re-educating and revolutionizing through dress
Contrary to popular belief, Geisha women are not so-called 'prostitutes'; they are skilled entertainers who excel in dance, music, conversation, and poetry. That belief stemmed back in World War II when majority of Japan focused all its energy into the war leaving businesses to close down and industries to suffer. The Geisha industry was no exception: no one could afford luxury entertainment and Geisha women could barely survive. To make ends meet, these women offered themselves and acted like prostitutes and courtesans to foreign military men and referred to themselves as “Geisha” women, tainting their original purpose.
To abolish this myth and misconception, I created a collection merging the Japanese kimono with Western military uniform. This collection showcases an interesting medley of the feminine, colorful, and floral aspects of traditional Japanese dress with the masculine, durable, and camouflage components of military attire. I hope through this collection the myth will slowly disseminate as what destroyed their image, war, will now serve as a source of empowerment for Geisha women through fashion.
**ALL PHOTOS AND DESIGNS ARE OWNED BY CLAIRE HUANG.
PLAGIARISM/STEALING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.**
research and designs
Research 1
Research 2
Moodboard
Moodboard 2
Swatch Inspiration
Swatches
Experiments
Prelim Sketches 1
Prelim Sketches 2
In order to avoid creating more classical kimonos, I needed to juxtapose and create new silhouettes with the help of a completely different category of uniform: military combat. With that in mind, I thoroughly researched both Geisha attire and military uniforms to understand each uniforms' characteristics, aesthetics, and functionalities. Merging the two complete opposites was difficult, but I found the mix and match process stimulating. In many designs, I kept them rather feminine with plenty of flowing floral fabrics mixed in with modern contemporary women’s fashion cuts and silhouettes. Then, I added the practicality of combat uniforms by implementing pockets, collars, belts, and durable fabrics in various shades of Camo, denim, cargo, and netting.
Final Designs
Flats
