Rock music fused with traditional Japanese kimonos tailored to a futuristic setting was the “happening” this week in Tokyo, as Japanese rock performer-cum fashion designer Yoshiki thrilled an audience with a concert and fashion show rolled into one.
The last time the concept of rock music and kimonos were combined was probably in the… late 1970s, when iconic progressive rock trio Rush was photographed for an album cover wearing white kimono-like outfits.
The co-founder and drummer of X Japan unveiled the colorful Yoshikimono line, a distinct break from the garments worn by generations of Japanese inside and outside their homes up until a few decades ago.
According to a Reuters dispatch, modesty of yesteryear gave way to models in printed strapless dresses and see-through plastic tops at Yoshiki’s debut.
"The entire kimono industry has been in crisis," Yoshiki, whose family ran a kimono shop, was quoted as saying. "Despite pros and cons (of) my approach, I think Yoshikimono is meaningful in terms of awakening interest (in kimonos)."
The event came during the Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo.
