We had a ball being transformed as Geisha, or actually as "Maiko", apprentice Geisha. The Maiko's outfits and hairstyles are more vibrant so that was how we decided to go.We first changed into our pink geisha slip and proceeded up a very steep flight of stairs to be transformed. The makeup was the first step. We applied a thick cream as the base and were then painted by the make up artist with a very thick white face paint like substance. Close up, the eyes looked very strange, first done in red and then in black.
We went with the "semiwig" option, where some of our own hair was brushed and blended into the wig to give it a little more realistic look.
We got to choose our kimono. I of course went for a red and my sister, a pink. Over the thin cotton slip went another, this time patterned with long decorated sleeves. Another layer went over the shoulders to pad the collar area before the embroidered decorative collar was put into place. A geisha should have quite a straight up and down look, so I was then super-padded with towels under my breasts to give a flatten look to my (I have to say) more than ample chest. Next was the kimono, then a belt around the middle, then the (what I call a cheat) obi (it isn't actually tied, but rather in two parts and the pre-tied bow slipped into place). Finally there was an obijime cord with an obi brooch (obidome).
We got to choose our kimono. I of course went for a red and my sister, a pink. Over the thin cotton slip went another, this time patterned with long decorated sleeves. Another layer went over the shoulders to pad the collar area before the embroidered decorative collar was put into place. A geisha should have quite a straight up and down look, so I was then super-padded with towels under my breasts to give a flatten look to my (I have to say) more than ample chest. Next was the kimono, then a belt around the middle, then the (what I call a cheat) obi (it isn't actually tied, but rather in two parts and the pre-tied bow slipped into place). Finally there was an obijime cord with an obi brooch (obidome).
We had a couple of professional studio photos taken and then were allowed to go to take a few photos ourselves outside for a little while. Before going outside our kimonos were taken up and tied so that we didn't drag and damage the padded bottom. Essentially, that means you can see our red and white under slip (nakajuban) in the full length photos.
I would have loved to have photographed the whole process, but sadly wasn't allowed.
Doing one of these dress-ups is a terribly commercial thing to do, but a lot of fun and something I'd really recommend.
I have been terribly slack with my contributions to Big Cat's BLOGTOBERFEST, but I should be back in the swing of it now.
