Kitsuke
The Japanese word "kitsuke" refers to the proper techniques for wearing kimono. I like the word because it reminds me of two martial art terms: "ki" for spirit and "tsuke" for a sword thrust. I use the term "kitsuke" here to refer to all types of Japanese textiles that should be worn to be truly appreciated.
Here are pictures of friends being dressed in kimono at an instructional workshop in Kyoto:
Here are some of my favorite kimono:
Baby Kimono
Children in Japan, at least in the "old days," had a special kimono for miyamairi. These kimono are characterized by long ties attached to the collar because they were not actually worn but draped over the child and mother when the little baby was presented to at the temple for blessing. In western culture, the equivalent would be a christening gown. The most fascinating kimono to me were the ones with WWII motifs.
Children would have another special kimono for shichi-go-san. "Shichi-go-san" means seven-five-three. When children reach these ages, they celebrate by visiting a Shinto shrine on or near November 15. The children look so sweet in their colorful attire, and the parents looks so proud.
While the basic shape of kimono and related textiles has remained the same, certain cuts, lengths, colors, and styles have marked the changing times. The same is true for any culture, but the Japanese attention to historical context and textural qualities make these stylistic changes ever so fascinating.