July Kitsuke

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru's semiformal ro kimono for July features refreshing stream on a light background. Golden holds the kimono close. The obi of Geiko Kikutsuru is tied in Taiko Musubi knot.

As all Geiko wear wigs styled in style worn by married women in Edo, the decorations are also limited - maezashi at the front, a comb and seasonal tama at the back.

Also her juban undergarment has blue summer flowers Nadeshiko, which is also a unique piece. In her hands she's holding a kago basket of pink color that resembles the color of some Asagao (morning glory flowers) on her kimono's hem. On her feet you can notice Rikyu Geta, and not the most commonly worn Atomaru geta

Geiko Kikumaru

Geiko Kikumaru's June semi-formal attire consists of subtle turquoise ro kimono and delicate golden obi. Her kimono features golden waves. "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 decorative hairpin, that resembles a firework over a stream. Both stream and fireworks are considered distinctive summer designs. Whilst stream and water have cooling effect on a viewer, fireworks are part of the hanabi and other summer festivals.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune's ro hikizuri is gradient, from light blue at the top to purple at the hem. The main design is stream accompanied by seasonal summer flowers. This kimono is also ro and is perfect for hot summers in Kyoto. It is tied with gorgeous black obi that has giant floats, carrying many lanterns - this is significant symbol of Gion Matsuri. 

Under-kimono, know as nanajuban, is red and features 

He hairstyle is Ofuku and it is decorated with unique  kanzashi that feature fireworks. You can imagine how long it took a skillful artist to create each string and make it look like a firework exploding in the sky!

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino is wearing subtle light pink hikizuri that depicts streams of cold white water with green leafs and summer flowers. It is a pity that this masterpiece can only be worn in summer! The obi is simpler yet is also worth attention - its is black with purple stream and holden leafs. In her hands she is holding kago, a kind of traditional purse that maiko and geiko carry with them. Kikushino san's hairstyle is wareshinobu and, as I have mentioned in my previous posts, Junior Maiko do not change their hairstyle right until the become seniors. With her hair decorated with hanakanazashi that feature summer flowers and several small uchiwa, Kikushino san is an embodiment of summer!