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1.0 out of 5 stars
Bastardization of a beautiful garment, May 21 2001
This book takes the beauty of the traditional kimono and turns it into an abomination as "art to wear". The kimono already IS art to wear. It doesn't need to be dragged down by modernization. But that is not my only problem with this book. In the history section, written by Toshiki Wada, the editing is so bad that spelling mistakes are made and repeated. Also, Miss Wada needs to pick up a history book sometime very soon. Her grasp on the history of Japanese clothing is tenuous at best and the more bad history sections she writes (like this one and the one in "Shibori"), the more misinformation she disseminates to the English-speaking public. Ignore any historical information on the kimono written or "edited" by Wada. Go out and buy Dalby instead.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful illustrations, May 2 2000
This book is about the American interpretation of the Kimono. It is a beautifully illustrated book that will appeal to anyone interested in fashion design or Japanese culture. The first section shows the Kimono in American art, including paintings by Whistler and others. A number of old photos and postcards chronicle the Kimono as a fashion element in the early 20th Century. Next is a beautiful section on Kimonos by American designers. The variety is stunning with traditional motifs, modern art designs and unusual materials. There is also a history of the Kimono in Japan showing the development of style with some nice earlier examples. This is a wonderful view of the article of clothing that is an art form in itself.
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't buy it unless you're looking for an art book, Oct 17 1998
By A Customer
This book is an art book, like the kind you can buy at art galleries. It reviews the inspiration the kimono had to modern American art. I wasted $50 canadian on this book because I thought it would be an invaluable reference for Kimono making. It's not. If you're an art teacher or student who is absolutely IN NEED of an art book on kimono art, then by all means purchase this book. If you aren't, then don't.
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