Kimono news and archive

Exhibition in Venice explores Japanese menswear elegance

The exhibition "Men's kimono: Weaves of life, a story of style" opened in Venice on December 5. Curated by Silvia Vesco and Lydia Manavello, it will run until April 4, 2026, at the Museo di Palazzo Mocenigo, Study Centre for the History of Textiles, Costume and Perfume. Museum opens a window onto the little-explored field of Japanese menswear...

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Culture

V&A launches curator tour of Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition

The V&A museum has launched a series of five films on YouTube that takes viewers on a personal, 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour of its Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition, which is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. Curator Anna Jackson guides viewers through the exhibition spaces, providing a personal insight into...

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Culture

From samurais to Jedi knights, kimono stars in London show

London - Freddie Mercury, Yves Saint Laurent and George Lucas were all seduced by the charms of the kimono, whose evolution from medieval times in Japan will be on show at a major exhibition in London. The kimono has been worn by Jedi knights in Lucas's "Star Wars" movie saga, and David Bowie in his futuristic alter ego Ziggy Stardust. "It's...

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Culture

V&A to stage Europe’s first major exhibition on the kimono

The V&A in London will bring together 17th-century Japanese garments, international haute couture and costumes from Star Wars in Europe’s first major exhibition on kimono fashion. The ultimate symbol of Japan, the kimono is often perceived as traditional, timeless and unchanging, the V&A is looking to counter this conception with a new...

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Fashion

Kim Kardashian announces new brand name for her shapewear line

Kim Kardashian’s upcoming shapewear line, initially named “Kimono”, is now called “Skims”, the reality TV star revealed on Instagram. Kardashian took a U-turn following backlash from Japanese consumers and personalities, including the mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa. She was accused of cultural insensitivity and appropriation, as kimonos are a...

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Fashion

Kim Kardashian gets backlash for shapewear line with accusations of cultural appropriation

It’s been one day since fashion influencer and clothing entrepreneur Kim Kardashian launched her shapewear line, Kimono Solutionwear, and she’s already receiving backlash. Kardashian shared the launch of the shapewear line on her Instagram account, explaining the genesis of the line. However, in the caption of the announcement, she noted that “...

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Fashion

Japanese kimono makers seek to revive declining industry

At a century-old workshop in a quiet Tokyo neighbourhood, craftsman Yuichi Hirose brushes dye across meticulously hand-cut stencils laid on fabric, using a traditional technique to produce contemporary kimono patterns. Demand for the elaborate, elegant centrepiece of the Japanese wardrobe is in decline, but a handful of artisans and...