First Nations Kitsuke

This is one of the outfits I'm putting together for the 2017 Anime North Kimono Fashion Show. The theme is Kimono Around the World and it will be worn by one of the FCFS models.

I wanted to make sure we had some First Nations representation on stage, so I collaborated with Alyssa Kitt to create this outfit.  It's based on the colourful dance outfits of Canada's aboriginal peoples.  The idea initially came from the fact that maiko dance with fans, and First Nations women do too, though their fans are made of feathers.  

This outfit will feature my Misora (blue sky) odori kimono, over top of a bright yellow juban with matching patterns.  Various dangling decorations are common on first nations dance outfits, so I'm hoping that the dangling wisteria on the sleeves of this kimono will mimic them.  I've also added a shawl around the waist to provide a fringed layer.  The shawl photographs as black, but it's actually got a purple sheen to it.

Initially I was thinking of using the pink dragon obi for this outfit since it's the most colourful obi I own, but I think it might make the outfit too busy.  I may end up using the fuscia maple and stream obi.  It's less colourful, but the designs are bold and striking.  The water patterns will also echo those on the kimono skirt and juban.

I'm still hoping to get a nice pair of decorated moccasins for this outfit, but I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get my hands on them in time for the show.  I'll have to see what I can wrangle in the next few weeks.

You can view the kitsuke test run here:  kurokami-kanzashi.deviantart.c…
And the finished kitsuke here:  kurokami-kanzashi.deviantart.c…