Showing posts with label Kimono. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kimono. Show all posts

Wednesday, 13 April 2011

An English bride in Japan...

For those of you that don't know, I am getting married in Japan next year.....well, we are getting married here first then having a blessing in Kyoto. It has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions these past few weeks with regards to the situation in Japan.
My heart goes out to all the people of Japan. While I appreciated messages on Facebook and texts asking if our wedding plans were affected by the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear plant meltdown etc, I asked them to think of the people who had lost their homes, possessions and even worse, their lives. We are still going ahead with the ceremony (Kyoto has not been directly affected) because if people stay away, it will only make the situation worse (tourism is a big player in Japan's economy). Watch this video and see what the people of Tokyo want you to do!!



For the ceremony, I will be wearing the traditional white kimono including the wataboshi, a sort of veil/hood which is said to conceal the horns of jealousy woman sometimes get during their marriage! When I was in Japan last year I saw a newly wed bride at the Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo.


This is what I will be wearing...

Some people have asked why I am getting 'married' twice. Well, partly because 1. You can't get legally married at a Shinto shrine and 2. Why not?? Japan is a very special place for me, I sometimes see it as my second home despite only being there two weeks. I have always had the utmost respect for Japan and it's people, which goes way beyond just liking manga and Harajuku. I am very lucky to have such an understanding fiance who wants to share this special moment with me!

Anyway, enough of the soppy stuff. Currently still looking for a decent venue for my wedding reception. Somewhere I can decorate with my own bits and peices that will appeal to everyone....Mmmmm.

Donate to the Red Cross Earthquake and Tsunami appeal:

Worldwind 

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Everyday kimono...

I think if I lived in Japan, I would try and wear a kimono as much as possible. I think kimono look stunning (for those of your who have seen Memoirs of a Geisha you will understand why). While I was in Japan last year I noticed a couple of kimono stores in the Kyoto, in particular in Gion. They were not for the average tourist to walk in and have a look around judging by the window displays...




I saw several women and young girls wearing kimono on the streets of Tokyo as well as Kyoto...


Photographs in Kyoto

On the street in Gion

Young girls in kimono

Elderly lady in Tokyo
The main purpose of this blog post is because I found a great picture of a young girl wearing a kimono with a modern edge. Unfortunately I would look rather strange walking around town if I was to wear what she is, but I think its great that young people in Japan are embracing their heritage whilst incorporating their own personality through the international medium that is fashion...


From the Japanese streets website
 
From the Japanese streets website

From the Japanese streets website

Worldwind