Mood:
happyI use the term geisha as a synonym for maiko. They do not, however, refer to the same thing. Maikos are apprentice geisha and they wear the more ornate kimonos and their make-up and hairstyles are a little different than a full-fledged geisha. Technically, I got a maiko makeover.
Stage 1 – Getting Prepped
There are many layers to a geisha’s kimono. I started out with a light white cotton wrap that dipped down in the back and V-ed low in the front. The fit of the wrap is important because the white makeup is worn on the neck, and a bit down the back. Thankfully, I wore a wig (can’t imagine how long it would have taken my own hair to look like that) which necessitated the lovely hairnet.
Stage 2 – The Makeup
It wasn’t nearly as think or un-breathable as I’d expected.
Of course I only had in on for an hour. It might be different after several hours of wear. And maybe the real geisha wears a thicker brand to last all night. A light pink base, similar to a rouge, was put on my checks before the white makeup. This is so the rosy cheeks would shine through. One of the real geisha I saw in Gion had that blushing look. It reminded me when I’d put a flashlight in my mouth and puff out my cheeks….you’ve done it too, don’t lie. Her’s, of course, were much more attractive. It really did look like she was glowing. She was beautiful. I couldn’t help but stare.
The white makeup goes over the entire face neck and part of the chest and back. A W pattern is made at the base of the neck. The kimono dips slightly to show the design. Red tinted eye makeup is put on along with eyeliner and mascara. The eyebrows are penciled in and the lips painted a glossy red. Red is used frequently in the makeup and the kimono as it is supposed to attract men.
Stage 3 – Layering, Layering, Layering
As stated earlier there are several layers to the kimono. I first put on the tabi socks -- the popular foot mitten designed to accommodate flip flops or in my case getas. They were a nylon/satin material that hooked along the back heel.
Everything else was done by my makeup artist/dresser. In addition to the cotton slip there was another light-weight white wrap that went around my shoulders. This one wasn’t as low cut, had thick red trim around the neckline and only went down to my upper abdomen. It was secured just below my boobs. Next was a
wrap skirt tied above my natural waistline. This was patterned because it’s meant to be seen. Then came a wide sash that draped around my neck. Finally we got to the kimono robe. It rested on my shoulders strategically to show the fancy back makeup as well as the decorative neck sash. A long, wide red sash was then wrapped from right below my hips to just above my waist. Then some sort of stiff board was placed over my midsection. An embroidered sash was wrapped high on my torso flattening my chest down. (That one isn't shown in the above picture.) At last we got to the obi sash. It went on top of, but did not cover the embroidered and solid wraps. There's a full length shot below that you can make out the 3 different sashes, but you have to look closely. A skinny elastic belt with a rhinestone studded buckle was placed over the obi. I guess this was to indicate where my waist should have been. The finishing touch (for the kimono anyway) was the back knot. 
I’m sure that real Japanese women tie it, but for my dress-up purposes we used the pre-made style. The large plastic hook wedged into my obi like giant bow on a Christmas box.
Stage 4 – The Wig
I was asked to sit down to put the wig in place. The dresser had wrapped me so low on my hips that I could hardly bend down onto the stool. It was a snug fit and a bit heavy. For just a few seconds I felt light headed. How those Rockettes do it I’ll never know.
Stage 5 – The Photo Shoot
I walked from the dressing room to the studio taking tiny steps. There wasn’t much room in all my wrapping for a large stride. It added to the whole experience, though, making me feel more in character. I wore basic sandals from room to room, but had the actual geta shoes on during the pictures. Boy were those tricky! 
Stage 6 – The Clean-Up
Taking off was quicker that putting on. Even the makeup cleaned up with ease. The whole thing, makeup, dressing, and pictures only took an hour and a half. I got to keep the contact sheet from the shoot. From the 20 shots he took I was able to pick out (3) 5x7’s and make one of those into a wallet size laminated card. I also opted to get a CD that has all 20 original shots.
The makeup lady and the photographer were a lot of fun and really enhanced the afternoon. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve gotten to do and see so many different things while living over here. What a blessed and fortunate life I’ve lived.
The End Result -- Check out the travel pics for another shot of me and some pictures of real geisha and maiko.
**By the way, I did get to participate in a traditional tea ceremony while in Japan. If I can get my hands on a good wig I might become available for parties, anniversaries, and bar mitzvahs.**
