@gionbaby: During the Meiji Period (1868-1912) it became common to combine kimono and Western boots. Also a new outfit for young women was born during this period, it is the outfit that Nao is wearing here. Until the Meiji Period, Hakama were actually mostly an item for men. Since then kimono, hakama and boots are seen as a set. Nao’s boots actually look a bit similar to the ones worn during the Meiji Period. Would you be interested in seeing some photos of Japanese fashion of yesteryear? I think I may have some nice ones in my collection of photos of Japan between the 1860s and 1930s.

@Marie: Actually during the Meiji period, men quickly switched to Western fashion. Especially if they worked in a Western style office setting (government offices, schools, trading companies). But Western style clothing was very uncomfortable for Japanese houses as people sit on the floor, so at home even men wore Japanese clothing.

Women initially also started to wear Western clothing. Especially those of higher classes. They attended Western style balls at the famous Rokumeikan. But this trend quickly reversed and women returned to Japanese clothing. There were several reasons for that. One of them was practical. Western style women’s clothing was incredibly uncomfortable and impossible for Japanese homes (you try sitting on the floor and standing up gracefully wearing a tight corset), so women were forced to keep two wardrobes. Very few people could afford that.

When Japanese style housing started to fade away, Japanese style fashion faded with it.

Did you happen to ask her what school she was graduating from?

Oh darn! She has a unique kimono so I thought maybe she belongs to an art school hehe, i was curious :p Oh yes, I’m learning yakimono now :) Hopefully next year I’ll have a show in Tokyo, when I do please come :D