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CNN INTERNATIONAL & CNNGO TV SHOW: TOKYO GOTH FASHION DESIGNER KENZO-A, TAKUYA ANGEL HARAJUKU SHOP.

I write for CNNGo (all my articles are here), so when the CNN site launched a TV show, they asked me to be part of the Tokyo episode. And I got to choose the topic! I immediately suggested that we interview my friend Kenzo-A, designer of Goth clothing brands Rituals. To my delight, I got the thumb’s up. Here’s what I wore to the shoot…

Little cake hat: gifted from Agent Lover. So cute, and easy to attach. Remember when my fat cat tried to eat it?
Fake eyelashes: from a Japanese dollar store. I split one in half for the lower lids.
Eyeshadow: “The real gold” gifted from Sugarpill, swept over grey and light blue shadows gifted from Aromaleigh.
Lips: Purple eye pencil to outline, followed by purple lipstick from Daiso (dollar store).
Stickers around the eyes: from Daiso.

orange hair, alice and pirates boots, innocent world dress, h naoto coffin backpack, CNN INTERNATIONAL & CNNGO TV SHOW: TOKYO GOTH FASHION DESIGNER KENZO-A, TAKUYA ANGEL HARAJUKU SHOP, kenzo stigmata rituals gothic fashion show, la carmina, little cake lolita hat, agent lover, pretty lolita girls, japanese harajuku street style book

Gothic Lolita dress: Innocent World, from Closet Child Harajuku.
Long, sheer overcoat: Ozz Croce, from Closet Child Shinjuku.
Orb-print tights: Vivienne Westwood, from Marui Womens Shinjuku.
Swashbuckler boots: Alice and the Pirates, from Closet Child Harajuku.
Coffin backpack: h.NAOTO, from Closet Child Ikebukuro.

kenzo designer, japanese rituals stimata in laforet, CNN INTERNATIONAL & CNNGO TV SHOW: TOKYO GOTH FASHION DESIGNER KENZO-A, TAKUYA ANGEL HARAJUKU SHOP, kenzo stigmata rituals gothic fashion show, la carmina, little cake lolita hat, agent lover, pretty lolita girls, japanese harajuku street style book

It was a bi-polar day… rain-sun-freezing-sweltering. Kenzo-A arrived on his motorcycle and met the CNN crew at the entrance of Takeshita Doori.

CNN travel tv show in tokyo, cnn INTERNATIONAL & CNNGO TV crew: TOKYO GOTH FASHION DESIGNER KENZO-A, TAKUYA ANGEL HARAJUKU SHOP, kenzo stigmata rituals gothic fashion show, la carmina, little cake lolita hat, agent lover, pretty lolita girls, japanese harajuku street style book

(With story producer Alex.) Whenever there’s a TV camera around, passersby will stop and gawk as if there’s a bloody accident. While we were preparing, dozens of people gathered around and took photos. Even the Japanese schoolgirls insisted on posing with me, V-fingers held high!

CNN INTERNATIONAL & CNNGO TV SHOW: TOKYO GOTH FASHION DESIGNER KENZO-A, TAKUYA ANGEL HARAJUKU SHOP, kenzo stigmata rituals gothic fashion show, la carmina, little cake lolita hat, agent lover, pretty lolita girls, japanese harajuku street style book

Kenzo-A and I strolled and chatted about Harajuku street style. He told me about coming here as a teen and being inspired by the Goth/punk clothes worn by youths. The district is much more commercial today (think Forever21 and H&M) but Yellow House and Takenoko are two old-school indie stores that are still standing.

takuya angel boutique, cyber shop in harajuku, crazy japanese clothing, CNN INTERNATIONAL & CNNGO TV SHOW: TOKYO GOTH FASHION DESIGNER KENZO-A, TAKUYA ANGEL HARAJUKU SHOP, kenzo stigmata rituals gothic fashion show, la carmina, little cake lolita hat, agent lover, pretty lolita girls, japanese harajuku street style book

Kenza-A began his career designing t-shirts for Sexy Dynamite London. The boutique was located near Takuya Angel’s shop, and they became fast friends. Kenzo-A suggested that we visit him; unfortunately, he was away, but we showed CNN around the store and tried on Takuya’s cyber-meets-samurai designs.

Kenzo-A hit the nail on the head when he said: “We’re a village people. The Gothic/alternative subculture here is small, and we should all support each other.” I agree wholeheartedly: there’s cattiness in every scene, but in the end, everyone benefits if we share the limelight and help each other out…

The Tokyo episode of the CNNGo TV show aired on CNN International last week, and is now online. Our segment is about halfway in the video above. Unfortunately, they cut out Kenzo-A’s fashion show but I’ll have photos and video of that coming right up, don’t you worry! Check out his Rituals site to see his latest clothing collection.

Did you enjoy the CNN TV show? Have you seen Kenzo’s designs or met him?

Japanese Word of the Day: Itareritsukuseri = graciousness, politesse
Song of the Day: Yoko Nagayama – You’re My Love (1980s Japanese Italo Disco! My heart, my heart.)

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72 Comments

  1. DDollie
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 7:45 am | Permalink

    I love Kenzo’s designs! One of these days I shall go to Japan just to buy his clothes.

  2. Stefania
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:12 am | Permalink

    yes! went to his NYE party last year. friend of friends. : )

  3. DDollie
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 7:45 am | Permalink

    I love Kenzo's designs! One of these days I shall go to Japan just to buy his clothes.

  4. Stefania
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:12 am | Permalink

    yes! went to his NYE party last year. friend of friends. : )

  5. Chelsea
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 1:29 pm | Permalink

    Your AATP boots are my most coveted loli item :o Cake hat is making me jealous also. Great video, look forward to seeing more pics.

    • lacarmina
      Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:18 pm | Permalink

      Thank you! Hahah they’re one of my current favorite items right now too

  6. Shadowpal2
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 2:40 pm | Permalink

    Now that’s one fashionable guy!

  7. AngryBroomstick
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 3:08 pm | Permalink

    Kenzo-A’s quote is spot on. I’m tired of punks and skinheads and goths and metalheads and hippies and people from other “alt” scenes fighting each other. Get over it. in the end, we’re all the same.

  8. Chelsea
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 1:29 pm | Permalink

    Your AATP boots are my most coveted loli item :o Cake hat is making me jealous also. Great video, look forward to seeing more pics.

  9. Hiccups
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 7:03 pm | Permalink

    Tokyo looks damn cool! too bad about the international brands invading harajuku. >:l

    • lacarmina
      Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

      Harajuku is still vibrant and full of treasures. It’s one of the best places in the world to buy Goth Punk clothing.

  10. Shadowpal2
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 2:40 pm | Permalink

    Now that's one fashionable guy!

  11. AngryBroomstick
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 3:08 pm | Permalink

    Kenzo-A's quote is spot on. I'm tired of punks and skinheads and goths and metalheads and hippies and people from other “alt” scenes fighting each other. Get over it. in the end, we're all the same.

  12. Elizabeth
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    oh i see where youre at, that costume store is wild, but nothing you can wear on a day to day basis, lol

  13. LadyAri
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    I <3 those boots lady!!! one of my fave outfits ever btw.

    • lacarmina
      Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

      Thanks! They’re comfortable to walk in too. I was amazed when I saw them in Closet Child… got them for a great deal.

  14. Tara
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    i love Takuya! I met him 2 years ago the first time i went to Tokyo to study. I always stop at his store when I am in Harajuku. I can spend hours in his store! i love his style. Expensive, but great! I bought a few pieces. At least you met his wife Akiko. She is very sweet!

    i love Kenzo-a’s designs too.

    I hope you get to meet him next time you are in Tokyo!

  15. Nur
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:11 pm | Permalink

    <3 <3 luv it………s0ooo kiutttttttt……….. <3 <3

  16. Marie
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:11 pm | Permalink

    It’s perfect on you pretty lady!!

  17. Maleva
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:12 pm | Permalink

    oh….so cute bag…..beautifullll

    • lacarmina
      Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm | Permalink

      It’s my new favorite bag… I’ve been looking for a backpack, and I’ve never seen a soft coffin bag…

  18. EGENDRA
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    yei!! i was so bored infront of the tv when i saw you..i’m in colombia btw and you two … hugs!

  19. MoonMaiden90
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    Lisha Wright

    I still adore that hat, & yes it was SO cute when basil tried 2 eat it. lol
    & I LUV ur dress & bag SO much! <3
    that CNN video turned out brilliant, the band at the end listen 2 alotta the same stuff as me & they sounded great, I'm gonna have 2 check them out…

    • lacarmina
      Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm | Permalink

      There’s no hiding that he’s a fat cat.. sigh!
      Thanks, I love the band too!

  20. Clare
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:42 pm | Permalink

    I really like the combination of clothes, make-up and accessories you choose! :) they really suit you ^.^

  21. Robyn
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:47 pm | Permalink

    very cool. luve the hat

  22. Jaeka
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 9:08 pm | Permalink

    wow :) keep up the good work :))

  23. ExoticJapan
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 11:31 pm | Permalink

    awesome outfit. I bet people are emailing CNN asking who you are and wherevthey can get your clothes. :-)

  24. Hiccups
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 7:03 pm | Permalink

    Tokyo looks damn cool! too bad about the international brands invading harajuku. >:l

  25. Aimee
    Posted June 16, 2010 at 12:12 am | Permalink

    That’s too cool. You got to hang out w/ Kenzo-A and went to Takuya Angel’s shope ;D
    LOVE the coffin purse btw ;D

    • lacarmina
      Posted June 16, 2010 at 12:13 am | Permalink

      Aw thanks! I was looking for a backpack for a while, and found this for about $20… ^___^

  26. Elizabeth
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    oh i see where youre at, that costume store is wild, but nothing you can wear on a day to day basis, lol

  27. LadyAri
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    I <3 those boots lady!!! one of my fave outfits ever btw.

  28. Tara
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:10 pm | Permalink

    i love Takuya! I met him 2 years ago the first time i went to Tokyo to study. I always stop at his store when I am in Harajuku. I can spend hours in his store! i love his style. Expensive, but great! I bought a few pieces. At least you met his wife Akiko. She is very sweet!

    i love Kenzo-a's designs too.

    I hope you get to meet him next time you are in Tokyo!

  29. Nur
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:11 pm | Permalink

    <3 <3 luv it………s0ooo kiutttttttt……….. <3 <3

  30. Marie
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:11 pm | Permalink

    It's perfect on you pretty lady!!

  31. Maleva
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:12 pm | Permalink

    oh….so cute bag…..beautifullll

  32. EGENDRA
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    yei!! i was so bored infront of the tv when i saw you..i'm in colombia btw and you two … hugs!

  33. MoonMaiden90
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    Lisha Wright

    I still adore that hat, & yes it was SO cute when basil tried 2 eat it. lol
    & I LUV ur dress & bag SO much! <3
    that CNN video turned out brilliant, the band at the end listen 2 alotta the same stuff as me & they sounded great, I'm gonna have 2 check them out…

  34. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm | Permalink

    There's no hiding that he's a fat cat.. sigh!
    Thanks, I love the band too!

  35. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm | Permalink

    That's awesome that you saw it on TV! Hugs!

  36. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:14 pm | Permalink

    It's my new favorite bag… I've been looking for a backpack, and I've never seen a soft coffin bag…

  37. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:15 pm | Permalink

    Mwahh thank you!

  38. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:15 pm | Permalink

    Yeahh they're so sweet! <3

  39. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

    Thanks! They're comfortable to walk in too. I was amazed when I saw them in Closet Child… got them for a great deal.

  40. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

    Hahh not if if your name is Yukiro!

  41. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm | Permalink

    Harajuku is still vibrant and full of treasures. It's one of the best places in the world to buy Goth Punk clothing.

  42. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:18 pm | Permalink

    Right on, right on!

  43. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:18 pm | Permalink

    You bet! Have you seen his Rituals fashion line?

  44. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:18 pm | Permalink

    Thank you! Hahah they're one of my current favorite items right now too

  45. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:19 pm | Permalink

    Ohh really? Where was the NYE party, in Tokyo?

  46. lacarmina
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:19 pm | Permalink

    And go to the parties… you'll find him there!

  47. Clare
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:42 pm | Permalink

    I really like the combination of clothes, make-up and accessories you choose! :) they really suit you ^.^

  48. Robyn
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 8:47 pm | Permalink

    very cool. luve the hat

  49. Jaeka
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 9:08 pm | Permalink

    wow :) keep up the good work :))

  50. ExoticJapan
    Posted June 15, 2010 at 11:31 pm | Permalink

    awesome outfit. I bet people are emailing CNN asking who you are and wherevthey can get your clothes. :-)

  51. Aimee
    Posted June 16, 2010 at 12:12 am | Permalink

    That's too cool. You got to hang out w/ Kenzo-A and went to Takuya Angel's shope ;D
    LOVE the coffin purse btw ;D

  52. lacarmina
    Posted June 16, 2010 at 12:13 am | Permalink

    Aw thanks! I was looking for a backpack for a while, and found this for about $20… ^___^

  53. Anonymous
    Posted June 17, 2010 at 6:56 am | Permalink

    So cool and stylish too.

  54. ibrremote
    Posted June 17, 2010 at 6:56 am | Permalink

    So cool and stylish too.

  55. lacarmina
    Posted June 17, 2010 at 8:21 pm | Permalink

    <3 Thanks!

  56. Anonymous
    Posted June 23, 2010 at 5:01 am | Permalink

    you look gorgeous! i love the eyelashes and the hat cake. your makeup is impeccable.

  57. mariesfbayarea
    Posted June 23, 2010 at 5:01 am | Permalink

    you look gorgeous! i love the eyelashes and the hat cake. your makeup is impeccable.

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