Centuries-old history
The land of the rising sun ... How much mystery and greatness lies in these words! The history and traditions of Japan can be admired endlessly, each time discovering more and more interesting facts. But special attention should be paid to the national Japanese costume, because this extraordinarily beautiful clothing right now admires both men and women all over the world.
Japanese motifs can be called a true wonder of the world. For the first time national costumes of Japan were mentioned in their imperishable manuscripts by the wise men from the Middle Kingdom. It was China that influenced the formation of many Japanese traditions. This influence, inspired by the culture of Buddhism, has not bypassed fashion design.
The sixth century of our era was marked by the final formation of the traditional Japanese costume, which can be observed by people of the twenty-first century. A sort of "calling card" of Japan was formed - the traditional kimono.
Stages of development of the Japanese costume
The true legislators of Japanese fashion were the actors of the famous Kabuki Theater. They needed to constantly improve their clothes, selecting the most appropriate and beautiful options for stage images, dance and theater performances. Residents of the city, who came to the performances, noticed new details of the traditional dress and exploited them with pleasure.
Progress in the development of national Japanese clothing initially had to be taken over by the peasants, since noble aristocrats preferred costumes, the style of which was adopted from Korea and China. After several centuries, the Japanese of all classes could not imagine themselves without the traditional kimono, so the poor and the rich wore traditional models.
Time passed, and Japanese clothing was divided into two obvious branches - male and female, because at first all outfits were universal. Mo and hakama were invented - skirts and pants. Japanese and Japanese reacted negatively to this innovation, however, the order of the emperor forced them to accept changes in fashion.
Unique features of traditional Japanese clothing
Women held a special place in Japanese culture. Their main duty was to cause unlimited admiration for men, to please them in every way, and aesthetic pleasure was at the very first step. Female kimono helped geisha to demonstrate their grace and helplessness, to emphasize the dignity of the look.
The design of the men's traditional outfit pursued other goals. The suit should be strict, practical and non-marking, as a result of which clothing for Japanese men was designed in discreet, dark colors. The patterns in the kimono were still present - these were geometric prints. Vegetative ornaments and images of animals, fish and birds were less rare.
Festive women's and men's outfits looked truly gorgeous. For their design used the brightest shades, perfectly in harmony with each other.
There have always been seasonal trends. In the fall, the girls wore kimono with V-sheet patterns, in the spring pink sakura flowers bloomed on the fabric, and with the onset of winter, clothing was decorated with delicate needles of pine matzoh.
Varieties and varieties
National Japanese costumes have some differences, depending on the social status of a person, gender and position in society.
- Women's Japanese costume is decorated very seductively and with some tricks. The outfit contains several layers of clothing, in the aggregate giving a design that supposedly accidentally opens the bottom products in some places. This is necessary for extra sexuality.
- The undergarments are skirts, futan and koshimaki, as well as a undershirt called hajadzuban. It is necessary that these products are combined in color with kimono.
- No traditional women's outfit could do without the obi belt. Ob has a striking length - the standard model is at least five meters. This length is necessary in order to tie the complex, but delightful bows. The belt could be made in different colors and decorated with numerous ornaments that are necessary not only for beauty. Obi reported on marital status and social status.
Japanese shoes
For European women, Japanese-style shoes do not seem comfortable. Products for Japanese legs are really specific. The most popular models of national Japanese shoes are zori and geta.
- Dzori was worn by peasant girls, because these shoes are as simple as possible and are not attractive. These are flat size wicker sandals.
- Geta could afford the wealthy Japanese and professional geisha. Geta is divided into two variations. The first model is equipped with a large wooden block with a notch in the bottom. The second is a wooden bench. The highest platform geta reaches as much as ten centimeters. Shoe laces are fixed between the index finger and thumb, holding the leg firmly.
The creation of geta engaged in the most talented artists, as they were necessary to decorate the festive painting. Many pairs of shoes rest in museums - they look so great. People who are well-versed in the world of art call the geta a worthy contender of famous paintings.
Accessories
Jewelry Japanese women were not particularly needed due to the delightful national costumes. But some accessories in the wardrobe of Japanese beauties still present.
- Key Chains "netsuke", fastened to the belt;
- Combs, sticks and elegant hairpins for hair;
- Fans.
Samurai uniform
The samurai costume was the main indicator of the masculinity and courage of the Japanese warrior. Samurais donned special dresses that were available exclusively for their class. The commoners who dared to wear traditional warrior clothing were severely punished. But in the case of major holidays, the emperor could allow artisans to appear at a celebration in hakama — pleated trousers that resemble a skirt.
The form of the samurai consists of two kimonos. The bottom was snow white. On the top kimono sewed family coat of arms, showing others, from which feudal family came samurai.
Baby kimono
The national Japanese costume for a girl differs from an adult kimono by the pretentiousness and elegance increased several times. The colors of children's clothes are much more picturesque. Prints of products specific - each drawing is endowed with a special meaning. It is believed that the patterns bring good luck to girls.
One of the most popular drawings on a kimono for a girl are carps - koi. Many legends are associated with koi, so the designers of the dresses chose them as the dominant symbol.
School uniform
Having first appeared on the threshold of elementary school, Japanese first graders may not be afraid that they will be forced to wear a certain school uniform, but traditional touches in official clothes for schoolchildren exist.
- The uniform for girls in elementary school is a light-colored blouse and a long blouse to the knee. Boys wear black and blue shorts with white shirts.
- Senior classes suggest dramatic changes in shape.Guys are forced to dress in clothes, made in the army style. Girls put on charming sailor suits that even European schoolgirls wear. This form is called "Gakuran". If you translate literally, you get a "student from Europe."
- The sailor suit consists of a jacket and a pleated skirt. Blouse decorated with a collar in a marine style. On the blouse there is a loop for the red ribbon, which the schoolgirls, if desired, replace with ties, butterflies and bows.
Japanese traditions in the modern world
Traditional Japanese costumes are too complex in terms of exploitation, which is why modern active girls cannot afford to wear them all the time. National kimonos are heavy, and some varieties cannot be put on without help. It is impossible to erase outfits by hand or with a typewriter, and dry-cleaning services strike a wallet. The Japanese have found a way out of the situation!
Designers managed to significantly simplify traditional clothing, while leaving intact that which is most valuable to the Japanese - echoes of the past, penetrating into modern times.
A modified model of kimono received the name "Yukata". Previously, this product was considered to be something like a dressing gown, but now the yukata has become a full-fledged street clothing.
Yukata also gained widespread popularity among anime fans. Girls who are addicted to cosplay, dress not only in Yukata, but also in those very hard real kimonos, if they are to attend a grand festival, a thematic party and a photo shoot.
Reviews
Buyers of national Japanese costumes claim that this clothing contributes to spiritual development. Anime fans with joy dress in yukata, which gives them a feeling of weightlessness, immerses themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity and fairy tales.
Japanese school uniform for girls also found loyal fans. In Russian schools, it is often possible to see girls who stand out among the other students in their sailor suit. The shape is comfortable and beautiful. And what else do young fashionable women need?
