June Kitsuke

Ah, Summer in Kyoto Kagai sim...Parks are covered with blooming hydrangea and water irises. The birds are relaxing in the shade of oaks and sycamores. You can undoubtedly feel that every inhabitant of the land is enjoying the summer heat. But Hanafusa Maiko and Geiko have no time for being lazy - you can spot them every day, walking towards their appointments; nevertheless they will be happy to greet you and show you around the sim. So be sure to visit Kyoto Kagai sim this month :)

from left to right: Geiko Kikumaru(green), Maiko Kikushino(white), Maiko Kikune(blue) and Geiko Kikutsuru(pink)

Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen to wear subtle pink kimono with flowers on uchiwa (summer fan) and a river design. Kawa(river) or winding stream represents continuity and the future. It also has a cooling affect on the viewer. Uchiwa with peony, chrysanthemums, momiji and other plants and flowers is more of combined design, that can be worn during late spring till autumn.
The obi is black with Gion Matsuri float design coming from the dark. Though this festival will happen in July, Maiko and geiko tend to wear designs that are to come in the near future - this is considered to be very "iki" or stylish (tradition that comes from Edo).

Geiko Kikumaru's June semi-formal attire consists of subtle green ro kimono and checkered obi that also has asagao (morning glory) design on it. "Ro" is a type of thin waved fabric used for natsumono (summer kimono) and you can easily distinguish it from others by its translucent stripes. This very classy way to weave silk is most popular and even be used for formal scenarios.
Her hair is decorated with Asagao hairpin, that resembles the ones on the obi. Morning glory flower is one of the few flowers today that is instantly recognized as a summer motif in Japan and can be seen on the kimono and pins from June till September.

Maiko Kikune is wearing one of the newest creations from Isomesh. The hikizrui is gradient, from blue at the top to almost white at the hem. The main design is Ayame(Iris/Shoubu) and kimono with this flowers can be worn from April till June. It is worth mentioning that traditionally iris is linked to Boy’s Day due to fact that the leaves resemble swords and the name shoubu is a homonym for militarism. Therefore you can often spot Irises on boy’s kimono as well. It is tied with Hakataori obi.
He hairstyle is Ofuku and it is decorated with seasonal June kanzashi that feature Ajisai (hydrangea) though sometimes senior maiko wear special willow kanzashi as well.

This month you can spot Maiko Kikushino wearing white hikizuri with fuji(wisteria) design. This common flower motif symbolizes longevity, peace and harmony therefore you can spot it on the bridal kimono. Wisteria plants are known to have very long lifespans, one of the oldest wisteria trees in Japan is 144 years old! The light purple color of the wisteria goes perfectly with the vibrant Yanagi (willow) kanzashi in her Wareshinobu hairstyle. The obi is black and has geometrical motif on it and holds the kimono close.