A story of cutting, a story of time
At Baucis, we are aware that the kimono is a garment with a history. It is to this history and this very particular craftsmanship that we wanted to humbly pay homage.
A story of time
This story begins in the Heian period (794-1185). During this period, the kimono was worn by the nobles of the Japanese imperial court. It was particularly during the Edo period (1603-1868) that the kimono became popular. For the samurai, it must have been simple and plain, while ordinary people wore more colorful and decorative kimonos.
During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Japan opened up to the world and adopted Western ideas and lifestyles. This had an impact on the way the kimono was perceived and worn. While kimonos were once considered everyday wear, they have become formal and show wear, worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
After losing its aura following the Second World War, the kimono found its place in the Japanese wardrobe, and developed in the Western one. While kimonos are often worn on special occasions, they are also increasingly popular in contemporary fashion. Japanese fashion designers have created modern kimonos, using traditional fabrics and patterns, making them a symbol of the fusion between tradition and modernity (e.g Unichi Arai, Jotaro Saito etc.).
We worked with our modeler, Geneviève, to design kimonos that were both modern and super stylish, but in keeping with the codes of this garment that we did not want to distort.
For those curious about kimonos, without this list being exhaustive, here are the cuts that you can find with us in our first collection, or for our future prototypes on which we are already working:
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Furisode: The furisode is a long and elegant kimono, historically worn by single women on a daily basis.
- Uchikake: Uchikake is historically worn by married women for special occasions, such as weddings or ceremonies. It is usually long, with long sleeves (that fall low) and intricate details. Jean Paul Gaultier took the basis of this model in one of his iconic collections.
It is heavier and longer than the Furisode, with a length that can reach the feet. It is also decorated with elaborate designs, often in gold or silver, and is often worn over another kimono called a kakeshita.
- Tomesode: the tomesode is a kimono, characterized by a discreet pattern on the back and on the short sleeves.
- Iromuji: The iromuji is a plain formal kimono, usually in a solid color. It is often decorated with discreet patterns.
- Komon: The komon is a casual kimono, historically worn by women for informal or everyday occasions. It is characterized by repetitive and often colorful patterns throughout the fabric.
- Yukata: the yukata is a light cotton kimono worn in summer. It is often decorated with designs such as flowers, fans or dragons and is worn to festivals, fireworks or when staying in ryokans (traditional inns). It is in a way the ancestor of the kimono, the base from which it could be developed and reworked.
- Houmongi: This type of kimono was historically worn by older women and is generally shorter and lighter than the Uchikake. A semi-formal kimono therefore for special occasions, with larger and more colorful patterns than the Tomesode.
- Montsuki: The Montsuki is a formal kimono that is worn by men on special occasions. It is usually made of silk and is decorated with intricate patterns and bright colors.
- Haori: Originally it was worn as outerwear for samurai and upper-class men. Later, women also began wearing Haori, and they became a key part of the Japanese wardrobe.
Haori is usually made of silk, although it can also be made of cotton or linen. Patterns and colors can vary greatly, from traditional patterns like florals and stripes, to more modern designs.
Haori can be worn in different ways. Traditionally, it is worn open, without being closed with buttons or ties. It can also be worn by securing it with a cord or belt to keep it in place.
- Jinbei: it is a set consisting of shorts and a light top, often worn by men during the summer or in spas. It is usually made of cotton and can be decorated with simple designs.
Regarding the cuts, all kimonos have wide sleeves and straight sides, but their length and width vary depending on the type of kimono and the gender of the person wearing it. Women's kimonos generally and historically have longer and wider sleeves than men's kimonos.
Where to wear the Baucis kimonos?
The different kimonos that we offer are just as intended to be worn at home as in the evening. Personally, I like to have my coffee on my balcony with the Jep kimono, spend my day with the Ulysse set, and go out in the evening with the iris set. Why choose ?
In short, our kimonos are versatile, and that is the beauty of this garment. Home clothing, everyday clothing or cocktail and evening clothing: you choose!
Other kimonos, such as quilted ones (Kill Bill; Navy Seals), are more intended to be worn during the day or for more subdued events. But again, you have a choice.
Baucis, kimonos only for women or for men?
Our kimonos are unisex. The modernity of our position perhaps lies in this positioning: retaining the classic codes of the kimono so as not to disguise a garment steeped in history without taking up gender distinctions.
Have a good trip !