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  • Laurence King Publishing

Japanese Fashion

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From Kenzo to Rei Kawakubo, via Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, Japan's most celebrated designers have had a profound influence on global fashion. But beyond the photography shoots and catwalks, Japan also has a rich history in garment design: discreet, beautifully crafted and rooted in everyday life.

This wide panorama explores the art of selvedge denim, indigo dyeing and traditional motifs, as well as the country's iconic school uniforms, rebellious street styles and salarymen suits. It reveals how Japanese fashion and its unique aesthetic has impacted Western fashion and won aficionados worldwide. It illuminates the relationship between culture and dress, from the kimonos and prints to the costumes worn for traditional performing arts or the silhouettes that define Japanese cinema.

Japanese Fashion asks what clothes tell us about the society that wears them. It invites us to look beyond labels and uncover the very fabric of Japanese fashion.

Featuring an exclusive foreword by Professor Shin Asahi, Bunka Fashion College.

Praise for Japanese Fashion

  • Japanese Fashion by Clemence Leleu is a beautiful collection of inspiring fabrics, textures, and combinations that evoke the simplicity and effortless style Japanese fashion does so well. From kimonos and denim to streetwear and traditional garments, every page celebrates innovative designers, exceptional craftsmanship, and time-honored traditions.

  • As someone who is Japanese, I have always gravitated toward the classic styling and distinctive combinations of color and design. Quality is paramount in Japanese fashion, and that attention to detail is evident throughout this book. The style is iconic, unmistakable, and entirely its own. - Reader Review

  • What a fascinating look at Japan and how it has impacted fashion worldwide! I loved the study of how the Japanese make their indigo and the highlights of specific designers. Really enjoyed how Leleu goes through each section of Tokyo and talks about how fashion differs from location to location...even stopping to talk about uniforms and salarymen. This would be a great book to peruse before going to Japan if you have any interest in fashion...knowing where to look for vintage finds and the background of some of the Japanese labels would make shopping in Japan so much more fun! - Reader Review

  • A quick and easy read with a wealth of knowledge and absolutely gorgeous photographs of fashion, history, and culture. The forward features a professor from the famous Bunka Fashion Institute, so I held high expectations that this would be a well-researched look into Japanese fashion. My high expectations were rewarded. This book covers general history, specific famous designers, unique trends and even deep-cuts like FRUiTs magazine and its reflection of Japan's streetwear scene.

  • If you want a photo book that can encompass the variety and impact of Japanese fashion or wish to read gain a working knowledge of the topic, I highly recommend this book. - Reader Review

  • A comprehensive sourcebook for all those interested in Japanese Fashion and its impact on culture! As a fashion design graduate and former education librarian this book would be a fantastic addition to libraries in higher and further education, and touches on everything I have been intrigued by in Japanese fashion; the craftmanship and unique practices, iconic Japanese designers, street fashion and the global impact and effect all of this has had in Fashion, commerce and culture. The book is laid out really well, looks stylish and is easy to read and search, and has some thoughtfully chosen and striking imagery. It also would be a great book to own a physical copy of and display. A great title to introduce people to Japanese fashion and encourage them to delve further into the topics explored! - Reader Review

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