This vintage style dress which was posted on burdastyle’s project page in May this year got me started on a four-month search for the Japanese sewing book ‘Retrospective is Stylish’.
‘Retrospective is Stylish’ by Yoshiko Tsukiori showcases beautiful dresses, blouses, skirts and suits from the 1950s to the 1970s. I love Japanese sewing books and retro designs so it must be a PERFECT sewing book for me! I guess many people loved it too as the book was sold out and I couldn’t get a copy anywhere. I was also informed by kinokuniya that the book is out of print and no longer available. After months of searching and waiting, I was told by an etsy seller in July that she had a second-hand copy of the book for sale but after I responded with some questions, I didn’t hear from her again. I guessed the book has been snapped up by another buyer. A week ago, I did another search on etsy and this time a positive search result came up! Lilymeru had a new copy of the book for sale! I bought it immediately and thanked the seller profusely for listing it. She replied to say that I am very lucky as the book was all sold out in Japan and she managed to get this last copy from the publisher! I am TRULY SUPERNATURALLY BLESSED! The shipping cost from Japan is also very reasonable 🙂 I received the book yesterday, couldn’t put it down and wanted to immediately make all the dresses in it! Just a few images here to share my excitement!
You can also check out the lovely garments others have made from this book at Japan Couture Addict. This beautiful yellow dress is my favorite. It’s named Birdy and there is more info and images of it on the La poupee qui fait non blog by its very talented creator.
Have a fabulous week everyone!
The Sew Convert 
You’re very lucky indeed!
The dresses are sooooo pretty!
Wow! I love the dress with the daisy trim, that neckline is just perfect.
Oh, these dresses are super-cute! The yellow one is amazing and I love the neckline of the blue one with the flowers! Congrats on scoring that book and I’m looking forward to seeing your versions of the garments!
Ohh, the book looks lovely.
Can you please tell me – are the instructions only in Japanese – or also in English (as some of the photos have both languages on them)?
Many thanks 🙂
Claire
Hi Claire, the instructions are in Japanese. There are a few Japanese sewing books that have been translated to English but from what I know, this is not one of them. Nonetheless, Japanese sewing books usually come with pretty clear diagrams so those really help! Hope that clarifies 🙂
What fantastic pics – and wonderful style! They are wonderfully reminiscent of some of the Wong Kar Wei films set in Hong Kong in the 60s; particularly ‘In the Mood for Love’. I confess to finding vintage fashion from around the world completely fascinating. Friends in Delhi had some wonderful pics of themselves from the late 60s/early 70s in bright floral and geometric pattern print saris and kurtas. Looking forward to seeing what you make of them!
I’m so envious you have this book! Just lovely.
And I can’t keep up with you, woman! You just churn out cute garment after cute garment 🙂 I wouldn’t know where to begin with my compliments. I think you’re particularly gifted in choosing wonderful fabrics — everytime I go to the fabric store I’m disappointed by my options and so I end up sewing plain garments. You inspire me to be more colorful!
You are right! There is some Wong flavour in the images! He’s my fave Asian director btw and I love the fashion in his movies! Retro print saris sound amazing, I have not had the chance to see images of those unfortunately. Thanks for sharing the idea!
Thank you for the encouraging words Ali! I actually think colors look amazing on you, like your bright orange cardi! And I must tell you how jealous I am that you are in Maui! I think the moon looks glorious there!