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Refreshing ideas breathing new life into the traditional kimono

BY MIKAKO ABE STAFF WRITER

2012/08/10

Yuko Omori shows off a white linen lace kimono from her Double Maison line. (Ken Aso)A Gingham check kimono by Double Maison pairs traditional design with a non-traditional motif. (Provided by Double Maison)Hiroko Takahashi's yukata feature bold, geometric-inspired designs. (Provided by HIROKOLEDGE)A portion of sales from yukata in the HIROKOLODGE line will be donated to the Light Up Nippon fireworks project. (Provided by HIROKOLEDGE)Yukatas with white or light color backgrounds are popular this season at the Matsuya Ginza department store. (Mikako Abe)

Elegant, elaborate and expensive, the kimono ranks alongside Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms as one of Japan's most recognizable symbols. Yet despite its fame overseas, the traditional robe-and-sash ensemble has all but vanished from everyday life in its native land, largely displaced by modern, Western-style fashion.