recently you will notice a new trend gracing the stores. That is the trend of the kimono. Traditionally, the kimono has been known as a Japanese garment but not anymore!
Fun fact: The word kimono literally means “a thing to wear." Kimonos were developed in Japan during the Heian period. Making a kimono used a new technique known as the straight line cut method. This technique involved cutting
pieces of fabric in straight lines and sewing them together. With this
technique kimono makers did not have to concern themselves with the shape of
the wearers body.
Straight line cut kimonos offered many advantages. They were
easy to fold, they were suitable for all weather and they could be worn in layers to
provide warmth in winter. Kimonos made of breathable fabric such as linen
were comfortable in summer. These advantages helped kimonos become part of
Japanese peoples everyday lives.
These things are all true of the updated kimono version we
see in the U.S. today. One difference is we are seeing them with an updated American twist. Kimonos are a great piece to add to your collection. In AZ you can wear them year round. Rather it be treated as an accessory to throw on and update a
simple outfit or to even wear as a cover-up for a swimsuit during resort season, the kimono has you covered (no pun intended)!
In these next pictures, Taelor shows us how to wear kimonos
for special occasions while she travels around the world!
First stop: Italy
Here she is in Italy by the
gondolas in a perfectly fitted floral kimono. Taelor says, “I am ready to row
my boat gently down the stream and look great doing it.”
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For our next stop in Italy, Taelor requested to look at some wall paintings. She wanted to wear something special when she toured art in Italy. She decide on this fringe kimono (which is our number one selling kimono) while she ooed and ahhed the artwork.
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While looking at artwork Taelor shouted, “I’ am feeling
“fringy” today!"
Taelor has a thing for elephants and really needed to see
them so we took her to Africa. On this day she chose a maroon, lace ensemble to
impress the elephants.
“I just love elephants!" Taelor exclaimed.
The elephant then said, "Well I
love your kimono!" And nudged her with his trunk. He then stated, "Look at the photobomb!"
They both had a hearty chuckle.
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Last stop: Chandler, AZ
Taelor decided she wanted to come back to the states so she
could see some holiday decorations.
She decided on another fringe kimono but one that had more
of a holiday flare.
While looking at decorations, Taelor got excited when she thought she saw a giant
mistletoe. She immediately stood under it but there was no one there to giver her a smooch. So sad.
Last but not least Taelor really wanted to step it up with a
holiday kimono for when she went to see the giant holiday reindeer bushes.
This reindeer bush loved Taelor's kimono so much he requested us to take a picture of them two together.
Who are we to deny bushes their requests?
That completes our tour of kimonos.
We carry all of these kimonos at Grand Central Clothing and Divaz Boutique! Come on in and let us help you pick the perfect one for the perfect occasion.
