From Kimono to Street Style: The Global Story of Japanese Fashion

Japanese fashion is one of the most creative and influential in the world, shaped by a long history of cultural exchange, experimentation, and reinvention. This lecture traces the twists and turns of Japanese clothing culture, from the elegance of the kimono to the dramatic adoption of Western dress during the Meiji era, the stylish modern boys and girls of the Taishō period, and the utilitarian monpe worn during wartime austerity. These moments reveal how fashion in Japan has constantly negotiated identity, modernity, and global influence. The story culminates with the radical designers who transformed international fashion in the late twentieth century and the vibrant street cultures that continue to shape style today.

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This event is a part of YCAPS' "Getting to Know Japan Series".

Speaker:

Dr. Toby Slade is a fashion historian and Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. He lived in Japan for 17 years and has taught and conducted research at institutions including the University of Tokyo and Bunka Gakuen University. His work focuses on Japanese fashion, luxury culture, and the relationship between clothing, history, and society. Dr Slade is the author of Japanese Fashion: A Cultural History and regularly lectures internationally on fashion, design, and Japanese culture.

Format: This event will be recorded and published in our web archive. Questions are encouraged during the live event.

Registration: Required Link

Moderators: Amani Kidd and Jeffery Mazziotta

Webinar Cost: Free of charge