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Japan Fashion as Art
October 17-29, 2010
Come with us and explore the world of Japan in small bites with unforgettable experiences.
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We will take a look at what "fashion" means to the Japanese who have hundreds of years of tradition in this familiar field. Japanese don't think of "fine art" the way westerners do. For them true fine art is the creation of a master craftsman/woman. Our visits will be to the beautiful countryside of Kanazawa in glorious October; the classic old capital of Kyoto hosting the famous Jidai Matsuri Festival, a processional in authentic costumes representing the seven ages of Japan; and bustling, ever changing Tokyo.
Japanese design first made a real impression on the fashion world back in 1982, when some 12 designers showed their collections in Paris at the prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) shows. Today's famous names, such as Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons and Hanae Mori were not new but the collective works of the 'mode Japonaise' or 'Japonaiserie' movement made a big impact on contemporary fashion. Their use of inventive shapes and monochrome tones, particularly the use of black, shook the fashion industry. In the years since, only a few prominent names, such as Keita Maruyama have been added to this established list. Today, it's street fashion that's leading the way and young Japanese are as hip as their contemporaries anywhere in the world. The established designers still play a big part in setting the trends for world fashion.
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Highlights
Kyoto
Kyoto boasts some of the oldest techniques of weaving and dying in Japan. Silk cultivation and woven fabrics actually came to Japan through the Korean Peninsula and China. Kyoto is known for the Nishijin Ori Weave and today there are still artisans using age-old dying techniques. The Yuzen stencil dyeing process is still alive and we will meet and observe these artisans. Not to be missed is the insider access to the world of the Geisha in the Gion district. We will observe her hair style which reveals her age and is not changed for a week. Another ornament of the Geisha is her make-up, once done with mercury but now with white rice powder. Learn the products and techniques of fully dressing the Geisha. Lastly, we will sit and watch the world famous Jidai Processional with accurately reproduced costumes. Enjoy outstanding Kyoto cuisine in the evening followed by Noh or Kabuki. (4 nights)
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Kanazawa
In this beautiful countryside at the height of the fall season, we will be staying in a Ryokan in Yama-naka Onsen Village. We begin our investigation into the textiles created by the Japanese by visiting the Hakuza gold leaf workshop. Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf, which is essential for decorating lacquer work and woven textiles. We venture further into the rural countryside to the UNESCO village of Ainokura where we will visit a silk worm farm followed by a private Buddhist Temple visit and private showing and tying of wedding kimonos, and a Japanese Tea Ceremony for our group. The Sea of Japan is close by so you can expect some of the finest Japanese cuisine to be found here. (3 nights)
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Tokyo
We will examine some of the traditional and more whimsical shops where artisans are selling their wares. Some of the forward textile designers like Nishikawa are pursuing forward-looking changes using high technology and ancient methods. We will visit the Nuno group, located in the Roppongi neighborhood, a center for modern Japanese design. Clothing includes more weaves and colors, gathering, stitching and folding techniques. We will ex[;pre other more typical craft shops: Gallery Shun for ceramics; Blue and White for traditional miscellanea that is operated by a Smith College alum; Plant's Planet Garage for flowers and containers; Mariko Sakaguchi for Brooches; Ginza Tanagokoro for charcoal items and Yasuko Shien for Calligraphy. (3 nights)
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Japan Fashion as Art