Personally I adore far east and especially Japan. Their minimalist culture and lifestyle is fascinating and it has its influence on their art and way of thinking.
Japanese attires are comfortable and beautiful and it has affected many artists and designers. History and symbolic meaning of each garment is different; here we talk about “hakama”.
Hakama is a traditional Japanese pleated, two part lower garment. It began as a long trailing garment in ancient times and has been a part of male ceremonial attire and worn by martial artists.
The hakama has seven pleats, five in the from and two in the back. Each pleat has its own name and symbolic meaning.
Here I listed each pleat name and what it represents:
Yuki: Courage, valor and bravery
Jin: Humanity, charity and benevolence
Gi: Justice, righteousness, integrity
Rei: Etiquette, courtesy, civility
Makoto: Sincerity, honesty, reality
Chugi: Loyalty, fidelity and devotion
Meiyo: Honor, dignity, prestige
Traditional hakam and its pleats
Traditionally the hakama tie over the top of the kimono and are mostly in solid colors. Depending on the occasion different patterns are used as well.
This garment demonstrate mastery, therefore even women wears it to places such as graduations and traditional musical concerts.
One ninja and one samurai with their hakamas
Nowadays this far east attire inspired so many designers and has been a part of todays fashion for some times now. Down below you can see some examples from AASSTTIINN:
Trousers: Taliye Imani Trousers: Sanaz Nataj Trousers: Reza Nadimi
Shoes: Zheen Shoes: Lakota Shoes: Lakota
Bag: Paniz Style Bag: Chehreh Bag: Geodi
Top: Reza Nadimi Vest: Sanaz Nataj Top: Agat
Earrings: Naaz Bracelets: Pasha Moezzi Necklace: Naaz