At the bottom of my kimonobox I have many beautiful geta. They don’t get enough use these days, but in sorting through them I realised how inspirational the Japanese geta were for modern fashion in general.

These must be the ultimate platform shoes!

Brilliant Feet

Originally of course, the idea behind raised shoes for the Japanese feet was to prevent the kimono from getting mud on the hem. When you are wearing very expensive silk kimono that is one thing you must avoid at all costs.

A century ago these girls knew how to avoid mud on the kimono

Imagine how difficult it must have been for these girls to walk! And what amazing headgear the middle girl has in her hair. The weight of the costume must have been very tedious.

Typically, Geta are made from a piece of solid wood with two wooden blocks underneath.　And they make a click clack sound, karankoron karankoron. It is a lovely onomatopoeic word written in katakana like this カランコロン.

So a century or more ago, before the noise of cars took over the Tokyo streets, the sounds of geta clacking away must have been quite a characteristic of Japanese life!

Geta

There is usually a metal plate on the section that touches the ground to help lengthen the life span of the Geta. The V-shaped thong of cloth forms the upper part of the footwear.

Lovely composition of photo

(Whilst my own geta in the kimonobox are lovely – I have chosen to use these brilliant images from flickr to highlight the importance of the geta in Japanese culture. Click through on the photos to see more wonderful images and work from their photographers.)

Single tooth geta is really difficult to walk with – look through this video – excellent work!

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There has been a lot of talk about Cosplay conventions and stores opening that sell trendy J-Pop merchandise. There has even been suggestions that we need a J-Pop Day!

Go Red!

So the next step perhaps is to do a makeover – anime style.
This magazine looks like a great place to start.

Cosplay Makeup Magazines

Or have a look through this piece of youtube footage. It is a piece that has been quite popular already. But it certainly takes gives ‘food for thought’ as they say – if you really want to get into the part of your favourite character – perhaps this is what is needed?

The expansion of cosplay as a phenomena has resulted in the publication of a variety of magazines dedicated to the world of anime and cosplay ideas.

Most of these publications have been in Japanese. Increasingly, however, with the popularity of cosplay overseas, publishers are working with some English versions. CosMode Magazine is one such example that has recently released its magazine in English online.

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In 2005, Australia honoured Akira Isogawa as a fashion legend with the release of his portrait on a stamp.

Akira who moved from Kyoto to Sydney in 1986 has become one of Australia’s most celebrated designers.

For me, what is so exciting about his work is the inspiration he draws from Japanese influences. I love his choice of colour combinations and textured looks.

“A garment can transcend, giving it a soul.

I translate fabrics into soft and romantic silhouettes, using natural fabrics like silks and cottons, which are kind to the skin.”

Akira Isogawa

One of my Favourite Designers

Beautiful Fabrics, Textiles and Craftsmanship

Gorgeous print - Lovely cardigan

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Shirley Temple in Nishi Ginza Department Store

This photo from a department store in Tokyo showcases an expensive but quality brand name in clothing for children in Japan – Shirley Temple.

And you can buy the accessories as well.

Shirley Temple Bag

The actress Shirley Temple has been popular in Japan for a long time.

In the 1930′s, the actress received many dolls from Japanese admirers and was photographed holding one dressed in a Japanese kimono.

Here are some lovely old photos of Shirley Temple which capture a lovely atmosphere of ‘east meets west’.

Shirley dressed in Kimono with Japanese doll

Geisha Shirley

But the special Shirley Temple look has even inspired themed pattern books that provide those handy with a sewing machine the chance to conjure up the frills and bows Shirley Temple look.

Shirley Temple Patterns

But interestingly, in Japan its not just the little kids who enjoy the Shirley Temple look. The Shirley Temple look is one that makes a particular fashion statement for some young women – particularly if they journey into Harjuku – an area in Tokyo which is well-known for its various fashion styles.

Shirley Temple Music Bag

To end the post with my favourite photo – Shirley and some of the dolls that were sent to her from Japan.

1935 Taken in Hawaii Shirley with some of the dolls from Japan

The doll at the back is a life-size lady doll. Isnt it wonderful!

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Modern Day uniform much like 30 years ago

Yes such a formal attire for one so little.
Everyday kindergarten uniform in Japan expects the double buttoned waist coat and boater hat.
Hankerchief in one pocket and packet of tissues in the other.
I waived him off on the bus for his day at kindy. Sort of like a mini – salary man!

The bus to kindy

What is so amazing that 30 years on the kindy uniform hasnt had much change in Japan.

Kindy mornings

Formal

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