Is anything worn under that?
Feb 14, 2012 | 11:19 am
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 19,069
freecia's account has reminded me of another scenario. I got talked into attending a large Japanese cultural event in London a few months ago and amongst the assorted events was an introductory tea ceremony.
One of the volunteers was a lady who had looked very chic in her adaptation of 20s era Japanese clothing in the Western setting of the events hall. The moment she discarded some of her accessories and climbed onto the prepared tatami (a space rarefied by the presence of artfully placed tea ceremony artefacts) she changed completely. Her collar gaped open over her cleavage, and the lower hem of her kimono, arranged high to accommodate a pair of fetching boots, yawned wide over bare legs. The lady appeared oblivious to all of this and seemed to be trying hard to appear dainty and refined with her gestures. My husband physically blushed and, when prodded, whispered “onsen geisha” to me. I knew exactly what he meant.
Perhaps it was the juxtaposition of the modern getup in the traditional setting but the effect was peculiarly sordid (like going to Fortnum & Masons for tea and seeing someone in hotpants, a bikini top and a permatan at the next table). In contrast, my mother, a proud stranger to fashion and with no affectations of elegance of manners, had also volunteered. She looked serene and composed in a turtleneck and slacks with a wide armed haori jacket thrown over the top.
Undergarments under Japanese clothes are most definitely a good idea.
One of the volunteers was a lady who had looked very chic in her adaptation of 20s era Japanese clothing in the Western setting of the events hall. The moment she discarded some of her accessories and climbed onto the prepared tatami (a space rarefied by the presence of artfully placed tea ceremony artefacts) she changed completely. Her collar gaped open over her cleavage, and the lower hem of her kimono, arranged high to accommodate a pair of fetching boots, yawned wide over bare legs. The lady appeared oblivious to all of this and seemed to be trying hard to appear dainty and refined with her gestures. My husband physically blushed and, when prodded, whispered “onsen geisha” to me. I knew exactly what he meant.
Perhaps it was the juxtaposition of the modern getup in the traditional setting but the effect was peculiarly sordid (like going to Fortnum & Masons for tea and seeing someone in hotpants, a bikini top and a permatan at the next table). In contrast, my mother, a proud stranger to fashion and with no affectations of elegance of manners, had also volunteered. She looked serene and composed in a turtleneck and slacks with a wide armed haori jacket thrown over the top.
Undergarments under Japanese clothes are most definitely a good idea.
Apr 25, 2013 | 5:29 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
LapLap's story sounds like something that can largely be avoided through the use of a korin belt and... maybe a kilt pin? I think in a situation like that whatever undergarments she would wear should keep her legs together, but even then it wouldn't guarantee that her skirt wouldn't gape when she sat. I think it's more a matter of thought and experience.
Apr 25, 2013 | 1:57 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 19,069
Is anything worn under that?
Lady in question is quite a well known kimono wearer and has a strong Internet presence. Her dress style - heavily influenced by how kimono was worn in the 1920s which wasn't as restrictive and formalised as it is now - was completely appropriate for the setting she was in until she took part in the tea ceremony demonstration. I cannot imagine she intended to take part in this.
Same person dressed as an oiran (courtesan/prostitute) for another event, hopefully she didn't attend another demonstration of a formal art in that guise.
Same person dressed as an oiran (courtesan/prostitute) for another event, hopefully she didn't attend another demonstration of a formal art in that guise.