Textile & Fashion

In mediaeval times the kosode was worn under a hakama (referred to as 'kosode-hakame' dressing), and this was the normal formal wear of a wife of the military class. But in the Momoyama Period the hakama was dispensed with and over the top of the simple kosode another, finer one would be worn. This top kosode was called an uchikake. The uchikake would be worn half off the shoulders, secured at the waist with a sash. In the same period, makeup became more colourful too and hair was also tied up brightly. Kosode were made in novel and interesting patterns. This was the first step towards Early Modern times, with teir freer sense of beauty and their enjoyment of fashion.