The word "geisha" may conjure up images of beautiful Japanese courtesans, but for American retailers it means only one thing: ka-ching!

Sony, whose new movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" is based on Arthur Golden's best-selling novel of the same title, has managed to turn geisha chic into a key holiday look, thanks to high profile tie-in partners like Banana Republic and Fresh cosmetics.

"I think people have a long fascination with Asian culture," said Fresh co-founder Alina Roytberg, whose company began selling its "Memoirs of a Geisha" line back in September. "What we wanted to sell is not just a beauty product, but the process that a geisha must undergo before she can go out."

And the full process is just what Fresh offers: Geisha Rice Face Wash, $32, Geisha Bath with Sake, $42, Flower Petal Face Mask, $35, eau de parfum, $48, and Geisha Beauty Face Palette, $38, were all inspired by actual products mentioned in Golden's book. "The fragrance is probably the No. 1 seller and then comes the Beauty Palette," Roytberg said.

Companies like Banana Republic and luxury alchemy company D.L. & Co. are also profiting from their official tie-ins to the movie. From black kimono dresses and wrap tops to Asian-inspired quilted bags, Banana Republic has put a modern — and commercial — twist on geisha style, giving Americans the allure minus the full-on geisha regalia.

Source: Foxnews.com

Posted by Lawren at December 8, 2005 07:28 AM | Trackbacks (0)

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