Yokiro or The Geisha

If you would like to see more beautiful kimono's, I highly recommend renting or buying the movie, Yokiro. Like many Japanese narratives there is honor and death at the root. It won best actor, best actress, best art direction, best cinemaphotography, best director, best music, best screenplay, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, and best sound from the Japanese Academy in 1983. That's a few years ago, but still it's one of the better Japanese films I've seen and worth the rental from Netflix. ^.^

Geisha Radiance

I've worn several kimono's from GD (Geisha Dreams) Here is a really nice kimono from another designer/kimono store. Ancient Tree Kimono has some of the most colorful kimono's I've seen. They are bright and vivid, the designs are bold and beautiful. This kimono is an example of how wonderful they are.

The light pink obi is a refreshing contrast to the blue/purple solid and the happy koi fish playfully swimming along the bottom make for a perfect kimono. I chose this one because of the blossoms on the obi. I believe this kimono's color may be more appropriate for the summer, but the blush pink obi makes it almost as easy to wear in the spring. ^^

The kanzashi is a sweet peony kansazhi from HK (Hana Katsuraya) If your looking for a bold kimono, Ancient Tree is definitely a stop for you.

Kimono: Ancient Tree

Kanzashi: Hana Katsuraya

Hina Matsuri

I know I know, I started this blog late in March, but I wanted to say that in March there is a special day in Japan called Hina Matsuri (雛祭り), the Doll Festival, or otherwise known as Girls' Day, is held on March 3. The third day of the third month in the year. It is also called Momo no Sekku or the Peach Festival known for the peach blossom's that bloom this time of the year.

Most families with girls will show a very ornate display of the dolls of the emperor, the empress and a few members of the imperial court. It may also include small meal dishes, furniture and little trees. Traditionally, it is a seven tier display covered by a red carpet. How sweet is that for little girls?

This kimono is a plum snow kimono, but it looked so similar to the peach blossom, I thought it wouldn't hurt to use it with this outstanding kanzashi from Hana Katsuraya for the Hina Matsuri! Aren't they fascinating? The kanzashi has both the emperor and empress dolls, dressed in Heian period clothing and a long pink tassle. The kimono's obi (belt) is so adorable with the lacey piece that hangs on the side. Both compliment each other nicely. I hope you enjoy them!

Kimono: GiornoBrando
Kanzashi: Hana Katsuraya

Gentleness

Kimonos aren't just for the ladies, men's kimonos are also very kawaii (cute) in SL. Milky has a few kimono's for the guys, they are some of the nicest in SL. Here is one of them ^^ The model is my fiancee, doesn't he make a yummy samurai?

Kimono: Milky House

Kimono vs Hanfu

So, you know I love kimonos, but do you know why I love them? You may not care, but I fell in love with Asian things at a very young age. I stayed up late watching Kung fu theatre with my mom and asked her to buy me anything Asian I could find, which was very few in the Midwest. It was anime and my research of martial arts that led me to Japan and the kimono. I thought ancient Japanese and Chinese dress were so beautiful. These being the kimono and the hanfu, both are similar and very beautiful.

The Chinese hanfu, is flowing and graceful. It's fluid movements of satin and chiffon make a girl look like water flowing. It's graceful and light fabric; freely play along the wind when a woman walks along the shores of the Long River. Its colors range from deep red to all the pastels. It was the very source of elegance in Asia thousands of years ago. Although many see the cheongsam as the traditional dress of China, the hanfu has an even longer history and in my opinion is a more lovely dress.

The kimono is Japan's version of the hanfu. It is a more constricting dress. The soft flowing sleeves of the hanfu, were replaced by the stiff silk sleeves that hung by one's side. They did exceed the hanfu in the ornate embroidery and fascinating dyes on the silk, making them beautiful and colorful. Therefore the movement's of women were short and staccato. Everything was precise and very determined. Even now the grace of Geisha's is not the graceful or fluid motions of ballet, but an exact dance performed with perfection and a stoic "noh" like mask.

Either way, both dresses reveal the beauty of Japan and China. In SL there are incredible dresses for both; these are a couple of examples of my favorite Kimono and Hanfu.

I know it's almost the end of March, but I would like to mention one of the kanzashi worn by geisha in March. That is the peach blossom or momo. The peach blossom begins to make it's appearance now in preparation for it's fruit to come in later months. The peach blossom's subtle coloring and gentle appearance is a sign that the hard winter is finally over and the joy of Spring and new beginnings is blooming.

Similarly to the ume (plum blossom), the peach blossom is also viewed with great pleasure during this month in Japan. While not as popular by the Japanese as the sakura (cherry blossom), the peach is still held in high regard due to it's association with many of the old traditions, folklore, and historical heros.

Here I am wearing one of last year's spring kimonos from Geisha Dreams along with the momo kanzashi from Hana Katsura at Blue Lotus. She has some of the most lovely kanzahi's I've seen.

Kimono: Geisha Dreams
Place: Kyoto Bakumatsu

Kimono Occasions

I know, like many, I wanted to know when was the occasion to wear certain kimonos. Here is a graph to see where and when to wear which kimono appropriately. ^^ I can't remember which Japanese site I got it from, but if anyone knows, please tell me and I will give credit.

New for Spring

Ah, spring is finally here. Kimonos in the spring are light in color and pastels are everywhere. This kimono is from one of my favorite designers on SL, Geisha Dreams. She has some of the most authentic kimonos around the grid. The okobo sandals are from there as well. A visit there and you're sure to find something you like ^^

Geisha Dreams

The hair I'm wearing can be purchased here at FRI

Place: Edo

First Post

I fell in love with kimono's when I was a child and that love has never changed. I just wanted to share it with others. It's that simple. ^^ Second life has made it possible to wear kimono's everyday! How sweet is that! So, to start off, I wanted to post a pic of one of my new kimono's. Of course I have so many and will get many more. Please enjoy!