Kimono makeover Days
We're lucky to have spent many, many hours with Geiko from Kyoto. We now have some great friends among the Geiko community. We're lucky! The fates provided opportunities for us to gain entry to their world.
Having been a kimono dresser for many years now, I was regularly asked to open a Geisha Henshin Service. Henshin is simply dress up. So here it is! Packages range from being dressed in full kimono for the day, right up to full weekends spent in a luxurious barn conversion complete with dress up for up to 12 people, full make up session, photography and a Japanese banquet.
We love Kyoto and we love the world of the Geiko. It is our pleasure to provide this authentic and fun experience to the UK. We can turn you into a Geiko complete with real traditional wigs, kimonos, obis, shoes and accessories. And then you can have a studio portrait made or take your own photos.
Our staff extend a warm welcome to you. Let us turn you into a Japanese Geiko for the day.
So lets answer some questions:
I'm too old to wear the kimono, is that true?
Of course not, its a fun day. Whether youre in your teens to your 70s. If thats your dream we can make it happen.
I'm too large to wear kimono. Can I take part?
In the majority of cases its not a problem. You will look different to those skinny little things, but the feeling of wearing it is amazing. (Im a large lady!)
I'm very tall, can I wear Kimono.
Kimono are very flexible. We can adjust the length really well. If you are very tall, the bottom of the kimono might be a little too short. However, photographic trickery can be used to hide the fact.
I have large feet!
Most Japanese shoes are quite small. We have up to size 5 Uk size. These days there are beautiful toe post sandals available. These will do fine, (though not in neon or garish colours please!)
Is there a time limit for the day?
Your day will start at 11am and finish around 3pm. This will be ample time to fit everything in.
Can I bring a friend?
Of course, that will be no problem. You can bring one guest (your guest will not be eligible for dressing unless he/she purchases her own plan). Extra guests are welcome at a cost of £18 per person.
Can I take my own photographs?
Yes, you can. Alternatively we can book you time with our photographer. Please see plan details for cost.
Can male wear the Geisha-style?
Why not? Its your day. We can dress you in male or female kimono. We must however check mend sizes prior to the day, as there are limits on male sizes.
Will I be able to choose which kimono I wear?
Yes we have a large selection to choose from. You will have some time to choose your accessories also.
Do I need to wear the geisha wig?
It is completely your choice. The wig is very special as it belonged to a Miyagawa-cho geisha. Should you not wish to wear it, there is no problem. If you have short hair it may be difficult for you to wear the hair ornaments. If you have longhair please pull it up into a bun or chignon.
Do I need to wear the Shiro-nuri (white make-up)?
Not at all, if you dont want to go that far then theres no problem. If you do want the full make-up, we will do a allergy test prior to your day.
Can I buy the Shiro-Nuri?
Yes, we can order it in from Kyoto for you.
Do I need to bring anything with me
- Hard contact lens users: please bring a case for your lens. We recommend that you take out your lens while we put on your make-up.
- Cosmetics: Please bring your own cosmetics so that you can reapply your make-up before you go home.
- We are not able to re-apply your own make-up before you leave.
- Please bring your own brand of face cleanser. The make up is harder to remove than your usual make-up.
- There will be a shower available. Please bring shampoo, conditioner and towels. We have hair dryers.
- If you arrive in full make-up this will be removed by our staff prior to applying your Geiko make-up. So less make up, means more time in the kimono, than the make-up chair!
- We will be applying "Binzuke Abura. A wax that will allow the smooth application of the white make-up. This will feel extremely strange to begin with.
- Please wear a simple bra, nothing push up please as they will be strapped down! White is preferred. Pants and a knee length slip.
- Non-white mark deodorant is a must.
- We may be able to use black hair spray upon request.
Package 1 Studio Package up to 2 people
Be dressed in full kimono, geisha make-up, hair ornaments and wig. A fun and unusual day for those with a love of Japanese culture and geisha.The kimono dresser will help you choose from a wonderful selection of kimono. The make-up artist will then work her magic transforming you into a Geisha. The whole process is time consuming, but you will feel like a million dollars. A Japanese lunch will be served. During the day you can have photographs taken by our own staff. All of these pictures will be put onto a CD immediately for you to take with you.
Charge per person being dressed £150.00 kimono £225 full make up
Charge per person not being dressed no charge
Optional extras :
- Professional photographer a full one-hour session.This includes one Framed print. Other pictures can be printed or made into albums.
- Coffee Table Book We can immortalise your day with a full colour, 7 x 7 inch, 40 page book. Soft cover with postage.
- Price per book. 1-5 books £20.006-10 books £16.00
- Larger amounts ask for further details.
Package 1 Studio Package up to 2 people
Be dressed in full kimono, geisha make-up, hair ornaments and wig. A fun and unusual day for those with a love of Japanese culture and geisha. Bring up to 4 people for this fun and unusual dayThe kimono dresser will help you choose from a wonderful selection of kimono. The make-up artist will then work her magic transforming you into a Geisha. The whole process is time consuming, but you will feel like a million dollars. A Japanese lunch will be served. During the day you can have photographs taken by our own staff. All of these pictures will be put onto a CD immediately for you to take with you.
Charge per person being dressed £150.00 kimono £225 with make up
Charge per person not being dressed £10 to cover lunch etc
Optional extras :
- Professional photographer a full one-hour session.This includes one Framed print. Other pictures can be printed or made into albums.
- Coffee Table Book We can immortalise your day with a full colour, 7 x 7 inch, 40 page book. Soft cover with postage.
- Price per book. 1-5 books £20.00 6-10 books £16.00
- Larger amounts ask for further details.
