The Etnology Fest 2025 was held at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade, featuring a kimono fashion show
The event took place under the patronage of Tamara Vučić, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the presence of representatives from the Embassy of Japan.
Japan was the country in focus, and the kimono emerged as a natural guide through the theme: straight lines and layered fabrics follow the rhythm of the seasons, while motifs of cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, pine, bamboo, plum, cranes, and waves carry messages of beauty, longevity, happiness, and endurance.
On formal models, the kamon, a family or clan emblem, appears discreetly, serving as a reminder of the connection between clothing and identity.
Once everyday and ceremonial attire for all social classes, from samurai to the imperial court, the kimono gradually evolved into recognizable types: furisode with long sleeves for unmarried women, tomesode with shorter sleeves for married women, and the light, cotton yukata for summer and festivals. The men’s kimono is most often worn with an obi belt, sometimes paired with hakama trousers.
Today, the kimono is worn on important occasions – during tea ceremonies, weddings, or festivals – and continues to serve as a constant source of inspiration for contemporary designers.
Behind every silhouette lies the expertise of many workshops: nishijin-ori weaving, yūzen, shibori, and katazome dyeing and painting techniques, as well as the crafting of obi belts. This knowledge is passed down through the master–apprentice relationship and forms part of Japan’s living intangible cultural heritage. Today, the lines and motifs of the kimono merge into contemporary pieces, embracing the sustainable reuse of vintage kimonos and obi belts.
