Movie's designs inspire fashion

Banana Republic and Bath & amp; Body Works carry products that reflect the movie.
By ERICA BLAKE
Toledo Blade
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 depicting a young girl blossoming into a legendary geisha has also become a style -- one found in Banana Republic, Bath & amp; Body Works, and high-end department stores.
"We see this collection very much appealing to our customers," said 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 best-selling 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.
Glamorous
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. "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 & amp; 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 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.