Connecting Cultures through Kimono and Sari

Joyce Kubose and Dean Raffaelli discuss and demonstrate the proper wearing of kimono (Photo courtesy of Chicago Japanese American Historical Society).

In his article, "Cultural Connections Program: Connecting Cultures Through Kimono and Sari", Dean Rafaelli writes about the evolving culture of dress in the United States, specifically of Japanese and Indian influence.

At a program entitled "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall... How Am I Perceived By All?", held in Chicago in March 2006 at the Indo-American Center, a diverse group of people gathered to discuss how attire and appearance impact the Japanese American and Asian Indian American communities.

Several individuals wore Japanese kimono and Indian sari to demonstrate traditions of intricate dressing that date back centuries in Japan and India. There was also discussion on how kimono and sari have evolved into contemporary fashion in American pop culture.

Do you express identity through appearance--clothing, hair styles, body adornment, accessories, or even the car you drive?

Is there a connection between your cultural and/or ethnic identity and the way you choose to dress?

Read the entire article (Kimono and Sari) and share your comments in the Community Forum!

Dean Rafaelli is a Chicago-based physician and the current president of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Chicago Association. This article originally appeared on the by the website of the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, a Discover Nikkei affiliate.