Aiko

$385

SOLD

Features:

• Countless hours have gone into this young lady - most of them researching kimono and maiko (apprentice geisha), figuring out the best pattern to use for the kimono, as well as tracking down authentic materials and supplies. All that is in addition to the 20 or so hours of actual work. I have tried to be as authentic as possible, though the world of kimono and maiko is so complex, it would be impossible for me to claim true authenticity.
• Formerly a 'Smasheroo' Reproduction TnT Barbie.
• Rerooted with 'Midnight Black' KatSilk saran hair, with a widow's peek added in. Styled in the manner of the Japanese Maiko. Assorted Kanzashi (traditional hair ornaments) adorn her hair. After many hours of searching, I was able to track down a supplier in Japan of doll-sized kanzashi. Many thanks to Matt for his help in translating the kanji for me!
• Complete facial repaint with artist-quality acrylics, sealed for protection. Finished with applied lashes.
• Kimono is made from a Japanese polyester chirimen (simiar to a crepe and a traditional fabric for making kimono) that was bought from a fabric store in Japan. It is partially lined with a rayon chirimen, from the same store, and features two faux collars and faux inner sleeves, to give the illusion of a second kimono underneath, as it's traditonal to wear layers of kimono. When sewing in 1/6 scale, this would add too much extra bulk of fabric.
• To wear the kimono, Barbie had her waist padded (from what I have read, the preferred shape for Japanese women is a non-curvy form), then the kimono was carefully tied into positionm according to tarditional methods which have been slightly adapted. The kimono is full length and is folded over around the waist (you can make out the fold just below the obi). Due to the complex nature of dressing the kimono, it is not advised to remove it, except for archival purposes. Care should be taken not to pull on the kimono, especially the bottom hem area.
• The obi is made from a piece of Japanese rayon brocade bought from an ebay seller in Japan. It is lined with a silk dupioni. It wraps around twice and is sewn into place in the back. The obi cord is cotton or rayon satin and is worn in the top third of the obi, as befitting a young woman. A silk shibori obi-age is tucked into the top of the obi and peeks out alluringly, again as befitting a young woman (as a woman ages, the obi-age is tucked further and further in).
• Red CT shoes adorn her feet.