It may not BE an obi, but it looks like one and I will have to carry that impression over.


Although simply wrapping a wide strip between my waist and my bust is tempting.

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Perhaps, but I am currently thinking that the pattern I used for Lilith's corset might work, since the 'obi' only comes down TO the waist, not beyond it.

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If you did it on the bias - either over a lightweight support so it didn't fall down around your waist or in a solid enough fabric it wasn't going to do that anyway - you could probably eliminate most seams which would give you the obi look. If you do it as an underbust without that kind of cover, it might feel too much like a corset over a kimono, which is pretty but not quite how it looks in that picture you posted a few weeks ago.

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I was thinking of the corset as a foundation garment to put the purple sash/belt/obi over so that it didn't wrinkle up.


I COULD make a cylinder of sturdy fabric, bone it, then put the purple over it and then zip it up the side. I think that would work, too.

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Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Though the second idea has a charming simplicity to it...

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Ummm... i know it's an anime, but the actual dress and time is medivial China being portrayed, so none of them are wearing kimono, just stylized Chinse dress, and actually well portrayed. The item worn by all people, men, women, child, rich and poor is called a Hanfu. http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01780/clothing/history.htm

I got really lucky that the local history museum has a REALLY nice display right now of emporial Hanfu robes, several of which are very close to what Ryuuki wore in the show. The mere fact that some of them are 400 years old just blows my mind cause they are still in great condition and I took measurements off of the female pieces and I could wear them!!!heeheheheh

The thing you are regarding as a corset, is actually an overskirt displayeed simimular as to an Elizabethan forepart. From what I can gather, the "skirt" is wrapped around twice and secured by a decorative cord. It also should go down past the floor. Being an entertainer, Kochu would have been a little free with her dress and be more flamboyant. I know that Japanese companions had a special dress code to deffer there profession(ironically it is used as the icon for Arizona Green tea, big gallon jug)and had restrictions of how they could tie obi's while "on duty."

for the most part I am cheating and making them zip up on the sides. I don't get much say in the matter.... If you want any other help, of info, or f you need me to get pics of the hanfu on display, let me know,K?

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Kochou has a decidely different style of dress than the others. That really looks like a purple obi with a red sash tied over. But I am leaning toward boning an inner strength layer with purple wrapped round it and a zipper at the side.

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