Japan Matsuri in Trafalgar Square gets bigger and better every year. Especially this year, with the Indian summer we’ve been having, which really brought out the crowds. A surprising number of people dressed the part in kimonos – everything from cotton yukata, the traditional wear for a summer festival, to richly decorated antique kimonos. That’s what I’ve focused on this year, so here’s my kimono fashion parade from Japan Matsuri.
Let’s start with a couple of kawaii girls in cotton yukata.
You can see what a complex business it is tying an obi – it generally has to be done by someone else.
It was nice to see a good selection of men in yukata too, though the choice of footwear ranged from proper Japanese zori and geta to trainers and boots. Ah well, it is autumn in England.
I asked this guy why he decided to wear a yukata. ‘My girlfriend made me,’ he said.
This lady was beautifully dressed in a traditional kimono with a lovely kanzashi hair decoration.
But my favourite of the lot was these two ladies in antique kimonos – they definitely get my fashion prize!
Japan Matsuri takes place every year in Trafalgar Square at the end of September – usually the last Saturday. If you missed it this year not to worry – plenty of time to get your kimono and your obi-tying skills ready for the next one.
The big question is….what about you? Did you wear a kimono?
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No, I gave my kimonos away last year – but I know the people I gave them to wear them to events, so they still get out and about!
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I’m sorry I missed the event. I’ve just seen a photo of my friend who was working at the JNTO stand at the Matsuri. She was wearing a “happi” for the first time. She looks great.
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You must try and come next year – it’s so much fun.
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This is amazing! I didn’t know about this event at all. In the calendar for next year. I love all the kimonos.
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It’s a really fun event, with lots of on-stage shows as well. I’m sure you’ll love it.
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Ooh lovely – great photos too. I’ve made a note in my diary and hopefully I’ll manage to catch this event next year – need to time a family visit to coincide!!
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Do go – it’s a great event, lots to see and do – and eat!
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Super! “Like” takes on a whole new meaning here : )
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I knew you’d like it – right up your street!
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I really enjoyed seeing everyone dressed in kimono and yukata! I saw some really glamorous ones, wearing high heels and everything 🙂 It really would have been the perfect opportunity to wear the one you gave me, but I thought it was meant to rain 😦 hopefully next year!
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Yes, there’s always next year!
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Dammit, I was in London on Saturday. It looks a eye-feast.
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What a shame – but there’s always next year.
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Aww thank you for posting my picture. great photos. can i please use them on my page http://www.facebook.com/uberdandykimono i will ofcourse link them back to your website.
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Hi Tia, I’m glad you like the photos. Of course you can use them on your Facebook page. You have some lovely kimonos there.
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Thank you Thank you.
hope to see you in the future in kimono
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