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The modern day kimono dress

— by Alyson Walsh

Photo: Claire Pepper

As the Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition post was so well received, I thought readers might be interested in some more kimono-inspired style. As part of an Instagram project I’m currently working on with John Lewis & Partners over the next couple of months, I’ll be featuring my picks from the store’s collections. The oversized ‘kimono dress’ from Kin is an absolute winner. Though some might argue it’s a long way from the traditional Japanese garment, the band running along the neckline and down the centre front, and the looser, boxy shape do have a kimono-esque feel. This is a modern day interpretation. Made from a substantial viscose fabric, too hot for a heatwave but good quality nevertheless, the not-so-little black dress is definitely a reliable addition to the grown-up wardrobe. Viscose is a man-made, regenerated natural cellulose fibre that is widely used in the fashion industry – and I have to be honest, I’m not sure how sustainable the material used in the Kin dress is. There’s a feature on Vogue Business regarding a new report aiming to make viscose production more environmentally-friendly HERE. And there’s an interesting exhibition Renovation: Kimono & Sustainability at Japan House in London (situated on Kensington High Street so it might be worth booking a visit if you’re off to the V&A).

The citrus-bright suede bag is by Gerard Darel – and of course, I’ve teamed the kaftan dress with a pair of run-around Teva’s.

 

More summer sandals you can walk everywhere in HERE. And a reminder that there’s a new Ask Alyson Q&A ‘ How to achieve a less is more beauty look’ over on Patreon.

 

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As the Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition post was so well received, I thought readers might be interested in some more kimono-inspired style. As part of an Instagram project I’m currently working on w…