Kimono Cravings

God, it has been way too long since I posted something on my own blog. The last time was on my b'day, but let's be honest, who really still cares for the birthday wish I sent myself? Yes, indeed. No one. So time for some new inspiration! My tests are over (thought the moment would never arrive) and it's almost Ascension Day, so: a couple of days with no obligations! That means: doing the things I love again: reading, writing, watching films, drinking wine and buying records and buying clothes. In other words: things that bring inspiration. As for the wine: hell yes, I think this dreamy drink brings me more inspiration than all other things altogether. Really.

As for the buying clothes part, I'd love to share one of my new addictions with you. I have to say it feels pretty weird to write this, since my blog has become less and less fashion-oriented over the years. Maybe it's because I have been shopping strikingly less than the previous years or it's because I'm just not that materialistic anymore. There's more than money and clothes, as you must understand. Again, too much about me. What is this addicition I'm talking about? It's Kimonos. Authentic  Japanese Kimonos. Heaven in Holland.

It started with a pink Monki kimono to wear as a night gown, and it ended in buying 5 kimonos to wear in everyday life. They're easy to match, they're elegant and the fabric is extremely comfortable.

An additional thing I really love is the history that's related to this garment. The earliest kimonos - called gofuku - were influenced by Chinese clothing, strangely enough. In the 5th century AD, they were adopted by Japan and in the 8th century they really came into fashion. The sleeves began to grow and grow in length, resulting in the wide sleeves as we know 'em today. Back in the days, the kimono was a formal garment, but it became more and more everyday wear. During the past few centuries, Japanese people prefered wearing Western clothes and so, the kimono was pushed into the background. Besides, people who wore kimonos were easy victims of robbery, since they couldn't run very fast. 

Nowadays, kimonos are especially worn at special occassions, like weddings and tea ceremonies. Funny fact: all parts of a kimono (about 20) have a name and the range in styles of kimonos is outstanding. They have kimonos for unmarried women, for married women, kimonos with swinging sleeves, kimonos with dots patterns, mourning kimonos, dance kimonos and even men's kimonos. 

Well, that was my lesson to you about kimonos - didn't know half of it myself either - and so, I will continue the collection of kimonos. I wonder what you think of them and I wonder if this trend will develop and if yes, if that will be in Amsterdam, in New York or in Japan. So many questions. Time for relaxation. Time for a kimono.