FASHIONS IN 20TH CENTURY KIMONO

Japanese clothing consumption rates escalated over the 20th century, and the rate of this escalation stimulated distinct changes in kimono style. While foreign fashions did impact Japanese kimono designs over this period, it is important to acknowledge that stylistic changes were not solely reflective of fashions emanating from other global centres. Changes also came from within, the result of indigenous aesthetic concepts as well as major events including earthquakes, war, and economic booms and recessions. Since 2020 the number of kimono on the second-hand market has reached unprecedented quantities. Many of these kimono are silk and wool pieces that were produced in the Showa period (1926 – 1989). The handmade, labour-intensive sector of the industry, which was strong until the 1970s, is now, by comparison, very limited. This extraordinary mix of excessive production of quality textiles and now excessive dumping means that it is a prime time to collect, be it through Japanese dealers or even the second hand shops in Bangkok. Caroline will present kimono typical of the changes in the 20th century, focusing on the post war period and the evolving ideas of luxury that drove stylistic changes so that we can better see the various types: the fashions in kimono. Born in rural Australia, Caroline grew up in the pristine beauty of raw nature. With a background in fashion design and kimono history, she now lives in Bangkok. Working as a fashion theorist, she has been humbled working with both weavers and embroiderers in Kashmir, designers and museums in Tamil Nadu. She has lectured and exhibited in Russia, India, Australia and Japan.