Boudoir – Japonisme with singers
This day we’re going to be Japanese style! However, not simply but specific Japanese style, and with the help of singers.
I think it is important to maintain the tradition, while, on the other hand, development is also necessary and essential. Therefore the old and the new have to be alloyed, keeping what is good and characteristic. I think you have already guessed that today’s main theme will be the traditional Japanese style and its modernization. I found it an interesting question how a modern entertainer, who is famous because of his/her own style can integrate the ancient and common tradition into his/her image and appearance.
Show Luo / 羅志祥 – Rashomon / 羅生門
He is somehow the odd one out, as he is a Taiwanese mandopop singer, but nowadays he releases Japanese singles and albums too. In fact he and this Taiwanese album of his is my personal favourite. It was released in 2010. The title, Rashomon, is a word-play: firstly, it refers to Kurosawa Akira’s famous and brilliant movie Rashomon, and secondly, the first Chinese character in Rashomon is the same as Luo in the singer’s family name and therefore the title can also mean ’Luo at the gate’. The album cover and one of the photo shots, though not the main version, plays with the title and its reference. The photos feature him in modern-style shirt, holding a men (kendo helmet). And did you notice the hakama he is wearing? I absolutely love it!
Koda Kumi / 神田 來未 – Japonesque
Originally, ’Japonesque’ refers to the influence of Japanese culture on the European arts, mainly in the 19th century, after the Meiji Restoration. Some tracks on Koda Kumi’s album do feature traditional Japanese instruments, and the short PV of So Nice is gorgeous with those amazing kimonos. The album covers follow the style of Koda Kumi with their provocativeness, as she is wearing lingerie with kimono, for example.
Perfume [MTV VMAJ, 2012]
Perfume was the host of the MTV VMAJ 2012 gala, and they wore light red silk gowns with golden obis. The overall impression was very kimono-like and magnificient. Adopt the shape is the first way to modernize a kimono, the second one is to use the traditional fabric to create something new and beautiful. A Japanese wedding dress designer dreams amazing wedding dresses from kimono fabric and sometimes with kimono-shape, as the obi can be found in any form and sometimes it is the predominant part of the gown.
by Alla
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