Abandoning the Kimono

In 21st century Britain, kimonos (of sorts) are commonplace on the high-street and a fashion favourite for many. But have you ever wondered about their history? When they first arrived in Britain, and why? Thanks to a recent talk, ‘Abandoning the Kimono,’ hosted by Elizabeth Kramer and Allie Yamaguchi at the Daiwa Foundation, you’re about to find out!

During the Meiji period in Japan (1868–1912) the kimono emerged as a symbol of traditional Japanese culture in a Britain obsessed with romanticised depictions of the Far East. This increased interest in the kimono as a fashion item was enabled…