Hanae Mori blended traditional Western forms with Japanese aesthetics. Her first collection, presented in New York in 1965, was called “East Meets West”. That same year she was inducted into France's Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, as the first and only female Asian couturier to become a member of this prestigious organization.

This dress, with its long, swinging sleeves and a wide obi-like sash, was inspired by the kimono, Japanese traditional garment.