Geisha Kimono Fashion Report

This report delves into the intricate details of Geisha kimonos, examining their significance as a defining feature of Geisha culture. It discusses the different layers of the kimono (hada-juban and naga juban), the crucial role of the obi in enhancing the Geisha's appearance and providing support, and how the kimono's design varies based on the Geisha's rank, experience, and the season. The report highlights the differences in kimono styles between apprentice Geisha (maiko) and experienced Geisha (geiko), noting variations in color, obi length and style, and the symbolic meaning of obi placement. Furthermore, it traces the evolution of Geisha kimono fashion, from simpler styles in the past to the more vibrant and diverse designs seen today. The report concludes by emphasizing the cultural importance of the kimono and its influence on the perception of Geisha by Japanese men. The report includes references to various books, journals, and online sources.

KIMONO IN GEISHA

Kimono is being regarded as one of the most defining feature of Geisha. Kimono is the
traditional clothing which is being wore by the Japanese people including Geisha. The kimono
which Geisha wears has the neckline that dips low on the back. The Japanese found the neckline
of women more sensual. It is the reason why the kimono of Geisha is made in a manner so that
the respective women can show off their sensuality to the Japanese men. In addition to this, the
Geisha who wear the given cloth puts heavy white make up with elaborate hair style. This is
done, with an aim to induce men towards them (Geisha: Kimono, 2016). The kimono which
Geisha wear has the two layers which is of hada-juban and naga juban. In addition to this, the
Geisha kimono is incomplete without obi. Here, obi is the long silk piece which is tied around
the waistline of Geisha. This is used with an aim to enhance the waistline of Geisha in more
effective manner. Here, obi plays very effective role. It helps in holding kimono more closed as
well as it also helps in providing elegance to the women who wear it. Furthermore, obi also give
support to the back part of Geisha. Hence, this is all about the kimono of Geisha.
Illustration 1: Geisha kimono

Besides this, there are varied level set for the Geisha which are developed on the basis of
age and experience of respective women (Majid, 2014). In addition to this, the level in which
Geisha belong also plays very important role in terms of defining the kimono fashion of Geisha.
For example, the Geisha who is at the learning phase or who is being recruited at apprentice
position wear the different type of kimono. Here, the kimono which apprentice Geisha wear is
more colorful with the extravagant obi as compared to the those Geisha who have more
experienced. Here, the obi which apprentice wear is brighter than other Geisha (Schliesinger,
2015). In addition to this, their obi is longer than full Geisha. Furthermore, the obi has the large
back knot which is highly decorated and can be longer than 16.4 feet. In addition to this, the
direction in which obi is tied also symbolizes the characteristic of Geisha. For example, the
Geisha who is the professional dancer always tied its knot at the back. In the similar way, the
Geisha who is being indulge into the prostitute business always tied its knot at the front.
However, the elegance of kimono totally depends upon the women who wear it.
In addition to this, the apprentice Geisha also have pocket in their kimono which is called
by the name of furry. Hence, it is correct to said that the fashion of kimono also varies as per the
level and age of Geisha. Moreover, the season also causes significant impact upon the fashion of
kimono (Underwood, 2012). For example, the colour pattern and the style which is being used in
Kimono is also depended upon the season. For instance, during the winter season Geisha wear
third quarter length haori which is being lined with the painted silk over the kimono. Hence, it is
right to said that Geisha tend to wear the lined kimono during the winter season. However, at the
summer season they wear unlined kimono. Moreover, the level of Geisha also decide the colour
distribution which are being used within kimono. Here, the kimono which is of red and pink
colour is wear by Geiko. However, the kimono with white printed pattern in red colour is wear
by maiko.
Furthermore, there are several developments is being seen in the kimono fashion of
Geisha. Prior to the 1937 the kimono which Geisha used to wear is more simple and does not
include many colours. The colour which they generally used is white. But, gradually there were
several developments is being occurred in the Geisha kimono fashion. At present, the kinomo of
Geisha used to come in several bright colours. Furthermore, the design of Geisha has also
changed as per the level of Geisha (A'ini, 2015).

In addition to this, the clothing kimono has its cultural importance. It denotes the cultural
values as well as tradition of Japanese people. In addition to this, the Japanese men also finds the
women more pleasing and attractive who tends to wear the given type of cloths (Rahayu, Emelda
and Aisyah, 2014). Overall, it can be said that the culture causes significant influence upon the
people who wear different type of cloths. The same type of thing has also being seen in the case
of kimono for Geisha.

REFERENCES
Books, journals and online
A'ini, Q., 2015. GAMBARAN KEHIDUPAN GEISHA DALAM NOVEL MEMOIRS OF A
GEISHA KARYA ARTHUR GOLDEN (PENDEKATAN MIMETIK). Diglossia. 7(1).
Francks, P., 2015. Was Fashion a European Invention?: The Kimono and Economic
Development in Japan. Fashion Theory. 19(3). pp.331-361.
Geisha: Kimono. 2016. [Online]. Available through <http://www.japanpowered.com/japan-
culture/geisha-kimono>. [Accessed on 17th March 2016].
Majid, P., 2014. Prostitute or Artist?: Stereotype and Authenticity in Arthur Golden’s Memoirs
of a Geisha.
Rahayu, M., Emelda, L. and Aisyah, S., 2014. Power Relation In Memoirs Of Geisha And The
Dancer. Register. 7(2).
Schliesinger, J., 2015. Geisha-The Mysterious Japanese Entertainer. Booksmango.
Underwood, E., 2012. The Life of a Geisha. Tuttle Publishing.
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