Exhibition of Japanese kimono at the Quai Branly museum in Paris

The Japanese Kimono exhibited in all its forms is currently in the spotlight at the Quai Branly museum in Paris

The Japanese kimono (thing you wear) appeared in Japan more than 1000 years ago, more recently in the West the Japanese kimono has become essential in the world of fashion, music and cinema. Some say that the Japanese kimono is a kind of sophisticated bathrobe.

The authentic Japanese Kimono is an outfit that suits Japanese samurai warriors as well as Geisha artists, but also worn by the biggest pop-stars, they (Madonna, Queen..) have all been crazy about it. For four centuries , the Japanese kimono is used and revisited by the greatest creators of haute couture such as JP Gautier, the Japanese kimono timeless over time and remains today an icon for the greatest number.

But what is the secret of its longevity and popularity?

Emblematic clothing and characteristic of the identity of Japan, the kimono is today an essential piece of fashion. From samurai schools to catwalks, from kabuki actors to international pop stars, spotlight on an outfit that transcends categories and borders.

Only the reservation of a dedicated time slot guarantees access to the exhibition.

Appearing more than a thousand years ago, the kimono – literally “what is worn” – embodies in the eyes of the Japanese the national culture and sensibility. It was at the beginning of the Edo era (1603-1868) that it became the traditional dress par excellence, worn by all Japanese, regardless of their social status or gender. A golden age that saw the extraordinary development of its production and the birth of a fashion culture thanks to the enthusiasm of the entertainment world. Celebrities and elegant people of the time – kabuki actors in the lead – then becoming the first Japanese fashion icons.

If it timidly reached the European coasts at the end of the 17th century, it was in the 1850s, with the opening of Japan to foreign trade, that the kimono was exported to a West then fascinated by its exotic character. The enthusiasm aroused by its shape or its fabrics profoundly and radically transformed the fashion of the continent a few decades later. Subsequently exceeding its status as a symbol, disavowing its traditional and timeless character, it will lose none of its superb between the scissors of the greatest stylists around the world (like John Galliano or Alexander McQueen) or in the streets of the archipelago. , revisited in an innovative and sometimes subversive way by young Japanese people.

At this exhibition you can admire a wide choice of ancient traditional & modern Japanese kimono

The types of Japanese kimono on display are:

1. Uchikake: Uchikake kimono is a type of traditional Japanese kimono worn during wedding ceremonies. It is usually made from fine silk and is richly decorated with floral motifs, dragons and phoenixes. It is usually worn by the bride over another kimono and is often accompanied by a matching obi (sash).
2. Kurotomesode (黒留袖): The Kurotomesode kimono is a type of traditional Japanese kimono that is mainly worn by married women during formal ceremonies and receptions. It is usually made from fine silk and is decorated with intricate and elaborate designs, usually flowers, birds, boats and landscapes. It is usually black, but can also be navy blue, red or green. It is usually worn with a matching obi and accessories such as jewelry and special shoes.
3. Furisode (振袖): The Furisode kimono is a type of traditional Japanese kimono worn mainly by young single women. It is usually made from fine silk and is decorated with colorful designs, such as flowers, birds, butterflies and nature scenes. It is distinguished by its long sleeves which measure approximately 50 cm, which makes it more formal and more delicate than other types of kimonos. It is usually worn with a matching obi and accessories such as jewelry and special shoes.
4. Hōmongi (訪問着): The Homongi kimono is a type of traditional Japanese kimono worn by women during formal ceremonies and receptions. It is usually made from fine silk and is decorated with elaborate designs, such as flowers, birds and nature scenes. It stands out for its elegant design and formal look, it is usually light or pastel in color, with printed or embroidered patterns.
5. Tsukesage (付け下げ): The Tsukesage kimono is a type of traditional Japanese kimono worn mainly by women during ceremonies and semi-formal receptions. It is usually made from fine silk and is decorated with discreet and elegant patterns, such as flowers, birds and nature scenes. It stands out for its simple and elegant design, it is usually light or pastel in color, with printed or embroidered designs, it is usually worn with a simpler obi than a Homongi or a Furisode. It is usually worn with accessories such as jewelry and special shoes.
6. Iromuji (色無地): Iromuji kimono is a type of traditional Japanese kimono that is generally simple and elegant. It is made from fine silk and is one color, usually neutral colors like blue, gray, beige or white. It has no printed or embroidered patterns, its simplicity is its particularity. It is usually worn by women at formal and semi-formal ceremonies and receptions.

To know more visit the QUAI BRANLY MUSEUM website to buy your ticket