Designers rock the yukata
Mamechiyo Modern gives a modern twist to traditional dress
Yukata, obi and geta are getting a fresh lease on life as designers and even high-street stores give traditional Japanese wear a contemporary twist this summer. One of the best places to check out the cutting edge of this trend is Marui One in Shinjuku where spider web print cotton yukata, geta with cute bows and even skull motif obi can be seen.
Comme Ca store’s polka dot yukata
Ya Ya, who do striking lightning bolt jinbei and funky lizard clips, are selling their line on the second floor of Marui One until July 29. Mamechiyo Modern, who is based in the same building (on the second and fourth floors), also does a great range that includes funky striped geta and really wild obi with playful motifs.
From July 2-5 Mamechiyo Modern will be running a special exhibition at Marui One of traditional wear made by students of Oda Kimono School in collaboration with the Mamechiyo brand. The idea is for the students to re-imagine classic designs for the modern market. Visitors will be able to buy some of the creations they come up with, so if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth popping by.
The idea of reinventing the kimono is nothing new, out on the street, creative young Japanese have been doing their own thing for awhile by spicing up old kimono with inventive accessorizing. TokyoFashion.com has got a great snap of a cute couple rocking the traditional look Grimoire’s recent Dolly-Kei party.
Now high street stores are also getting in on the action: Comme Ca Store is selling sweet polka dot yukata and UniQlo have gone one better with this playful tie-dye style dot print yukata. With so many interesting new designs coming out, it’s certain that this summer’s festivals are going to be livened up with some fun and funky re-workings of traditional dress.
Tags: yukata
