by Daisy Hodges
The Met is excited to announce their brand new exhibit called, “Kimono Style, The John C. Weber Collection”. It is a unique exhibit, comprised of an array of beautifully designed kimonos and other garments. The exhibit opened June 7, 2022, and is scheduled to close February 20, 2023.
The Met is a historic art museum located in New York City, and has been deemed the largest museum in America. Just the museum itself is a spectacular sight to see. The Met is also the host of the famous Met Gala, where well-known celebrities get the first look at special new exhibits like this one.
The new and fascinating exhibit at the Met has been released that is very different from typical exhibits. The exhibit showcases the transformation of the kimono during the Edo Period (1615–1868). The kimono is a traditional, T-shaped, Japanese garment. They were worn almost everyday during the Edo Period in Japan, and were seen as a reflection of oneself. The quality of one’s kimono and extravagance symbolized high status and glamor. It served as a way for people to express their aesthetic insight.
The modern kimono is now worn more formally to special events, and symbolizes importance. As Japan became more industrialized, the kimono became worn less and less due to the fact that it was impractical to do more hands-on style work in.
The exhibit will feature over 60 different pieces of kimono art, as well as western clothing items to show the impact of the kimono on Western fashion and culture for women.
The detail in each kimono is extremely impressive. Each piece in the exhibit is unique; whether it’s rabbits jumping over waves, or a samurai woman, or a Chinese warrior being depicted on the kimono, each one tells a beautiful story.
