Fashion

Best of ECO FASHION: Memoirs of a Gaysha

For the Eco Fashion section of our Japanese cover, this CBK staff member is almost unrecognizable while displaying unique style showcasing vintage Kimonos from the 60’s.

By Lauren Matina - style@laurenmatina.com Photos by Icarus Blake

From Cover 16

My first brush with Japanese culture was in 1996, when my father was working on the Nagano Olympics. I remember being fascinated by the assortment of delicate fans, kimonos, and cartoon toys that would come spilling out of his bag at the end of every business trip. My favorite, by far, was a bright red and pink kimono, just my size; I was so disappointed when I finally grew out of it. For this story, I rented vintage kimonos, from the 1940’s, 50’s, and 60’s. What struck me most about these kimonos, was the vivid colors, though they were decades old, which brought me right back to my first kimono. I was inspired by the over the top, bright colors often found in Japanese pop culture. I find here a juxtaposition of the old and the new.

Fear and Loathing in Kyoto Photo © Icarus Blake

Vintage Kimono from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Obi from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Necklaces from Live Worldly

Eyewear from MERCURA NYC available from mercuranyc@gmail.com and from ARTSEE10 Downing Street Manhattan, New York City

Warrior Photo © Icarus Blake

Vintage Kimono from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Ring from Kevia Handcrafted Jewelry

Bag Wig Photo © Icarus Blake

Vintage Kimono from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232 Obi from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Bag from MERCURA NYC available from mercuranyc@gmail.com and from ARTSEE10 Downing Street Manhattan, New York City

Necklaces from Elva Fields

Geometric Photo © Icarus Blake

Vintage Kimono from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Obi from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Eyewear from MERCURA NYC available from mercuranyc@gmail.com and from ARTSEE10 Downing Street Manhattan, New York City

 

Pink SquarePhoto © Icarus Blake

Vintage Kimono from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Eyewear from MERCURA NYC available from mercuranyc@gmail.com and from ARTSEE10 Downing Street Manhattan, New York City

Emperor Photo © Icarus Blake

Vintage Kimono from Kimono House, New York www.thekimonohouse.com 212-505-0232

Eyewear from MERCURA NYC available from mercuranyc@gmail.com and from ARTSEE10 Downing Street Manhattan, New York City

 

Stylist: Lauren Matina

Make-up: Crystal Soveroski

Producer: Greta Pininfarina

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