CULTURAL TRADITION AS INSPIRATION FOR CONTEMPORARY FASHION: THE INFLUENCE OF THE JAPANESE KIMONO ON NIGERIAN DESIGN

Abstract

This paper explores the cross-cultural influence of Japanese kimono traditions on contemporary Nigerian fashion. It demonstrates how Nigerian designers have adopted the kimono’s distinctive silhouette—characterized by wide sleeves and straight-lined forms—while also incorporating traditional Japanese textile techniques such as shibori (tie-dye) and sashiko (decorative stitching) alongside indigenous methods including Adire dyeing, Aso Oke weaving, and Akwete textile production. The study further examines the creative integration of kimono elements, such as obi belts and layered construction, with iconic Nigerian fabrics including Adire, Ankara, Aso Oke, and Akwete. This qualitative research employed participant observation and desk-based methods for data collection. Findings indicate that contemporary Nigerian fashion shows and designer collections increasingly feature these hybrid styles, signaling both admiration for Japanese aesthetics and a broader trend toward global cultural exchange. This synthesis enhances aesthetic diversity, fosters intercultural dialogue, and illustrates how globalization shapes the evolution of fashion identities. Ultimately, the influence of the Japanese kimono exemplifies the dynamic exchange of cultural traditions that continues to inspire and transform contemporary Nigerian fashion.