We were talking Chinese New Year as our fancy dress theme yesterday, and whilst we were in the area, so to speak, we thought we would take a little time to discuss some other aspects of Oriental costuming. Although, as noted yesterday the Japanese look is not strictly relevant to the Chinese New Year, here at Props & Frocks we have noticed an enduring enthusiasm for Geishas, even though the outfits are a little more cumbersome (especially if you have an outfit involving the padded ‘obi’ at the back of the costume) and require rather more effort with make-up. Take a look at our range of Geisha costumes.
The traditional ‘hair-up bun wig’ can also prove a bit of a challenge, especially if you have a lot of your own hair to hide, and you might have to get clever with the hair net and pin-curls (to distribute hair around the scalp) to achieve the right look. to save you the hassle of doing your own hair, we do stock a great value Geisha wig and if yoi have a lot of hair, a wig cap will really help to keep your own hair under control. There are, however, less restrictive alternatives to the traditional geisha wig and clothing styles and these are becoming popular. Plus there are a whole host of possibilities offered by some of the more off-the-wall oriental fashion trends such as the anime look (including the ‘wide-eye’ contact lenses) popularised by Lady Gaga, and even the bizarre (to our eyes) Ganguro and Harajuku concepts. To be honest, there are some trends we hope don’t catch on, but it just takes one pop megastar in search of a new idea and anything is possible.
Today, an Oriental fancy dress is our recommendation as in the Far East, and in Asian communities around the world, this weekend marks the start of celebrations for the Chinese New Year, which occurs on Monday, marking the end of the Year of the Rabbit and the start of the Year of the Dragon. A few years ago we happened to be in London during the New Year celebrations and were able to watch some of the traditions. One of the most colourful is the feeding of the Luck Dragon in which shopkeepers and families dangle red packets of ‘money’ from windows as the ornate beast dances around the area to feed on the offerings and give good fortune for the future. We were especially impressed by the way the dragon had its own stepladder to ensure it could reach the money on offer from upper storey windows!
Obviously this weekend is a good opportunity for an Oriental celebration, and you should find that many of the supermarkets can offer assistance with special offers on far-eastern cuisine and party-style food. Naturally, if you want to get totally in character, here at props & frocks we offer a fantastic range of oriental style costumes, wigs and accessories.
Today we look at having an Oriental costume party. Yesterday, we mentioned dressing up in costume as one of the Greek, Egyptian or Roman gods (or goddesses) and Ancient Times is a common theme for us, particularly when it comes to the school curriculum.
Today we have a slightly different take on the theme as we head towards Asia to celebrate the birth of Confucious in 551 BC. Now, to be honest, given the way the British calendar has developed over the years, we are not strictly convinced that it was actually on August 27th, despite having a few books that say it was. (We did start trawling through the internet, but decided it really was not worth the hassle, just to make a point – although what Confucious would say on this we are not sure). Anyway, leaving that aside we thought today we would advocate an Oriental theme.
We have some great costumes, which do not get out as much as they ought to, and here at props n frocks we love Chinese food, so what better combination for a fancy dress party? You could even have karaoke for some entertainment (or pain, depending on who is singing!)
Apparently today in 660BC the Emperor Jimmu founded the country we know today as Japan so we thought this would be a good opportunity to turn Japanese for the Theme of the Day.
Of course we tend to look upon Japan as a source of many of our modern day technological marvels (even if some come from other South-East Asian sources) but looking beyond that, the country is rich in culture and areas of activity which can be reflected in costuming.
Not just ‘traditional’ Japanese outfits such as Geishas, Samuari, Ninja warriors and Sumo Wrestlers, but also the whole rising market of manga, anime and cosplay. There is also the new morph-suit craze which originated in Japan as the ‘zentai’ outfits used by puppeteers and the like.
We did think that a costume theme based on Japan may be a bit restrictive, so we have broadened it out to include The Orient which allows you and your guests to look at.
So what costumes could you use?
Anything from the pantomime Aladdin as this is full of Oriental style costumes – this gives you a huge range of costumes
For a group of 3 of you how about one goes as a pea, one as a king and one as a duck!
Geisha Girls – wigs and costumes available to purchase
China Girls – wigs available to purchase
Belly Dancer costumes – costumes available to purchase
Dress up as characters from ‘Murder On The Orient Express’
Martial arts costumes – we stock a great priced Ninja Costume
Dalai Lama – wear a Budhist Costume – this costume could be used as it is the nearest we have.
3 Kings from the Nativity ‘We 3 kings from orient are bearing gifts…’
Today we’re turning to the Orient for inspiration for a fancy dress theme because on November 15th, in Japan, the festival of Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three) is celebrated. In the same way that the Japanese take time out from their busy lives to admire the cherry-blossom or honour their ancestors, on this date, because the numbers seven, five and three are regarded as auspicious, Japanese children of these ages are dressed in their best clothes and taken on special excursions.
Thinking outside of the box for an oriental fancy dress party – how about going as a character from ‘Murder On the Orient Express’ by Agatha Christie and go in 1935 glamourour costume or as a dashing Hercule Poirot? And, we are sure that a group of 3 will go as a pea, a king and a duck!
Okay, seriously (well as serious as we ever get here at Props n Frocks), you could also look at Aladdin panto characters, that will give you a broad range of costumes to choose from Wishy Washy to Aladdin and Jasmine. And of course, there are the more traditional Oriental style costumes, including a really great priced Ninja costume, geisha girls and various chinaman accessories and coolie hats to help you to put your costume together. And, if you are still not sure what to go to the party as, why not go as one of our favourite animals, the panda? We stock a great panda overhead mask that will get everyone laughing.
discuss some other aspects of Oriental costuming. Although, as noted yesterday the Japanese look is not strictly relevant to the Chinese New Year, here at Props & Frocks we have noticed an enduring enthusiasm for Geishas, even though the outfits are a little more cumbersome (especially if you have an outfit involving the padded ‘obi’ at the back of the costume) and require rather more effort with make-up. Take a look at our range of Geisha costumes.
