Maiko for a Day
On a super rainy July 1st in Kyoto, my friend Kasie and I made the trek from Kobe to partake in a time-honored gaijin (foreigner) tradition--getting dressed up as maiko and have our pictures taken. The experience overall was really enjoyable. There were 3 ladies rotating between the two of us to put on our makeup, the powders, lip and eye makeup, and the super red lipstick. After that, they gave us time to choose our own kimono from a selection of about 70. There were kimono of all different colors, patterns, and fabrics. I ultimately decided on a turquoise-green kimono with white flower accent, partially because my friend decided on a pink sakura and I didn't want to clash/contrast with her, and also because I knew that the background was black and I thought that the turquoise would pop. After picking the kimono, one of the lady assistants wrapped me in a red under-kimono and tightened everything up with some ties. They she looped around a red board (for flattening the bum...