September Kitsuke

Autumn is around the corner yet in Japan, September is considered Summer month. So do not hesitate to visit Kyoto Kagai sim to enjoy the last warm summery days and enjoy the company of Geiko and Maiko from the Hanafusa okiya.
Now lets talk about the September  kitsuke of Hanafusa okiya ladies :)

from right to left: Geiko Kikutsuru(beige), Geiko Kikumaru(black), Maiko Kikune(subtle purple), Maiko Kikushino

Geiko Kikutsuru's semiformal ro kimono for September has gorgeous river and willow design on a beige background. Willow for a long time is associated with Geiko and Maiko world and is a symbol of grace and strength. Green obi with Kikyou(bellflower) design holds the kimono close. Her wig is decorated with Asagao maezashi, kushi made from light wood and jade tama at the back.
Geiko Kikumaru is wearing dark blue ro kimono with a wave design. Kimono made of ro fabric are very popular. You can define it due to its translucent stripes. This very classy way to weave silk is most popular and even wearable for formal occasions so no wonder that some Okiya or Geiko own several of those in their trunks for the summer. It is tied with red hakata obi and white obijime. As any other Geiko, Kikumaru san uses red obiage.
Maiko Kikune has chosen subtle purple ro hikizuri for September. You need to look closely to admire the intricate flowery design. It is tied with black and golden darari obi that goes well with hikizuri. Obiage is tucked into the obi - it is custom in Miyagwacho for their Maiko to start tucking obiage right after becoming Senior. Her hair is styled in Ofuku - Senior Maiko hairstyle and decorated with big Kikyou hanakanzashi, kushi, smaller kikyou maezashi, bira bira kanzashi, hirauchi and jade tama.
Maiko Kikushino, who is the youngest Maiko in the okiya, is wearing deep purple hikizuri with handpainted water flow and momiji leaf design. It is tied with long golden darari obi. Her hair is styled in Wareshinobu - Junior Maiko hairstyle and is decorated with new fashionable seasonal kanzashi(this month it is Kikyou or Chinese bellflower). Flowers of the hanakanzashi are smaller in size but bigger in quantities, her hanagushi(or katsuyama bridge kanzashi) consists of smaller Kikyou flowers and at the back she is wearing Kanakodome and Tachibana pin - these are distinctive details that can tell that it is a Junior Maiko standing before you .

Geiko Kikumaru(black), Geiko Kikutsuru(beige), Maiko Kikushino(purple), Maiko Kikune(subtle purple)
Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim: