Memoirs of a Geisha – Chapter 3

It’s been a while since my last kimono tribute, but not for lack of inspiration. Turner Classic Movies (the movie-lover’s paradise and my very favorite channel) has been exploring the depiction of Asians in classic film, and I felt drawn to more traditionally beautiful Geisha apparel.

Mare Vollmar’s kimonos are poetry in motion. If the geisha of old wore such elaborate and delicate designs it’s no surprise that they inspired so much mystery and sensuality. The silk of this kimono has been dyed a deepening pink and spills out in beautiful sheer layers at the sleeves and skirt. There was a simpler option for both, but I’ve never been a no-frills kind of girl. I felt so lovely in it that I didn’t even pose this shot – the landmark for this location will take you right to the geisha dance I’m using. The pink uchikake (robe-like brocaded cape) at my back is a sculpted wonder by Cherry Tokyo. I’ve worn it before, but it deserves more attention. The necessary theatrical folding fans were an OnRez purchase, for only L$35 each.

Some of you answered my plea for Geisha skins and hair on my last “Memoirs” post, and I have Tomoyuki Batra to thank for this perfect hairstyle – made more perfect by the color-changing hair ornaments! You should already know about Fricka Morgath‘s skins, the quality is outstanding and the prices just can’t be beat (including several amazing freebies too!), and I’ll be featuring quite a few more in the future. The hot pink makeup matched my obi perfectly and was a bright enough shade that I could finally wear these floral earrings from a past Seasons hunt. My kanzashi (or hair ornament) was included with the kimono, and I tinted the hair pins a pastel pink. Both my fur-tipped fan and rose corsage are from Bare Rose kimono costumes, which always compel me to press “buy” and lose my lindens. A stunning example of one of my favorites is coming up, expect a much darker take on “geisha” soon.

See the first installment of my Geisha Series here: Memoirs of a Geisha – Chapter 1
And the second here: Memoirs of a Geisha – Chapter 2

Skin: Frick – Geisha in Sakura
Eyes: Miriel – The Fantastic Realism Collection – Marine
Hair: Asian Inspirations – Up-swept Bun with Glass Moonlit Blooms (Ornaments set to Pastel Pink Color)
Kimono and Hair Stick: Mare Kimono & Dress – Kimono V3 in Yayoi (Shoulder and Sleeve Type B)
Uchikake: Cherry Tokyo – Pink Uchikake Kimono
Obi: mumukok Tibbet – Nadeshiko Kimono Obi (No Store Landmark)
Corsage: Bare Rose – Thorn of Beauty Geisha Outfit in White
Earrings: Seasons – Kumiko Earrings (No Longer Available)
Eyelashes: Cake – Flutter Lashes
Pink Fans: Mika – “Nikki” Animated Folding Fan in Cherry Blossoms
White Fan: Bare Rose – Uchikake Geisha Outfit

Curious about some of the vocabulary? See Foreign Fashion Vocab for more information.

For Slurls, see our Locations and Designers and Photo-Shoot Locations pages.