LJWorld.com / Fashion translation

Archive for Monday, December 19, 2005

‘Memoirs’ movie inspires geisha styles

By Samantha Critchell - Associated Press Writer

December 19, 2005

New York — It's certainly not the first time the West has borrowed Eastern styles - the obi belt that was all over the runways a year ago - but a number of the fashion and beauty looks inspired by the new film "Memoirs of a Geisha" are quite literal in their translation.

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Banana Republic launched a line of kimono-style, sash-tie tops and dresses. Fresh, a skin-care and cosmetics company, has its own "Geisha" line that touts rice- and sake-based products. Icon, an accessories manufacturer, printed actual film scenes onto purses and cosmetic bags.

It won't take long for moviegoers to see why U.S. companies are eager to bring the luxe and lush looks to these shores: The outfits that play a major role in "Geisha" are stunning, and the actresses who wear them even more so.

"Geisha" costume designer Colleen Atwood explains that the prints, patterns and colors on the kimonos she used were bigger and bolder than the typical, more subtle Japanese aesthetic, but the 250 hand-finished costumes captured the richness of the garments and the important tradition they represent.

"I've noticed a definite presence and interest in Japanese fashion in the West but nothing overt yet - but I think there will be," Atwood says. "I think the silhouette of the kimono costume will become engraved in people's minds."

Movie

Exotic locations and vibrant colors mask what is essentially a Japanese soap opera voiced in English in this Oscar hopeful by director Rob Marshall ("Chicago"). On the surface, the film has all the makings of a sweeping epic film, including the John Williams score - unfortunately, there isn't much going on beyond that aesthetically pleasing veneer.