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fabric, the technique was very labor intensive and initially only the wealthy could have these kimono. Eventually the use of stencils made them more affordable.

So, we have the multi-colored, highly decorated with flowers and birds fabric making up the kimono. The kimono is also now worn in a single layer so as to display the fabric.

The next period in Japans history is the Meiji Period (1868-1912AD). This saw a constitutional government set up and ecomonic changes in Japan. The ecomonic changes included the bringing in and employing of over 3,000 foreign "experts" in many fields. It also saw the dispatch of Japanese students to the "West" to study. These saw Japan become one of the first industrialized Asian countries.

This is reflected in the kimono by the introduction of artificial dye. This saw an evolution in the Yuzen technique, although the kimono look remained very much the same. Fabric was also brought to Japan from elsewhere in the world and used to make the kimono.

The twentieth century saw a number of changes as fashion magazines, television and the internet entered Japanese homes. After the First World War silk was taxed to help pay for the military build up that was occurring in Japan at that time and so kimono were simplified and used less fabric. After the Second World War materials became much more affordable and greater quantities were produced. Although the basic kimono shape became the same it started to adapt European and American design influences in the material used.

As the twentieth century progressed easy care fabrics were introduced to the world and Japan was no different. So, although kimono are still made of silk, they are also made of easy care fabric too.

Fashion is part of the global village that we live in with our modern industrial society, and the Japanese are no different. The majority of Japanese now dress in the same fashion as the rest of the so called Western world. Kimono are still worn on special occasions, such as a baby's christening, a child's "Coming of Age" Day and a couple's wedding day.

Learn more about this author, Louanne Cox.
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