Paradise Kiss Collection Justin Belnades of Kimono by Krystof & Job Dacon

Title: Paradise Kiss This editorial pays homage to Japanese fashion as we show you different styles of wearing the kimono. From traditional, to eclectic, to streetwear, and harajuku, this enigmatic clothing has been embedded in Japan's culture for centuries and has become an art form on its own. We even amped it up with this elegant gown by Fashion Designer, Job Dacon. The gown was inspired by the Japanese Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. She is one of the major deities (kami) of Shinto as the ruler (or one of the rulers) of the heavenly realm. The use of Japanese Paper Lame textile resembles Amaterasu's Hagoromo which is depicted as wispy fabrics around the goddess's body.

Words/Text by: Mai Chua and Job Dacon

How the Kimono has Influenced the World of Fashion

The Japanese kimono is one of the world's instantly recognizable traditional garments. The word kimono literally means "clothing", and up until the mid 19th century it was the form of dress worn by everyone in Japan. That began to change slowly with the import of suits dresses and other western fashions during the Meiji era.