A sustaniable couture collection for 2022.
Collection Details
Lye Valley is the new collection from Uber Dandy Kimono for 2022. After the accomplished 2020 yukata kimono collection, using African print fabrics, and following a successful New York Exhibition (2021): Uber Dandy Kimono has decided to rebrand with a new 2022 collection. Entitled Lye Valley, the new designs focus on the sustainable use of traditional silk Japanese Kimono and slow fashion.
The designs of this collection centre on the classic and timeless silhouettes of haute couture that are mainly from the 20th century and modern day fashion. This is because of the age defying elegance and appeal of the kimono.
By celebrating the high quality fabric with these trend-resistant styles, Uber Dandy Kimono is preserving the elegance of the kimono. As fashion history has proven, classic silhouettes never fade away – which we can see with the on-going use of these designs even today. Through this rebranding, Uber Dandy Kimono hopes to contribute to the sustainable preservation of a timeless tradition from Japan, that is the kimono. May we continue to find the kimono inspiring.
Collection Items
Look One: Furisode Maxi Dress
Firstly, a mustard maxi dress with round high neck and leg slit made from a furisode kimono featuring cherry blossom (sakura) designs and peonies. It’s complimented by bishop sleeves.
Look Two: Houmongi Two Piece
An olive green two piece inspired by the 1940s and made from a houmongi. The crop top consists of a lace back bralette, with the trousers using a classic palazzo cut. Cute strawberries beads feature on the end of the back lace.
Look Three: Kurotomesode Ball Gown
From a formal kurotomesode, a timeless and elegant formal ball gown has been made. Matching the jumpsuit with a back reveal, we see a nod to the cultural sensual appeal of the back for the Japanese.
Look Four: Houmongi Bodysuit
Once again traveling to different time periods, this bodysuit embodies fashion history. Here we have a playsuit using the fabric from a furisode in pale pink, additionally adorned with painted floral motives. It is taking inspiration from the outfit created for Madonna in the 1970s by Jean Paul Gautier, however, we have retained instantly recognisable aspects of the furisode. The swinging sleeves and the kimono collar retain the essence of the furisode. Additionally, the corset body with back lacing preserves the original houmongi mon. With beautiful gradients from greys to blush pink it creates a perfect costume piece.
Look Five: Tsukesage Corset Dress
Following on from Look Four, we have another corset inspired look. Also inspired by Jean Paul Gautier, although, the shaping of the bottom half is closer to the shape of a girdle that was worn frequently during the turn of the 20th Century.
Look Six: Furisode Jumpsuit
A bright, primary blue jumpsuit – additionally made from a furisode and taking cues from the 1970s once again. This is marked by the mirroring of the deep V on the front and back of the jumpsuit. Moreover, we can see the bralette in Look Two and the jumpsuit identically feature ties at the shoulders for dramatic bows. This creates a playful accent alongside the elegant cuts.
Look Seven: Shiromoku Coat
Embellish with rhinestones, and embroidered with iridescent thread, the 1950s wedding coat really glistens. The beautiful shirumoku has been remade into a princess worthy coat, matching with a vintage fur stole.
Look Eight: Furisode Jacket
Finally for outwear, we can find here a beautifully, bright red jacket. Alongside the eye catching red, a painted floral motif is growing from the bottom edges of the open jacket. It has been made from the sleeves of a furisode and lined with the furisode’s silk lining.
