Kimono Sleeve Fashion

The kimono sleeve came into fashion for ‘Western’ women’s clothing towards the tail end of the 1940’s when the exaggerated shoulders which had previously been fashionable began to evolve into a more natural silhouette. As women’s fashion entered into the 1950’s, the fashionable silhouette for shoulders continued to move away from the large padded ‘Power’ look of the 1930’s/40’s towards the extreme opposite. A trend for petite and slopping shoulders emerged, alongside the nipped in waists, waspy hips and doll-like everything else, as a reflection of the demure and ultra-feminine stereotype to which society largely expected women to adhere. The kimono sleeve often fitted the bill for this look, as its construction method emphasises a continuous line between the neck and arm, subduing rather than highlighting the shoulder.

The kimono sleeve style became incredibly popular throughout the 1950’s and into the early 1960’s. Garments and sewing patterns featured a variety of lengths of kimono or grown-on sleeves, from the tiniest cap sleeve variation, to ¾ lengths and longer, with and without the underarm gusset; and as you can see by these images certainly looked a million miles from what many would imagine a garment with ‘kimono sleeves’ to look like!

Yoana Baraschi Glam-Dot Shirt Dress

This very grown-up silhouette by Yoana Baraschi is splashed with a playful polka-dot print. Wear this timeless design with nude pumps for a professional, polished but spunky look.

Marine (blue)/marble (cream) polka-dot print crepe de chine.
Ruffle collar; crossover neckline; panel at top of back.
Epaulets; half sleeves; banded, button cuffs.
Tabs at waist.
Straight skirt skims body; ruffle hem hits above knee.
Pullover style.
Silk.
Imported.

About Yoana Baraschi:
Born to an artistic family in Bucharest, Yoana Baraschi studied sculpture before moving to Paris, where she spent time at a number of fashion houses. Eventually she moved to New York and ultimately became the creative director at Betsey Johnson before launching her own eponymous label in 2002. Her collection of dresses reflects her world travels with intricate hand detailing and global-inspired prints.