It's not uncommon for products associated with big-budget movies to be on the
market several months before the film hits theaters, and Memoirs of a Geisha is
no different.
But you won't find them tucked into fast-food kids' meals or children's toy
shops. Instead of plastic, the items inspired by this movie are made of rich
velvet and satin and invoke a world of luxury.
In a confluence of art and commerce, the romantic epic that opens today
depicting a young girl blossoming into a legendary geisha has also become a
style - one found in Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, and high-end
department stores.
"We see this collection very much appealing to our customers," explained
Deborah Lloyd, executive vice president of design for Banana Republic. "They
appreciate fashion, art, and cultures from around the world and this film, as
well as the collection, combines all three."
Based on Arthur Golden's bestselling novel, Memoirs of a Geisha tells the
story of a young girl who was taken from her home and sold into slavery to a
renowned geisha house. She transforms as she learns the arts of the geisha,
including dance and music, wearing kimono, and elaborate makeup and hair.
The film acknowledges that her life is sometimes dark. But what shines
through on the big screen are the colors and costumes, images nothing short of
glamorous.
"What we wanted to create for the film was a sensual feeling using the
traditional
Japanese kimono as our key starting point," said Academy Award winning
costume designer Colleen Atwood in a
phone interview. "We took the creation of the kimono and changed it to make it
something that the modern, western audience would relate to."
These less traditional and more universal items are what filmgoers may find
familiar if they've recently been to a shopping mall.
The Banana Republic limited-edition collection appeared in select stores and
online in November. It includes a silk floral kimono top ($88), Asian tassel
necklaces ($58), and a satin kimono dress ($168).
At Bath & Body Works a special display is dedicated to products such as a
Rice Face Wash ($32), Flower Petal Mask ($35), and Shimmer Powder with Crushed
Pearls ($38). Created by the cosmetic and skin care company Fresh, the
collection is inspired by the film and arrived in stores in September. The
products can also be found online and in stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks
Fifth Avenue, and Sephora.
The food industry was not to be left out, and from The Republic of Tea comes
Cherry Green Tea ($10), which features the film's star, Ziyi Zhang, on the
packaging. The Japanese Sencha green tea is available at natural grocery and
gourmet food shops.
And Tonner Dolls, which has offered everything from Wizard of Oz dolls to
miniature Harry Potters, plans to introduce a Geisha collection soon. The Sayuri
limited edition doll ($175) depicts a geisha in a silver kimono, custom
embroidered to match the film's costume.
Noel Palomo-Lovinski, an assistant professor at Kent State University's
School of Fashion, Design and Merchandising, said fashion has often been
inspired by a costume designer's vision in a movie. Dating to the 1930s,
glamorous styles seen on the big screen often made their way - in less expensive
forms - to the department stores, she said.
"They liked it in the movies and it sold in the stores," Ms. Palomo-Lovinski
said. "You get people to buy it because they saw it in the movie and you get
people to go see the movie because they like the style."
A teacher of design history and popular culture, Ms. Palomo-Lovinski said
selling the public on Asian-inspired designs likely has been easy. Similar to
animal prints and metallics, it something that "just keeps coming back," she
said.
Banana Republic officials said it is the "rich colors and luxurious
fabrications" that keep designers intrigued by eastern-inspired styles.
