Kimonosendo Kondō, which offers kimono dressing classes with front tying, holds kimono study sessions three times a year (February, June, and October).
In June, as the season for yukata and summer kimonos approaches, and occasions to go out wearing a half-width obi increase, themes for the study session often include "how to tie a half-width obi that suits yukata," and so on.
Speaking of half-width obi!!!
I'm not sure if anyone said, "It must be the students from the front-tying class!" (lol),
But for this study session, the theme was "Various Ways to Tie a Half-Width Obi," and I was asked to be the instructor.
Our motto is to be serious and have fun!
So, we held a "fashion show" that was properly aligned with the theme.
Since it was held as part of a kimono study session, there was limited seating, and there was even a waiting list for cancellations.
This is surely proof that many people are interested in half-width obis.
We demonstrated how to tie an obi, and then had models wearing various obi ties walk around the venue.
Of course, all the models who participated received lessons in "showing and charming" through walking and posing beforehand.
They were mindful of key points as they prepared for the event.
Finally, when the models lined up and showed their obi ties from behind to the audience,
everyone's cameras went up at once, and there was an amazing flurry of shutter clicks.
...We even had to allocate some time for photos.
Obi, especially a half-width obi, is a sash that allows you to tie it in a way that "charms."
Summer is just around the corner.
I hope that with the increased opportunities to wear half-width obis, all kimono lovers will enjoy their kimonos even more beautifully and gorgeously.
(June 2017)
