Setsubun matsuri - Sunday Feb. 3rd @ 11:00 am Slt

During Setsubun people throw beans, (mamemaki) to cleanse away all evil of the former year and to chase away disease causing spirits (Oni). Remember to shout "Demons out! Luck in! (Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!) At this event you will see the maiko and Geiko in gorgeous kimono performing two dances. This is a festival of the new year not to be missed. We hope you will help us to have a wonderful new year of good luck and health.

Your taxi - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/157/209/31

January Kitsuke

Geiko Kikuyu

Starting from the 2019 Kikuyu san has decided to switch to more natural looks and wearing oshiroi and trailing kimono only during special events and odori.
Now, during January okaasan Kikuyu has chosen to wear homongui of peach color, with a camellia and plum blossoms design. It is tied with woven golden obi that has bamboo and momiji leafs and small plum blossoms.
Her hairstyle is called Yōhatsu which literally means “Western Style” as it is modeled on Western up do's. It is decorated with stylish miniature kushi kanzashi at the back. Very refined!

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru has chosen to wear gradient pink kimono with winter-spring motif: ume blossoms, pine, bamboo leafs. It is tied with elegant navy blue obi with snowflake design, blossoms and more bamboo.
Her juban is pink and features blossom pattern. Geiko also use red juban but mostly for the formal events where they wear kuromontsuki.
She is wearing a wig, styled in Geiko Shimada style also known as Chuu Taka Shimada. This is quite liberating as geiko can sleep on regular pillows as well as wearing western clothes. Maiko can do that too but no when having thier hair styled in Ofuku or Wareshinobu.

Maiko Kikumaru

Great news! On January 1st Kikumaru san has started second part of the last stage being maiko. This means that very very soon we might celebrate another erikae in Hanafusa okiya. Omedetou san dosu!

In January Kikumaru san will be wearing dark blue hikizuri with hand-painted plum tree and bamboo leafs covered in snow design. A truly winter masterpiece! Her obi has white background with golden "turtle" hexagon pattern known as kikko. "Kikko" pattern is symbol of longevity and is an auspicious pattern. It can be often seen on misedashi and erikae kuromontsuki ensembles.
As senior maiko, she continues to wear Ofuku hairstyle, decorated with seasonal kanzashi. This month kanzashi feature bamboo leafs, plum blossoms and pine needles. The only change is that from now on she can switch the cloth in the back of her hair into blue and green colors.

Maiko Kikune

Great news! Maiko Kikune is now Senior Maiko! Omedetou san dosu!

Starting from January Kikune san has switched her red eri collar and wareshinobu hairstyle of Junior to the white embroidered eri and ofuku hairstyle of Senior Maiko. In January she will wear solid purple hikizuri with pine trees, snowflakes and plum blossoms painted onto the silk.
As well as changing from junior to senior hairstyle, she has also changed kanzashi to more mature  ones. As she is a fresh "senior" maiko her tegara at the back of her hairstyle is red. After one year she will switch to pink and during final months of being a maiko she will be able to wear other colors as well.

Maiko Kikushino

Bright blue hikizuri worn by Maiko Kikushino reminds us that winter is in its peak - her hikizuri has hand painted peony flowers(a winter flower). Peony is the symbol wealth, high honor (nobility) and ageless beauty. They also embody romance and love, and are regarded as the omen of good fortune. Peony is known as the ‘King of the Flowers’.
Her darari is feature abstract geometrical golden motif on it.
Hairstyle of Maiko Kikutsuru is called Wareshinobu (special hairstyle that maiko start wearing when the become minarai until they are senior) and is decorated with special colorful January kanzashi.

Shigyoshiki in Kyoto Kaburenjo(2019)

Last week Kyoto Kagai sim hosted Shigyoshiki - annual traditional opening ceremony, that marks the start of another business year in the Karyukai. Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa okiya gathered at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo theater, wearing most formal black kimono called Kuromontsuki and renewed their vows for the new year. This is one of the few occasions when patrons and guests can see all of Kagai members gathered together wearing full regalia.

At the beginning Okaasan Kikuyu welcomed guests as well as kagai members with an inspiring speech. After she welcomed maiko and geiko to enter the stage and present the vows. They entered in strict ranking: first geiko, than senior maiko, than junior maiko. Shikomi are still in training and do not pledge vows until after their official debut.
Interesting change as spotted during Shigyoshiki - Maiko Kikune was spotted wearing Yakko shimada hairstyle as well as Senior Maiko Kuromotsuki with white eri, which means she is now officially senior maiko.
Also, this year Okaasan Kikuyu decided to switch to formal tomesode, not Kuromontsuki.

After the vows were pledged, maiko and geiko offered sake and, specially prepared for this event, osechi (traditional Japanese New Year foods).
For those who couldn't come but yet are interested, i present formal Kitsuke outfits of Maiko and Geiko from Hanafusa okiya,which they wore for Shigyoshiki:

Geiko Kikuyu

Okaasan Kikuyu

As i have mentioned before, this year Okaasan Kikuyu has decided to wear tomesode rather than kuromontsuki. Geiko san do switch from trailing style kimono and distinctive oshiroi make up to iromontsuki/tomesode and natural looks with time. Her tomesode features different elements such as green momiji leaves, matsu, chrysanthemums, pampas grass making this tomesode perfectly fit for the season. This formal maru obi is pink with silver tied carefully into otaiko style knot worn only during formal okasions
Her hair is in Yoohatsu style which basically means "western hairstyle" and made from geikos own hair. It is not as complicating as Maiko san's wareshinobu or ofuku, rather some simplified and mature, yet still need to be done by a professional hairdresser. You can often spot geiko wearing this type of hairstyle during the day or some jikata geiko during the events.
No juban elements are seen and on her feet okaasan is wearing comfortable golden zouri.

Geiko Kikutsuru

Geiko Kikutsuru

It is first Shyoshiki for Kikutsuru san as geiko so as a fresh geiko is is wearing full geiko set with kuromontsuki and oshiroi. Her kuromontsuki is custom made and has pattern under the waist. The design is water and ships. The obi is woven made with golden and silver threads, perfect for important events. Geiko's obi (apr. 440 cm long) are bit longer than simple women's obi. Also, for geiko's obi, patterns are created upside down, so when it is tied in Geiko Taiko knot, the pattern will have the correct position, facing upwards.
The wig geiko Kikutsuru is wearing in Japanese is called Katsura, and it is styled in Geiko Shimada style. For formal events, kanzashi hairpins that are used for decorating katsura, are made from most precious and luxurious materials, such as tortoiseshell, gold, expensive stones etc. Tortoiseshell kanzashi are most unique and antique as nowadays the craftsmen that work with this material are almost non-existant. Kikutsuru san is wearing Bekko (tortoiseshell) comb that features mon of Hanafusa okiya, Bekko Kogai at the back and a traditional dove and rice maezashi (worn only a small period of time during January)

Maiko Kikumaru

Maiko Kikumaru

Kuromontsuki that Kikumaru san wore for Shigyoshiki featured tsuru(crane), waters, matsu, ume(plum blossoms), chrysanthemums - a perfect design for winter and springtime forma events. Tsuru represents good fortune and longevity, matsu - strength, ume - symbol of fore-coming spring and chrysanthemums - longevity, rejuvenation as well as it is mon of Hanafusa okiya.

It is tied with long Darari obi (apr. 6.8m) with auspicious chrysanthemum created with golden threads on light yellow background. This obi is very special as it is used during misedashi debuts. Unfortunately not seen at this picture, at the end of every maiko obi there is crest of the okiya girl belongs to. 

Her hair is styled in Yakko Shimada and decorated with valuable tortoiseshell hair pieces and seasonal pins. January daikan (front) kanzashi, are unique and new ones are commissioned at the beginning of the year. This years motifs are plum blossoms, bamboo leafs and matsu needles. Other decorations and pins are made from tortoiseshell.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune

During Shigyoshiki guest and patrons could witness Kikune san for the first time as senior maiko. Her Kuromontsuki has many lucky as well as multi-seasonal motifs that are hand-painted - ox-drawn carriages, chrysanthemums, waves, peonies, plum blossoms, pine, summer grasses etc. It is tied with golden Darari obi, that not only gives the finishing touch the ensemble but also supports the back of maiko, as the kimono, especially formal kuromontsuki, are extremely heavy. No obijime or pocchiri are worn with formal outfit.

Formal wear also means that Senior maiko will change from ofuku hairstyle to Yakko Shimada. This is also first time Kikune san wears this hairtyle. As well as geiko san, Maiko san too are given opportunity of wearing gorgeous and expensive kanzashi - if you look at the hair of Kikutsuru san, you can notice Bekko Kushi (comb) with Hanafusa okiya mon, Bekkou Hirauchi, Jade Tama, special January daikan (front) kanzashi, maezashi with bira oghi and small pin called bira dome. For Shigyoshiki both Junior and Senior maiko wear rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - rice grains can be given to customers and are considered symbols good luck and fortune.

Maiko Kikushino

Maiko Kikushino

As the youngest maiko in the okiya, Kikushino san wears most colorful and elaborate kuromontsuki in the okiya. This exact piece features seasonal flowers, leafs as well as many good luck motifs - everything hand-painted on the silk by a skilled master. The obi was carefully selected for this special event as is created with beige and golden silk threads. As junior maiko, she ties obiage cloth on the top of the obi, rather than seniors who tuck it into. To add more, this is sister obi of the one worn by Maiko Kikumaru, oneesan of Kikushino.

As she is still young maiko, her own hair is styled, even during formal events as Shigyoshiki, into Wareshinobu hairstyle. Decorated with elaborate bekkou kushi, Bekkou Hirauchi with coral Tama, carefully selected maezashi with seasonal hanakanzashi, more colorful than senior maiko. As for the rice husk maezashi with eyeless dove - not only grains bring luck, but also the eyeless dove has its special meaning - maiko or geiko fill in one eye and ask guest/very special person they like to draw the other for good luck in the coming year. This tradition differs from hanamachi to hanamachi, nevertheless it is considered as lucky charm.

Big news! + celebration ozashiki(first one this year)

Maiko Kikune during Shigyoshiki

Dear readers and patrons,

Hanafusa okiya proudly announce that Maiko Kikune has officially switched to ofuku which means she is in now Senior maiko! 

Omedetou san dosu! 

The rumors have been circulating since the end of the year and finally, for the delight of the guests during Shigyoshiki, Maiko Kikune entered the stage wearing senior maiko attire. She is now 2nd Senior Maiko in the okiya and as a senior maiko she will have more duties and responsibilities in the okiya from now on.

The special celebrations will take place at the Oumi-E wine bar on Saturday 19th (start 11:00 am - 12:00 Pm SLT). 

We hope you can attend this special Mizuage event.  As always we look forward to seeing our esteemed patrons and to make new friends.

Here is your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/217/218/31

New shikomi in Hanafusa okiya!

Shikomi Junko

Watashi no namae wa Junko desu
 ───────⊰🌸⊱───────
I am Shikomi on probation at Hanafusa Okiya in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Geiko Kikuyu is my humble okasan. If you have any concerns or compliments regarding my behavior please direct them to her.

I was born in the countryside to a moderately wealthy family. They named me Junko, which means pure child.

My father was a high-profile businessmen and my mother was a clothing designer. Often we would travel to the city as a family, and occasionally on these trips my father would throw lavish banquet parties to impress his business partners. It was at one of these banquets that I realized my desire to become a geiko. I was captivated by the beauty and grace of these women, and I begged to be allowed to move to an Okiya to learn the ways of the flower and willow world. Much to the shock of my parents.

I left behind my old life to come to Hanafusa Okiya and learn to be a beautiful, graceful woman of art. I dream to one day be a source of pride for my sisters here.

Shigyoshiki 2019 at Kyoto Kagai sim

Konnichiwa dear guests and patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa okiya invite You to take part in one of the most important event in life of our sim - Shigyoshiki.
❀ Date: Saturday 12th of January
❀ Time: 11.00 am slt
Shigyoshiki is the annual (traditional) opening ceremony in Kyoto that marks the start of another year for Kyoto’s Geiko and Maiko. They gather in their local hanamachi wearing formal black kimono and renew their vows for the new year. The most successful members of the Kagai of the previous year for their district receive an award of excellence.
Following the ceremony, the Maiko and Geiko visit the local tea houses and business establishments to wish the start of an auspicious and prosperous new year.
❀ This years participants in Shigyoshiki are Geiko Kikuyu, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko ikushino
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/190/199/31

Seasonal kanzashi - Matsu Take(December)

It's time for winter kanzashi and today i am going to talk about December seasonal kanzashi, why they look like this and why there are two small boards or maneki on it. So lets go!

The main event in December, that involves all 5 hanamachi in Kyoto, is Kaomise Soken. During the first week of this month, maiko and geiko from all hanamachi visit the Minamiza theater to watch kabuki plays. I need to mention, that this year the Minamiza theater was going though the earthquake proofing and was reopened in November, right before the Kaomise Soken. Now, this is the reason why maiko san, both junior and senior, have these blank makeki boards. After the play, they go behind the stage and have these boards signed by their favorite kabuki actors - black ink is used by the actors who perform male roles and red ink by those who perform as onnagata (female roles). So, before the play maiko san wear blank maneki on the hanakanzashi and after the event they proudly wear the signed ones. Side motifs on the kanzashi are pine, bamboo, lucky charms, event small makeni neko. Everything depends on the senority - juniors wear childish ones while seniors get the mature one, such as the style worn on the photo.

This December, Kisetsu has prepared 3 different styles of Pine/Bamboo Kanzashi - frost, green and soft. Each style consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the bigger piece on the right), small kanzashi and a kushi(comb) with a tiny pine needle. So elaborate!

Hair decoration: Pine/Bamboo Kanzashi

Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)

Available at Sanarae event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/25/76/4012

After the event you can find these amazing Japanese hairpins in the Kisetsu shop, alongside with high quality Japanese footwear, bags, kimono, hairstyles etc: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Multitudes/122/141/18

In this photo Maiko Kkumaru is wearing Pine/Bamboo kanzashi(green) 

December Kitsuke

Dear readers and patrons,

This is last kitsuke post in 2018, next one will be in January 2019. Although this has been a hard year, i feel sad that it is ending. I hope that the Christmas Holidays and New Year celebrations will bring happiness and joy into your house, as well as a wish to meet You in the new 2019 year.

Now, let's return to the December kitsuke post.

From left to right: Maiko Kikune, Maiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikushino

Geiko Kikutsuru
It has been almost 2 months since Kikutsuru san has become geiko, and she is feeling more and more confident in her mature role. For November she wears black kimono with a matsu(pine) design. Her obi is eye catching as it features Japanese scenery with pagoda and a forest. If you look very close you can even see people.
Maiko Kikumaru
In the final month of 2018, Kikumaru san is wearing black hikizuri made in a shibori style. Most of the kimono made in this style are extremely expensive as it takes months to complete one piece. The kimono is tied with a green obi, that has golden geometrical design. The green on the obi goes beautifully with the green of the undergarment as well as green hanakanzashi. The Seasonal kanzashi for seniors most often feature pine, bamboo and most important - 2 small maneki boards.
Maiko Kikune
As her older sister, the kimono of Maiko Kikune features shibori motif such as butterfly as well as white snow on the black silk background. Obi is of bright orange color and golden design goes all over it. The kanzashi worn by maiko  Kikune during this month feature many good luck motifs as well as 2 maneki boards. This style is more for junior maiko.
Maiko Kikushino
Another shibori masterpiece is worn by Maiko Kikushino - very vivid red with is associated with youth on a black background. The obi that is holding the kimono closely has a green background with beautiful golden bamboo design. The kanzashi are the same as worn by her neesan, Maiko Kikune and have many lucky charms and winter holiday items(hagoita).

November Kitsuke

Geiko Kikuyu

For November, okaasan has decided to wear solid purple trailing kimono. This color is considered chic and very seasonally appropriate for autumn. During Nara and Heian period this color was worn only by noblemen and women as it was hard to make, but during the Edo it became extremely fashionable so the common people, who were banned from wearing vivid colors, avoided the ban by wearing a colorful linings. The kimono is tied with white obi, that is embroidered with silver thread design. Also, Kikuyu san has chosen a purple obijime, that firs the kimono and goes well with the obi.
In her wig she has red wooden kushi and a very exquisite maezashi pin that features mon(crest) of the Hanafusa okiya

Maiko Kikune(light green), Maiko Kikumaru(light purple), Geiko Kikutsuru(purple) and Maiko Kikushino (white shibori)

Geiko Kikutsuru

Freshly Geiko, Kikutsuru san is getting used to her new role in the okiya as well as the geiko style of clothing. This month she is wearing purple gradient kimono with multi seasonal design (it has sakura flowers, pine, bamboo etc). Obi is made with golden thread and resembles the gold the autumn leafs.
From now on, Kikutsuru san will be wearing wig or katsura, a small maezashi pin, comb in the front and two more pin at the back. No more colorful hanakanzashi, those are reserved for her maiko sisters.

Maiko Kikumaru

This month Kikumaru san will appear wearing light purple hikizuri with chrysanthemum design. Her obi color is the same of flowers on the kimono and features a design of a snow piles. He hair is decorated with seasonal Kiku(chrysanthemum) hanakanzashi and a small kushi comb.

Maiko Kikune

Maiko Kikune is wearing a light green solid hikizuri with wave and water wheel design. Although simple, this kimono is one of my favorite ones. In her hair she has colorful chrysanthemum hanakanzashi, flowerbridge and a petit chrysantemum maezashi pin.

Maiko Kikushino

Most colorful of all bunch, Maiko Kikushino chan wears a beautiful white hikizuri with blue star design and orange shibori. Her obi is orange and has a gold design. Seasonal kanzashi for the youngest Maiko are always most eye-catching as they feature dangling elements and many smaller flowers.

Photos from the Odori no Aki

Dear friends,
 We would like to thank everyone who came, we hope that you have enjoyed the perfomrance as much as we did. Hope to see you soon ^^

Your's faithfully,

Hanafusa okiya 

Odori no Aki

The Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS) invites you to Odori No Aki performed by the Maiko and Geiko of Hanafusa Okiya

Date&Time: November 11 from 12-1pm

The C.D.S. Ampitheatre in Colonia Nova

Dress should be what you would wear to the theatre.

Please be on time

LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Colonia%20Nova/201/205/43

*Maiko are young ladies in training to become Geiko (i.e. Geisha). 

Their studies include history, language, poetry, dancing, music and manners. Hanafusa Okiya is their training house. The various geisha districts in Kyoto are called flower towns, hence "Hanafusa" means "bunch of flowers," which these young ladies certainly are. They have been trained carefully by their Okaasan, Geiko Kikuyu. In Second Life Hanafusa it set in the Miyagawacho district in Kyoto, Japan.

Kyoto Kagai: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/161/31

Going autumn viewing? Dont forget to take an umbrella

Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31
by Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth)

The time has come for Autumn viewing! But what if you go and it starts to rain?
No need to worry, as a new wagasa umbrellas have been released by Kisetsu. And it is a gatcha :) You get a chance to win one of 10 types (9 commons and 1 rare) and it is deffinitely worth it.
When i have received my wagasa, i was impressed how detailed this umbrella is - every stripe, every string is just topnotch!
Also, what is really great about it, is that this wagasa is operated by a hud. No more lags with clicking the umbrella and accidentally detaching hair or clothes! You can choose between 4 different types for holding, you can close it and of course you can choose how your hand should hold the umbrella itself.

Umbrella: Wagasa Gatcha
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at Gatcha Garden event (November 18): https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gimme%20Gacha%20Productions/127/135/26
And you do not need to worry if you do not wear a kimono - this wagasa can we worn perfectly with casual clothes, giving you an oriental charm

Seasonal kanzashi - Momiji (November)

Photo taken at Kyoto Kagai sim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/147/160/31
by Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth)

What first come to mind when we think of Autumn? Of course, the beautiful red, orange and yellow colors of the leaves. In Japan, momijigari or autumn leaves viewing(we can also say hunting) takes place from around middle October to the beginning of December. In Kyoto, the leaves turn red and yellow around November so no wonder that the seasonal kanzashi worn by Kyoto maiko during this month would reflect the "autumning" nature.
 Some would wear yellow momiji with tiny red, some would enjoy wearing yellow leaves with green edges - no matter what are your tastes, for November Kisetsu shop offer 6! different styles of Momiji Kanzashi for those who would like to reflect the beautiful Japanese autumn. It consists of 3 pieces - Hana Kanzashi (the 3 momiji leaves at the front), small kanzashi and flower bridge. You can wear it with kimono or as a simple hair decoration - it will not loose its Autumn charm!

Hair decoration: Momiji Kanzashi
Creator: Kisetsu (Nix Marabana)
Available at Sanarae event: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spring%20Morning/25/76/4012

Mizuekai 2018 coming soon!

Dear guests and readers of my blog,

Hanafusa Okiya is proud to present their annual Autumn performance. This very popular six scenes event will not only display eloquent, authentic kyo mai dances and kabuki play but also proudly present geiko Kikutsuru san; first to achieve this esteemed rank, in Hanafusa Okiya.
We sincerely hope you will be able to attend.

Date: 27th of October 2018
Time: 11 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/190/199/31

For those who are visiting my blog for the first time, Mizuekai (みずゑ會)  is the event at which the Miyagawacho geiko and maiko display the traditional performance techniques of the Wakayagi style of Kyomai dance, to the study of which their daily lives are devoted. Traditionally, the Mizuekai was the testing ground of the skills of apprentice dancers, and in comparison with the Kyo Odori dance event held in spring, it has a strong feeling of a recital at which the participants present the fruits of their committed training. As a result, it attracts large numbers of true aficionados of traditional dance, allowing visitors to appreciate performances of an even higher
standard.

We sincerely welcome You, Your friends and family to enjoy the autumn performance. 

In case you need any additional information or you would like Mizukai 2018 poster, please contact Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth resident)

October Kitsuke

Busy, busy October...This year October seems to has transformed members of Hanafusa okiya into busy postal pigeons. Preparations for erikae of Maiko Kikutsuru, weekly ozashiki as well as lessons, classes and rehearsals before the Mizuekai leave little time for laziness.

Okaasan Geiko Kikuyu

Proud okaasan Kikuyu during this special month has decided to wear solid purple semiformal kimono with autumn water scenery - the pattern is located under the waist line and features water stream, maple leafs and golden bell-flower design. It is tied with light silver obi, that was woven dance fans. Obiage and obijime are of red color and go well with the flowers on the juban.
This month is significant for okaasan, as this month her daughter and heiress Maiko Kikutsuru will debut as geiko. Years of hard work, thousand hours of classes and rehearsals, and hundred thousands of L$ have been spent to make a beautiful Krayukai flower, known as Kikutsuru of Hanafusa, to bloom in its fullest. Now Hanafusa okiya has 2 active Geiko, 3 active maiko and several shikomi making Hanafusa okiya of the most active okiya in Second Life. And this is all thanks to okaasan Kikuyu, her passion for Maiko and Geiko culture that she continues to pledge in her daughters and in Secold Life Karyukai.

Maiko/Geiko Kikutsuru

In the middle of the month, Kikutsuru san will finally "turn the collar" and become the first Hanafusa maiko to have erikae! Otano moshimasu Kikutsuru san!

The time has come for Kikutsuru san to wear her lavishing, created specially for this event Kuromontsuki as she is near the finish of her maiko career. Her black formal kimono features ocean waves that clash into the mountain islands. Upon the waves we can see seagulls and on the islands we can see several matsu (pine) trees. the golden obi sash catches the eye - made from the highest quality silk, it must have cost a fortune. It features pine motif, which is quite symbolical as in Japan pine is a symbol of longevity, steadfastness and wisdom in age.
Her eri collar is special too - it is purely red, with small gold and silver dots. This type of collar is worn by maiko only during time before the erikae.
This outfit shall be worn up to the 11th of October. On that day a special ceremony known as Dampatsu no Shiki will take place and after it Kikutsuru san shall never wear young maiko outfits again.
After the official day of Erikae, Kikutsuru san will wear full regalia for several days more and after she will switch to her semiformal october outfit. Now let's look closely at 2nd photo on the left. Solid beige kimono with eye-catching golden hem as well as pine design, tied with sister obi of the one worn by Geiko Kikuyu -isn't this the perfect look for a fresh geiko?!
In her hands she is holding kago, that is made in shibori style.
Her make up has changed as well - now she wears extremely little of pink and red shade, her eyebrows feature only tiny bit of red, same is with tint of pink in the corner of her eyes. All of these changes signifies her maturity.
No more high okobo - only senryou geta and zouri shall now be worn by Kikutsuru san.

Maiko Kikumaru

After Kikutsuru san becomes Geiko, Kikumaru san will be the most Senior Maiko in Hanafusa okiya.

During October events you are certain to see Maiko Kikumaru wearing light purple solid hikizuri with colorful chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemum or Kiku (in Japan) is the flower of October as well as is the part of names of all Hanafusa okiya members so no wonder that a lot of this flower design would would be seen on outfits of Maiko. Also this flower is considered auspicious as these flowers bloom when no other flowers do.
It is tied with orange obi that has small snowdrifts, kind of giving us a hint that winter is soon to come.
In her hands she is holding a kago handbag that is has extremely autumn design - it has ginko pattern that is one of the autumn symbols.
Her head is crowned with seasonal triple Kiku hanakanzashi and white and purple kushi comb.
At the back you can notice the change - the Tama hairpin is now featuring Coral ball, not summery Jade.

Maiko Kikune

Now lets have a look at October semiformal kitsuke of Maiko Kikune. Her hanakanzashi feature 3 bright yellow chrysanthemums in the front and a flowerbridge with 5 same yellow chrysanthemums at the back. She also has smaller pins like seasonal maezashi and bira bira pin at the front, while hirauchi and coral tama at the back.
The hikizuri she is wearing is of plain green color with wave and wheel motif. This piece is considered rather multi seasonal yet it is best to wear during autumn - early spring.
Her obi sash is extremely bright colored and fits well her light kimono.
Her collar has less and less red left to cover with white thread, which means that soon she will switch her collar to the one worn by a senior maiko.

Maiko Kikushino

In October you can spot Kikushino chan wearing lavishing hikizuri made in shibori style. Shibori, or tie-dyeing, is a Japanese manual resist dyeing technique, that involves binding, stitching, folding or clamping of the cloth prior to immersion in the dye, the color thus not penetrating the protected areas. It takes many weeks to create one piece thus the price can get as high as several hundred thousand yen. It is held with bright orange obi, that is embroidered with golden thread and  can be worn whole year around.
The juban Kikushino san is wearing has pine needle pattern.
On her feet she has high okobo with red stripes, which symbolize her junior status.
Tabi, work by maiko, are always white! In case they get dirty or get wet, no need to worry - maiko and geiko always have spare pair or several of those in their kago baskets.