| The Kimono with an Obi or the sash around the | | | | magazines began gaining popularity in Japan, like |
| waist and the Geta were originated in Japan more | | | | Soen, New style that showed Japanese women |
| than a thousand years ago. The material used to | | | | how to dress. Not merely a magazine showcasing |
| fabricate these varied form the most expensive | | | | ready-made dresses and attires, these magazines |
| of silks to the cheapest of linens. The kimono was | | | | served the purpose of fashion guides. The |
| also an heirloom often passed down from mother | | | | magazines showed Japanese women how to sew |
| to daughter sometimes for several generations. | | | | their Kimonos into dresses and their husband's old |
| Since the Kimono had one basic pattern, it could | | | | coats into suits. This was a complete sewing guide |
| fit people with different body types by adjusting | | | | and soon silk Kimonos began transforming into silk |
| the neck and waistline. Modern Japanese clothing | | | | dresses at par with New York and Paris designs |
| brings together the influences of the traditional | | | | and Japanese men began adorning suits. |
| Kimono with the modern western clothing. | | | | Another reason for the ancient Kimono fading out |
| The traditional Kimono however is relegated as a | | | | to modern Japanese clothing is the ever-growing |
| ceremonial dress in modern Japan. The kimono is | | | | popularity of man-made fabrics. From 1975 to |
| now worn mostly only during the New Year or a | | | | 1988, silk production fell by 39percent and since |
| wedding. Fashion shows in Japan bring together | | | | kimonos are made of silk, the kimono is losing |
| both these worlds by showcasing suits, which are | | | | popularity as an everyday wear. A number of |
| draped like kimonos. Geta, which was the | | | | stereotypes have also stopped the Kimono from |
| traditional footwear in Japan, shows its traces in | | | | making a comeback. Younger women lack |
| modern day platform shoes. Fashion streets of | | | | assistance in buying a Kimono; what colors should |
| Tokyo display brightly colored socks, which are a | | | | they buy and even where to buy them is an |
| combination of the traditional tabi with western | | | | unanswered question for a large percentage. It is |
| colors. Tabi is the traditional padded socks worn | | | | also a common thought that they are hard to |
| at home since the Japanese remain bare foot in | | | | wear alone and that a Kimono is only meant for |
| their houses. Traces of the Sashiko, the traditional | | | | special occasions. The thought that they are |
| quilted coat can also be seen in modern coats. So, | | | | expensive also discourages many young potential |
| if you are in Tokyo, you may see a fine blend of | | | | buyers. |
| the ancient Japanese and the western in the | | | | A total westernization will never happen owing to |
| youth of modern Japan. Kimonos and platform | | | | Japan's rich culture but a healthy mix of western |
| shoes under them with a western hair style - this | | | | and traditional can be seen everyday on the |
| is what many young Japanese people can be seen | | | | streets of Tokyo and many other cities and |
| attired in. however, modern Japanese clothing can | | | | towns. A Nike t-shirt over a skirt and a Geta is |
| be best described as largely western with | | | | not an uncommon sight; the only saddening part |
| elements from Japanese clothing incorporated. | | | | may perhaps be the downhill journey of the |
| The change probably came around after the | | | | traditional Kimono in the modern Japanese clothing. |
| Second World War. By 1946, a number of fashion | | | | |