Kimono influencer Sheila Cliffe in her Christmas-inspired outfit. (Courtesy of Derek Makishima)
I am always thinking about how to reflect the seasons in my kimono outfits. This year, 2024, is no exception. I have come up with a few ideas for kimono outfits to participate in the spirit of the season.
This first kimono is a yuzen-dyed kimono from Kanazawa. The camellias are slowly being covered in the gentle snow. The obi is a gold heko obi from Rumi Rock. I have chosen a red hat and gloves to compliment the kimono.
Perhaps the most lovely thing about this kimono is the little secret snowman, hiding in the hem. This demonstrates an important Japanese aesthetic, that not all beauty lies on the surface, or is visible for all eyes.
I have styled this dark green kimono with two different half-width obi, to create two completely different looks. Through this, you can see the diversity of the kimono. The kimono is almost plain, with just simple vertical gold threads in it. However, the two different obi and sets of accessories create two completely different looks with the same kimono.
Reflecting the Seasons
For one outfit, I have used a linen obi with hearts on one side and an abstract red and green pattern on the other. The red and green, as well as the heart design, instantly speak of Christmas.
A red obi age (scarf) and silver obi jime (tie) with a snowflake are optional extras to add to the joyous Christmas feeling. An antique red bag and poinsettia hat complete the retro Christmas outfit.
In my other version for this kimono, I have used a Christmas motif obi with tree ornaments, holly, and silver stars. A magenta obi jime (a cord that holds the obi in place) enhances the colors in the obi design. The silver stars inspire the obi jime and the glittery obi dome (brooch) which I use as an accent. The other accessories are in gold to add to the festive feeling.
Cocktail Party, Kimono-Style
If you are a partygoer, you probably have at least one little black dress. I am hoping to be invited to some celebrations, and I am showing off my kimono version of the little black dress. To demonstrate what a wonderfully versatile garment this plain black kimono is, I have also styled this kimono in two different ways.
I chose a bright pink lining when I had it made, to distinguish it from mourning wear. On one outfit, I added a silk pink handbag to create a very modern look. The obi, in addition to shades of pink, has black, white, and lamé threads in it, and makes a perfect contrast with the black kimono.
Stripes, spots, and the overall check design mean that this obi is not limited by any season and can be worn on any celebratory occasion.
The second outfit I made with this kimono uses one of my favorite obi made by WAKKA. Perfect for a cocktail party, the colorful drinks are bubbling in their glasses. Using your obi-tying skills, you can make them tall or short glasses. This is a very fun and original obi.
I have picked up the turquoise in the obi for my dangling tie, and the red cocktail glass for the other accessories. I will be ready for a swinging time when I wear this kimono and obi.
A Symbol of Eternity
What better way than using seasonal flowers from the Japanese calendar to wear at New Year's? In this wine-red antique yuzen kimono, the camellias, which are in full bloom at this season, are covered with snow.
The obi design is a plum blossom, woven in golden threads that symbolizes the beginning of spring. The accessories pick up the orange camellias. I have added an antique bead bag and glittery shell earrings to add to the festive feeling.
The final outfit I created is based on the pine motif. A symbol of eternity in both East and West, the fine pine needles are exquisitely woven into this kimono. I have contrasted it with white accessories.
The obi also has a pine and some bamboo and chrysanthemums. A striped obi age emphasizes the colors in the kimono. The Strathberry bag from their East/West collection shows carp jumping. The silk thread earrings are off-white with a sheen similar to the obi.
An Auspicious Start
Finally, I asked yuzen-dyer Keikou Tanabe if she made any special kimono or obi for the season. We all need a bit of good luck at the New Year and her obi is of takarazukushi. This means all kinds of treasures and is thought to be very auspicious.
The designs originally came to Japan from China, and are related to Buddhism. They have been popular on kimono and obi since the Edo period.
Among the auspicious Japanese designs perhaps you can find a magic hammer, a magic cloak, a weight, a scroll, some cloves, and a treasure purse. This combination of lucky Japanese symbols and the takarazukushi should ensure the wearer a very happy and prosperous New Year.
I wish everyone the very best for the celebratory season.
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Author: Sheila Cliffe
Read other columns on kimono by the author.
