03/19/12 - 1 Comment
Maison Murasaki by Maki Obara: Vintage Geisha
High-end fashion designer Maki J. Obara embraces her vintage style, and her old-world appeal is truly marvelous. It’s as if it has been threaded with the feminine subtleties of her Japanese traditions. Her first name means “centuries of truth and honesty” in her native Japan, which is fitting, since her romantic style rings true for fashionable ladies everywhere.
Obara’s lady-like vintage dress blends melodically with her feminine stance. Her black vintage belt is a prominent accent, as it cinches her waistline. With those large Céline sunglasses and that red pout, she looks like an Upper East Side resident, which she is. Pastels will still be around this spring, but in softer hues; her pale blue Christian Louboutin shoes are evidence of the revamped trend. Obara’s Japanese paper fan-inspired Lulu Guinness clutch is homage to the elegant geishas of yesteryear. Speaking of paying homage, her hair clip is reminiscent of a kanzashi, which is a traditional Japanese hair clip worn by a geisha to display her status.
This San Francisco-born belle isn’t just a pretty little package. She earned a fashion degree from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Designs, and after she interned with Vivienne Westwood, she landed a coveted design position at the British fashion powerhouse. Westwood and Obara are a harmonious pair, since they both share a love of sophisticated, avant-garde womenswear.
Obara devoted a few short years to learning the fashion side of business. She took refuge at Céline and worked as a buyer and merchandiser with the company. Three years later, she moved to New York to launch her own fashion line. Her ambition was first realized when she unveiled Maison Murasaki Inc. in 2011. The name Murasaki comes from a female novelist from 11th century Japan. It is Obara’s way of incorporating her Japanese culture into her brand, which debuted its very first fall collection at New York Fashion Week this year. Obara’s timeless style is bound to etch her name into the up-and-coming designers watch list.
Image courtesy of citizen couture
