"This illustrated volume presents highlights from the Victoria & Albert Museum's extensive collection of Japanese textiles and dress." "Ranging from embroidered kimono and woven actor's robes to the indigo-dyed textiles of rural Japan, this book explores the various patterning techniques that have been employed by Japanese textile artists from the seventeenth century to the present day. The richness and variety of the textiles are conveyed by the specially commissioned photographs, which include images of garments, bedding covers, gift covers, doorway curtains, decorative hangings, fabric lengths and samples." "Offering a wealth of inspiration to contemporary designers, this book provides an introduction to a vibrant cultural tradition, and should appeal to anyone interested in textiles or Japanese art and design." --Book Jacket.

Kimono Design: An Introduction to Textiles and Patterns uses hundreds of photographs and a wealth of information on colors, fabrics and embellishments to paint a portrait of Japanese culture, art and thought. Lavish classical patterns, sweeping scenes, and the many motifs that have been woven, dyed, painted or embroidered into these textiles reveal a reflectiveness, a sense of humor, and an appreciation of exquisite beauty that is uniquely Japanese. Organized according to motifs traditionally associated with each season of the year, Kimono Design interprets the kimono's special language as expressed in depictions of: Flowers and grasses Birds and other animals Symbols of power, luck and prestige Land-and-seascapes scenes from literature, history and daily life scenes of travel and the Japanese concept of other lands and many others… Extensive notes on all the motifs demonstrate how the kimono reflects changing times and a sense of the timeless. Information on jewelry, hairpins and other accessories is scattered throughout to give a fuller sense of the Japanese art of dress. This is a volume that Japanophiles, historians, artists and designers will all cherish.

A beautiful primer for the fundamentals of pattern in Japanese Art, including background information on the traditional significance and meaning of motifs.

Fresh from Japan, the much-anticipated collection of Nani Iro sewing patterns is finally available in English! Beloved by art fans and textile enthusiasts around the world, Nani Iro fabric has developed a cult following since the brand's inception by artist Naomi Ito in 2002. With their simple, yet artful design, the 18 garment patterns in this book showcase fluid movement and beautiful drape for signature Nani Iro style. You'll find instructions for stitching up a wardrobe of comfortable, flowy pieces that you'll look forward to wearing again and again, including The Basic Blouse, The Cocoon Dress, and The Everyday Jumpsuit. Inside, you'll find outfit inspiration for mixing and matching me-made pieces to create artistically layered outfits. Plus, take a behind-the-scenes look at the brand's studio in Osaka for glimpse at the studio team's favorite ways to style their Nani Iro pieces.

Contains detailed instructions on making Japanese garments, from kimono towo-toe socks, using either traditional Japanese sewing methods or easierodern methods. The book includes patterns, fabric suggestions and sizingnstructions.

Sew edgy, urban clothes with this stylish sewing book and add a touch of originality to your wardrobe. More and more women are opting to make their own clothes, but most of the books on the market emphasize girly, feminine designs. She Wears the Pants is the first Japanese sewing book (in English) to focus on the increasingly popular "borrowed–from–the–boys" look. Already one of the best–known and reviewed sewing books in Japan, this sporty addition to the sew–it–yourself craze is poised to take the American DIY sewing market by storm. Sometimes women are in the mood for clothes with strong, clean lines and casual sophistication—polish and simplicity without the frills. She Wears the Pants is the book for those times. A graduate of the Bunka Fashion Institute, Yuko Takada provides patterns and instructions for making twenty spare and streamlined wardrobe items, including: Versatile tops that can be either casual or dressy Jackets that are timeless and unique Dresses and skirts that are straight-line or draped Three different pants lengths, from culottes to full-length trousers And much, much more! Patterns can be easily adjusted to suit any body size, and Takada shows readers how to select inexpensive, readily available fabrics and transform them into an elegant new wardrobe. Understated never looked so good!