Now you can relax around the home in a traditional outfit worn by schoolgirls during the romantic Taisho period.
Modern western culture arrived in Japan during the Taisho Period (1912-1926), transforming traditional outfits and fashions of the day with new flourishes and accessories inspired by trends from overseas. It was a time when women began adding hair ribbons, gloves, handbags and boots to their kimono clothing, and brighter patterns began appearing on fabrics, creating a fusion style known as “Taisho Roman”.
One of the most distinctive outfits from the era is the hakama-style female school uniform, which combines a long hakama skirt-pant with a billowy sleeved kimono top. This nostalgic symbol of the Taisho period can still be seen today at formal graduation ceremonies, but for those who want to enjoy the style every day of the year, there’s now a new option on the market, thanks to loungewear makers MOCOLLE.
Instead of being worn in the classroom, these outfits are designed to be worn while lounging around the house. The traditional outfits are usually worn as two-piece sets, along with a number of undergarments and accessories, however the loungewear versions come as one-piece costumes, meaning it takes no time at all to put them on.
There are two colour variations in the range, both featuring a traditional Yagasuri pattern commonly associated with Taisho Roman period styles. Resembling the feathers of arrows, the pattern is said to represent steadfastness and determination, as an arrow shot straight never returns.
The red and purple designs come with detachable obi waist bows, which can be removed for freer movement, making them so comfortable they can even be slept in!
According to MOCOLLE, the idea for the unusual indoor outfit came about after it was discovered that a large number of men in their late 20s loved the look, commenting that they wanted to be near girls wearing the traditional outfits during their graduation photos.
The outfits are currently being created as part of a crowdfunding campaign, which has already exceeded its target goal of 1 million yen (US$8,770), with 41 days still left in the campaign and 204 people raising more than 2 million yen for the project.
Patrons can choose from packages starting at 3,000 yen for a Yagasuri-patterened iPhone case and postcards featuring the campaign model, Kuroneko, who is a former member of a cosplaying idol group, up to 50,500 yen for a set of six outfits, which usually retail for 8,900 yen each.
While patrons contributing to the campaign can expect their deliveries to arrive in June, the immense popularity of the outfits means we’ll probably be able to purchase them from Japan’s Village Vanguard chain of novelty goods stores soon. That way, we can add the Taisho Roman schoolgirl outfits to our indoor police uniform sets and miko shrine maiden loungewear costumes too!
Source, images: PR Times