KIMINO INSPIRED

The obi effect on the back of this dress by Yumi Katsura makes it incredibly kimono-inspired

Some very important fashion is and has been based on the kimono.  I'm not talking only Asian fashion here; the world has adopted the kimono in it's many facets.  Fashion goes through eras where we're in love with kimono sleeves then ten years later it seems the wrap coat part of the kimono is all the rage!  These days evening wear and bridal is borrowing another essential element of the kimono: the obi (sash)--for me the most beautiful part of the garment because done right, the obi can be a form of bustle and God knows how I love those bustles.
Actually the story of the kimono is rather fascinating and has entire books devoted to the history of it.   In a nutshell the kimono is a traditional robe of Japanese dress.  Once worn daily by everyone in Japan from babies, geishas and samurai warriors--these days the majority of the Japanese reserve kimono dress for wedding and tea ceremonies.

 
One of my fave designers in the world and certainly respected as one of the best in bridal is Japanese designer Yumi Katsura.  Her creations are pictured in the images above where she's presented either a traditional version or has some beautiful details borrowed from the traditional kimono.  Katsura's site has a special section for brides looking to purchase a traditional kimono.

French designer Fanny Liautard has created a kimono out of crepe silk shantung

Dresses 1 and 3 via Harmony Wedding Dress.  Middle dress (via Gaia Online) actually has a bodice modeled after the happy coat a staple of Chinese wear--the sleeves have been modified from the kimono though.  

Here's a real hodge podge of design elements that only hint kimono (the sleeves) but definitely say wedding---out of crocheted doilies and tablecloths via Ahka Vintage