In the history of fashion, the presentation and decoration of non-western garments are always stated as fantastic, charming, remarkable, exotic, spiritual, timeless and unchanging. The word Kimono actually means clothe. Today, this word means traditional Japanese clothing. The most common use of kimono is dated to the Heian period (794-1192 AD). The method developed in the process producing a kimono consisted of cutting the fabric in straight lines and sewing them together. These kimonos could be used comfortably all the year round because they were worn on top of each other and were made of breathable fabric in hot weather. Japanese culture and social structure play an important role in the formation of kimono, the traditional garment. Kimono, which has a special place in history, is a different example for designers today, while at the same time it is one of the most important and biggest symbols resembling the state of the status of the wearer in the society. Kimono, as a special cut is also significant with the textile techniques and colors used. The elegance of designs is an indication of the continuity of the use and production of the Japanese textiles for centuries. The concept of Japanism, first proposed by a French art historian in 1872, influenced the art of painting in France and Holland and became a movement. Furniture and decorative arts in England have been influenced by this movement and later on it has inspired Art Nouveau and Cubism in France. This article examines all aspects of Kimono identified as the traditional garment of the Japanese people and its influences on the Western fashion world from the beginning of the 19. century and also the importance of Japanese designers creating timeless outfits by reinterpreting kimono on the fashion world. The transformation of kimonos into art products with a unique color and design has been studied in multi-detail. It is thought that examining the effect of kimono which can best be regarded as the symbol of Japanese culture, and its influence on western fashion, will also shed light on the importance of its cultural influence in the scope of fashion history.

Kimono, Fashion, Western Fashion, Japanese Fashion, Traditional