Paul MacLardy is an author and owner of Arise Bazaar in Clinton, Maryland, one of the largest Japanese textile emporiums in the nation. His lecture will focus on the changes that occurred in traditional Japanese clothing following the opening of Japan to the West in the mid-1800s.

During that time, major political, ideological and economic changes were happening. Advances in manufacturing and the movement of goods led to a “Kimono Explosion”. The middle class could finally afford to own and wear kimonos. This lecture and exhibit will feature examples of kimonos from the 1800s through the 1930s and explain how changes in the industry led to innovative kimonos that were both available and affordable to a wider population. Please note that Paul will be bringing items for sale.