Japonism
Published on December 2nd, 2009.
With the opening of Japan to international trade in 1854, European interest in Japan grew rapidly and ‘Japonism’ emerged as a trend in the early 1880′s, lasting until around 1920.
The Japanese kimono itself was worn as an exotic at home gown, and kimono fabrics were used in the making of Western dresses. Japanese motifs were also adapted and applied to European textiles.
Eventually the garment evolved into a more thoroughly Westernized, kimono-shaped at home gown. The word ‘kimono’ came to be used in a broader sense in the West, encompassing a variety of lounging robes.
Below are some beautiful examples of 19th century Japanese influenced fashion.
japonism
japonism
japonism
Filled under Fashion History.
