The Furisode Kimono

Furisode, which translates to swinging (furi) sleeves (sode), is the type of Japanese kimono robe with long, flowing sleeves that hang down from the arms up to the calves or ankles and which is sewn onto a small part of the kimono as compared to other types of kimono, thus its tendency to sway or flutter.

The Evolution of the Design of the Japanese Kimono

Let's step into the colorful world of the Japanese kimono robes with a brief history of the evolution of its design through the ages.

What started out as a Japanese kimono?

In the olden days, the Japanese term, kimono, literally translates to 'something to wear' and encompass the different types of clothing that were normally worn by the Japanese, but now, it has come to encompass the various types of clothing with a wrap-around design, including the traditional Japanese clothing, bathrobes, and modern-style dresses that is closed at the front in an overlapping style.

The Japanese Kimono and the Basics of This Japanese Traditional Clothing

A beautiful display of Japanese kimonos. Image: http://photomill.webs.com/pictures-japanese-kimono.html

The Japanese kimono can be considered today as one of the world's most beautiful and expensive traditional clothing, and its beauty comes not merely from the breath-taking colors and features of its design, which emphasizes its wearer's taste for class and modesty, but also in the painstaking manner by which each of them is made, which reflect its artisan's eye for beauty and expertise in creating a one-of-a-kind Asian clothing that is able to transcend both time and culture.

DIY Paper Lantern Crafts

Think your paper lantern need more touch of awesome? Check out these DIY paper lantern craft ideas and decorating styles for your paper lanterns, which are so easy to make - you can apply use them with new or old paper lanterns, especially those extras from your wedding, birthday, and other special occasions.

Paper Lanterns with Butterflies

MarthaStewart.com, ChelynChic.BlogSpot.com, AllThingsHandmade.org

7 Asian Gifts for Men - Perfect for Fun and Play!

Still having a hard time looking for gifts for men? Why not amuse him with these Asian gifts, like Chinese game sets and Japanese gifts, that are made for fun and play, he definitely can use them to entertain his family and friends, or let you steal a fun, couple-time together.

Mini Mahjong Set.

Mahjong Set from AsianIdeas.com.

How to Shop Silk Kimono Robes

Image: TheWomensRoomBlog.com

The mix of art, luxurious comfort, and Asian style clearly makes for the silk kimono robes' East-meets-West aesthetic, and whether you love them as resort wear, bridal robe, or bridesmaids' robe due to their statement-making designs and fluid, silken fabrics; as lounge wear because they are so comfortable plus easy to wear and wash; as travel robe because they are so lightweight and suited for all seasons and climates; or, as Asian gifts because they suit all lifestyle, silk kimono robes are definitely at the core of every modern woman's wardrobe as an everyday essential or a style staple.

Wedding Parasols: A Tradition in Asian Weddings

Unknown to many, Japanese umbrellas – particularly the red and oiled paper umbrellas – have long been considered as a traditional element in Asian weddings, and they were used to cover the bride upon her arrival at the wedding ceremony venue, which practice is believed to shield her from the evil spirits, or as a dowry, particularly among the Hakka people of China, who would give them in pairs to wish the newlyweds good luck, happiness, and the blessing of male sons and many grandsons.