Roihuvuoren Kirsikkapuisto
20 May 2023
Happy Hanami Helsinki 2023! Annually organised by ROIHUVUORI and SCANDINAVIA JAPAN SASAKAWA FOUNDATION at Helsinki Cherry Park, has been the must visit cultural event with dear friends for a lovely springtime picnic.
We Taiwanese gang prepare the Japanese biscuits 仙貝, the plum liquor, the apple juice, a box of strawberry and grapes, of course some FERRERO ROCHER chocolate. Taking Bus No. 80, 82 or 83 from Herttoniemi Metro station, we prepare our disposal blankets and immediately find the spot under the cherry blossom tree.
For the kimono of the day, KIMONO YUKATA MARKET offering the top great condition kimono, made of 100% Japanese silk in traditional pattern, has been my bargain pleasure for the Hanami fashion. This pastel pinkish purple with dyed technique in Tsukesage style 付け下げ, which, was dressed as formal outfit by aristocratic ladies during the Meiji Period 明治時代 1868-1912, matches perfectly together my previous silky pink undergarment. Though May in Helsinki occasionally provides the uncertain cold breezes and slight rains, the triple layers of silk wears constantly keep me genial and graceful under the blossom cherry trees.
As for the Obi 帯/おび, this vintage cotton and silk woven pastel grey in traditional Japanese monogram serve the pastel tone kimono collection surprisingly well, and decorate with VALENTINO sneaker laces complete the chic and cheap inspiration. While the 1930’s midnight blue velvet vintage kinchaku 巾著/きんちゃく, with gold metallic clasp and wrist chain, was a wonder hunt from the Kansallismuseo Vintage Market. As for the geta 下駄/げた, VALENTINO leather silver slippers with V logo suit not only the casual silk pants, but also the elegant silk kimono.
The traditional Japanese kimono is all-time fun to play with the designer’s accessories. For the golden detailed outlines of kimono and my golden eyelashes makeups, DIOR REVOLUTION earrings are distinguished by their whimsical and elegant look. Made in Germany, the gold-finish metal DIOR signature is embellished with hanging charms: a white resin pearl, a star adorned with a white crystal and a faceted white crystal, and can be coordinated with other creations from the Dio(r)evolution line. Finnish Designer Duo CHAO & EERO Bubble collection adopts Japanese freshwater pearls and 18K gold, no doubt my favourite for the Hanami season.
TOP TIP 1: Layering fine silk garments to keep warm and chic
TOP TIP 2: Mix and match golden accessories with the kimono hues are pinkish pastel, crimson reddish, sky blue or even bleak black
Special Thanks: Wendy and NING
