The Stunning Fusion of Kimono and Dress: Have You Heard of the Gorgeous "Wa Dress"?

2016.03.13 published

What is a Special Collaboration of Japanese and Western Styles called a 【Wa Dress】?

A 【Wa Dress】, as the name suggests, is a dress that uses fabrics and patterns typically found in traditional kimono wear to create Western-style dresses♡ It is also known as 【Kimono Dress】, 【Wafuku Dress】, or 【Wagara Dress】♩

Not only is it unique, but the design that wonderfully combines the essences of both Japanese and Western elements is extravagant and incredibly beautiful♩ It's perfect for brides who want to wear both traditional and colored dresses but are short on time♡

What kinds of designs are available for beautiful 【Wa Dresses】? Which brands are creating 【Wa Dresses】? To answer these questions, we will thoroughly introduce the charms of 【Wa Dresses】♡

The Allure of 【Wa Dresses】♡ – The Volume Created by Traditional Patterns & Fabrics Combined with Western Silhouettes♩

Traditional Japanese attire is characterized by its heavy fabric and luxurious patterns◎ However, the color-uchikake (a formal kimono worn by brides) has a sleek silhouette that gives a smart impression♩ A princess-line 【Wa Dress】 combines the gorgeous silhouette of the dress with the luxurious patterns of the kimono fabric, creating a voluminous effect♡

With such a gorgeous 【Wa Dress】, it's guaranteed that the eyes of the guests at the venue will be fixated on it◎ Both the front and back exude a flawless beauty♡

The Allure of 【Wa Dresses】① – Interesting Combinations of Different Materials♩

The fabrics of traditional attire are all thick and substantial＊ By pairing these fabrics with tulle or lace commonly used in dresses, you can maintain the festive and luxurious feel while adding a light and fluffy touch♡

The Allure of 【Wa Dresses】② – Patterns × Patterns, Colors × Colors that Don’t Clash＊

The charm of traditional Japanese patterns lies in their flexibility to match any glamorous combination of patterns or bold colors◎ Designs that would be difficult to challenge with ordinary dresses, such as a deep blue paired with bright red flowers, can be perfectly achieved with 【Wa Dresses】♡

The Allure of 【Wa Dresses】③ – Of Course, Mermaid and Slender Silhouettes Too♡

The silhouette of 【Wa Dresses】 is not limited to the dramatically flared princess line♩ How about a lovely slender silhouette that is elegantly refined for a 【Wa Dress】...？♡

While maintaining the beauty of the mermaid line silhouette, it adds the gorgeousness and festive appeal of traditional patterns◎ Unlike traditional attire, dresses reveal the back and neckline, creating a lovely, elongated look for the upper body♡

Now that you understand the charm of 【Wa Dresses】, you might be wondering which brands are behind them? Next, let’s introduce famous brands that design 【Wa Dresses】♡

Famous Brand Designing 【Wa Dresses】①: 'Sugar Kay'

In fact, famous brands are also involved in the design of 【Wa Dresses】♡ Known for dresses that exude a sweet and melting world reminiscent of sugar confections, 'Sugar Kay' has designed many 【Wa Dresses】♩ This sweet and festive design is unique to 'Sugar Kay'♡

www.stella-dress.com

Famous Brand Designing 【Wa Dresses】②: 'Stella di Rivelò'

Known for its unique and dramatic, delicate yet bold dress designs, 'Stella di Rivelò' is a beloved brand among brides-to-be♡ This brand also creates 【Wa Dresses】, incorporating elements of traditional styles♩ The passionate and elegant designs can only be achieved in 【Wa Dresses】♡

stella-dress.seesaa.net

Famous Brand Designing 【Wa Dresses】③: 'Kiyoko Hata'

'Kiyoko Hata', known for designing wonderful dresses, also creates splendid 【Wa Dresses】 that make the most of varied materials♡ Using black-based traditional patterned fabric for the obi, hem, and neckline, the design is beautifully coordinated♩

Brides Remaking Kimonos and Shiro-muku into 【Wa Dresses】♩

In addition to the 【Wa Dresses】 that are already available for sale, some brides have their cherished kimonos and shiro-muku (white ceremonial kimono) remade into 【Wa Dresses】♡ Don’t you think it's romantic to have a shiro-muku passed down from your mother remade into a wedding dress and wear it...?♡

Some brides wear traditional kimonos as 【Wa Dresses】 not by altering them into dress form, but by changing the way they wear them and the accessories they pair with them♩ It’s amazing that a garment that’s originally a kimono can be transformed into a dress simply by changing its styling...♡

While Japanese and Western Styles May Seem Different, the Sentiment Behind Both is the Same♡

The traditional Japanese style known as "ohiki-zuri," where the hem trails long behind, is a formal outfit allowed only for brides at weddings＊ The long trailing trains of wedding dresses originate from this, and the longer the train, the more prestigious it is considered.

allure-wedding.com

Although Japanese and Western styles may seem completely opposite at first glance, they share the commonality of formal attire＊ Both are precious garments that honor the status and position of the wearer, meant to celebrate this new beginning, and can only be worn by the bride once in a lifetime♡

I Want to Dazzle in the Alluring 【Wa Dresses】♡

For brides-to-be who find it hard to choose between traditional and Western styles for their outfit change, the 【Wa Dress】 is highly recommended as a perfect blend♡ If you are struggling to decide on a colored dress, consider including a splendid and extravagant 【Wa Dress】 in your options♡