日本の着物を世界に！守るために壊す？！〔#572〕

TL;DR

Japanese kimonos are being modernized for global appeal.

Transcript

I've never worn nor seen anything like this! So today, I'm filming with a few friends that helped me with my kimono fitting for the Golden Globes! Oshimoto-san & Terauchi-san from Kimono SK! Isn't it gorgeous? Designed by Sueko-san! So! Today I'm going to introduce you to a few Chika-tomos who are working overseas! Sueko Oshimoto, who works as a c... Read More

Key Insights

• Sueko Oshimoto and Kentaro Terauchi are working to spread Japanese kimono culture globally, particularly in Hollywood, by designing costumes for films, music videos, and commercials.
• They have modernized traditional kimonos to make them more appealing and comfortable for non-Japanese audiences, integrating them into Western fashion contexts.
• Traditional kimonos are often seen as uncomfortable and impractical by Western audiences, prompting a redesign to make them easier to wear and more versatile.
• The team at Kimono SK is breaking traditional rules to preserve kimono culture, believing that innovation is necessary for its survival and global appreciation.
• They have worked with celebrities like Carmen Electra and Miranda Kerr, showcasing kimonos in high-profile settings to increase their visibility and appeal.
• There is a delicate balance between maintaining the elegance and tradition of kimonos while adapting them to modern fashion trends and global markets.
• The artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating kimonos are emphasized, with a focus on using quality materials and skilled artisans to maintain cultural integrity.
• Expanding the kimono market globally is seen as essential to preserving the craft and ensuring it doesn't become just a historical artifact.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are kimonos being adapted for Western audiences?

Kimonos are being adapted for Western audiences by making them more comfortable and versatile. This includes designing them to be easier to wear, integrating them with Western fashion elements like stilettos, and ensuring they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. These adaptations help kimonos appeal to a broader, non-Japanese audience.

Q: What challenges do traditional kimonos face in global markets?

Traditional kimonos face challenges in global markets due to perceptions of discomfort and impracticality. Western audiences often find them hard to wear and less adaptable to modern fashion contexts. Additionally, traditional kimonos may lack the extravagance needed to compete on the world stage, prompting designers to innovate while maintaining cultural integrity.

Q: Why is innovation considered necessary for preserving kimono culture?

Innovation is considered necessary for preserving kimono culture because it allows for the adaptation of traditional garments to contemporary fashion trends and global markets. By modernizing the design and making kimonos more appealing to non-Japanese audiences, designers like Sueko Oshimoto ensure that the cultural heritage remains relevant and appreciated worldwide.

Q: Who are some of the celebrities that have worn modernized kimonos?

Some celebrities who have worn modernized kimonos include Carmen Electra and Miranda Kerr. These high-profile figures help increase the visibility and appeal of kimonos in Western media. By showcasing kimonos in such settings, designers can highlight their versatility and elegance, attracting more interest from global audiences.

Q: How does Kimono SK maintain the cultural integrity of kimonos?

Kimono SK maintains the cultural integrity of kimonos by using quality materials and skilled artisans in their creation. They emphasize the importance of craftsmanship and ensure that even as kimonos are modernized, they retain their traditional elegance and cultural significance. This approach helps balance innovation with respect for cultural heritage.

Q: What is the significance of the Miss Asia pageant in the context of kimonos?

The Miss Asia pageant highlighted the need for modernization in kimono design. Initially, a traditional kimono was used, but it failed to stand out on the world stage. This event underscored the importance of adapting kimonos to be more extravagant and visually appealing in competitive environments, leading to innovative designs that better captured judges' attention.

Q: What role does quality craftsmanship play in the kimono industry?

Quality craftsmanship is crucial in the kimono industry as it ensures the garments maintain their elegance and cultural significance. Skilled artisans use traditional techniques and high-quality materials to create kimonos that are not only beautiful but also durable. This commitment to craftsmanship helps preserve the cultural heritage and supports the livelihoods of artisans.

Q: Why is global market expansion important for kimono culture?

Global market expansion is important for kimono culture because it helps preserve the craft and ensures its continued relevance. By reaching new audiences and adapting kimonos to modern fashion trends, designers can prevent the cultural heritage from becoming obsolete. Expanding globally also supports artisans and the broader kimono industry, keeping the tradition alive.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sueko Oshimoto and Kentaro Terauchi are bringing traditional Japanese kimonos to a global audience by modernizing their design for Hollywood films and other Western media. They aim to preserve the cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary fashion trends.

• The team at Kimono SK is innovating the traditional kimono to make it more comfortable and appealing to non-Japanese people. They work with celebrities and in high-profile events to showcase the kimono's versatility and elegance.

• By breaking some traditional rules, Kimono SK ensures the survival and relevance of kimono culture in a global market. They emphasize the importance of quality craftsmanship and the need to adapt to modern fashion sensibilities.