An intricate collection
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers ART WORK- John McMullen holds a kimono he says was probably made in the 1920s and would be worn by a bride under a wedding coat. The Camarillo resident's private collection comprises more than 2,000 Japanese kimonos, some of which have been used in feature films such as "Memoirs of a Geisha." McMullen also has close to a thousand of the garments for sale.

John McMullen knew he'd struck a good deal that day in Japan when he traded a few cartons of cigarettes for a sterling silver vase. But what he didn't know 60 years ago was how much Japanese art and culture would influence his life.

McMullen first stepped ashore the island nation in 1947, when stationed there as a corporal in the U.S. Army. Following his stint in the Army, he returned with his wife, Bobbie, and they served as Methodist missionaries for some 20 years. Their two daughters, Tammy and Michelle, were born in Japan.

The McMullens returned to the U.S. in 1970. By that time, John McMullen was completely enamored with Japanese culture. He opened a Japanese furniture and antique store in the Los Angeles area, traveling back to Japan several times a year on business.

John McMullen had also been collecting kimonos during this time. Today, his collection stands at more than 2,000 vintage kimonos.

"The hobby took over my life," the Camarillo resident said.

McMullen said he appreciates the artistic expertise and intricate detail involved in making a wellcrafted kimono. He said that each vintage kimono he owns was handsewn, handdyed and handpainted; some were handembroidered with 24-karat gold thread. A well-made kimono takes at least 10,000 hours to make, McMullen said.

Many of his kimonos appeared in "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "The Last Samurai," he said.

The value of his collection is incalculable. He has, for example, two kimonos made for Emperor Hirohito and his wife for his 1928 coronation. Although the kimonos were a backup set and never actually worn by the emperor and empress, McMullen thinks they're priceless.

The kimono and its precursor, the kosode, were traditional dress for Japanese men and women from the 15th century on. But from the late 1800s, its popularity slowly waned.

But kimonos are enjoying a renaissance these days.

McMullen, who still makes annual business trips to Japan, said he's seeing more people on the streets wearing kimonos.

While in the country on business, McMullen fuels his passion for collecting the cultural icon garment by scouring the country's used clothing stores. Some of the kimonos he's found there had retailed for $60,000 when new, he said.

"Americans would not believe how expensive they are," McMullen said.

He often finds used kimonos in good shape. Japanese families went to great lengths to preserve them, often passing them down to the next generation.

Before the days of dry cleaners, a kimono owner took the garment apart to wash it and after allowing it to dry, sewed it back together.

Earlier this month, the Camarillo Newcomers Club displayed McMullen's kimono collection at a luncheon at Spanish Hills Country Club.

McMullen plans to hold a huge kimono sale in the area soon, pricing them from $10 to $300. Call McMullen at (805) 482-6852 for details.

He also plans to show off his collection at a fashion show scheduled for Feb. 23, 2008, at the Camarillo United Methodist Church.

McMullen said he's working with a public relations firm to get the word out about the event and that he plans to have it televised.

"It's going to be one of the biggest things to hit Camarillo," McMullen said.