Holland Street Featured in BBC Culture: The Designers Taking the Kimono Into the Future

We’re proud to share that Holland Street was featured in BBC Culture’s article on “The Designers Taking the Kimono into the Future”. The piece explores the enduring fascination with the kimono — from its origins in Japan’s Heian period to its influence on modern fashion houses worldwide. Within this global conversation, Holland Street is recognised for adapting the kimono’s timeless silhouette into luxury printed silk kaftans, kimonos, robes, and interior linens, blending Japanese heritage with contemporary British design.

Shop the Marchesa Kimono here.

The word kimono originally meant “something to wear.” Over centuries, this simple definition transformed into one of the most recognizable garments in the world — a symbol of Japanese culture, artistry, and fashion. Originating in the Heian period (794–1192) and refined during the Edo era (1603–1868), the kimono became more than clothing. It evolved into an art form, treasured as heirlooms and admired for its craftsmanship.

A Global Fascination

The kimono’s influence spread far beyond Japan. During the late 19th century, the Japonism movement introduced the garment to Europe and the United States, sparking fascination among designers and collectors. By the 1920s, couturiers such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Madeleine Vionnet incorporated its flowing lines into their collections, cementing the kimono’s place in Western fashion.

That fascination continues today. From Louis Vuitton’s Kyoto runway show to Christian Louboutin’s obi‑inspired shoes, international designers reinterpret the kimono’s textiles and silhouette with fresh eyes. Exhibitions at institutions like the Kyoto Costume Institute and the Metropolitan Museum of Art highlight its enduring role in shaping global fashion.

Modern Revivals

Recent years have seen the kimono reappear on red carpets, catwalks, and high streets. Designers such as Iris Van Herpen, Marchesa, and Mihara Yasuhiro have drawn inspiration from traditional techniques like shibori tie‑dye and patchwork weaving, blending heritage with innovation. The kimono’s decorative fabrics and elegant drape continue to inspire contemporary fashion houses worldwide.

Holland Street’s Interpretation

At Holland Street, we celebrate this legacy by reimagining the kimono silhouette for modern living. Our luxury printed silk kaftans, kimonos, robes, and interior linens combine bold colourways, expressive florals, and timeless craftsmanship. Each piece is designed to drape beautifully, offering both comfort and artistry — whether worn as loungewear or enjoyed as part of your home interiors.

Gift-wrapped and shipped worldwide, Holland Street’s designs bring the kimono’s enduring elegance into everyday life. By blending Japanese heritage with British design sensibilities, we create garments and linens that are not only stylish but also heirloom‑worthy.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20171208-the-designers-taking-the-kimono-into-the-future