Geisha Fashion
There is a huge interest in the life, art and history of the Geisha. The look of Geisha fashion is unique, lovely and graceful and in fact, very expensive. Geisha fashion is one of the integral aspects of the world Geisha. And traditionally, Geisha fashion, although containing very strict guidelines as to the elements of clothing, hair and makeup, the allowance for creativity in choice of Kimono fabric, Obi fabric, including colors, textures and patterns left a much room for interpretation.
The kimono of the Geisha is typically of a subtle single color with a graceful, but striking design sweeping up from the hem. The patterns on the material, most often silk, were and are based on scenes or objects from nature or traditional Japanese themes. In addition, an element of design that has always been very important in Japanese culture, including Geisha fashion is coordination with the seasons. The the obi, or belt worn by the Geisha can be dramatic, but no flamboyant. It is often a single color brocade with minimalist look to it. As described in several of the current and popular books on the life of the Geisha, one can learn about the details of these special garments, the Kimonos and Obis by reading detailed descriptions of flowers and scenes depicted on them.
A single outfit in geisha fashion can easily cost over ten thousand dollars, so it is clear that Geisha fashion is not mainstream and in the early days, a new young Geisha went into a lifetime of debt in order to outfit herself for a career as a Geisha. Geisha fashion has inspired fashion through the years by gleaning from it some of the style elements and fabric motifs that are traditional to Geisha fashion.
Geisha fashion is also often copied in costuming for theatre and Holidays, such as Halloween. Imitating Geisha fashion for little girls has been going on for ages. as Geisha fashion is mysterious and elegant and is a natural for playing dress up. Some modern day lingerie also mimics Geisha fashion due to the appeal of it’s look and the mystery around the Geisha, themselves. The elements of Geisha fashion that are not so widely copied are the white face makeup and the elaborate hair styles and ornaments. Even though Geisha fashion is elegant, it is more understated than it’s counterpart in Japanese fashion for prostitutes. The same basic garments and ornaments are worn, but the Geisha fashion is much more subtle.
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