2021 has arrived… and I’m dressed to face whatever might come!

I’m determined to make this a glamorous and creative year — even if we must remain in lock-down mode for the time being.

What’s been going on in La Carmina’s life?

I’m continuing to write (mostly about travel) for various publications, and I’ve recently added some new bylines to my roster. At the end of this post, you can find links to my recent articles.

I also have a devilish new web show coming out soon… Stay turned to my @lacarmina social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for the announcement! Can’t wait to unveil what we’ve been working on remotely in the past months.

And I was honored to be profiled in the January 2021 issue of Millie Magazine, a print publication by Meredith Corp. (It’s currently released along with Real Simple Magazine.)

The magazine is about diverse women and personal finance, with a focus on achieving one’s financial and career goals. Senior editor Emily Silber interviewed me about my “cool and unusual job” as a TV producer and host in Japan! (See scans further down.)

Millie Magazine commissioned photos of me to accompany the interview. I had a terrific time shooting around Vancouver, British Columbia with local photographer Rachel Pick. She took these vibrant photos in front of an East Van mural.

Millie Magazine hired my trusty team to do my hair and makeup for the editorial shoot. (Earrings by Stephen Einhorn; rings Sapphire Studios.)

Artist Jennifer Little has been doing my makeup for years. She gave me a soft yet alternative look, with a double layer of eyelashes.

My stylist, Chad Evans of BlameChad, dyed my hair dark purple with pink face-framing front pieces. He styled my hair into two Harajuku-style half ponytails, with curls.

We also took photos around Vancouver’s old Chinatown. Doesn’t this image have a Wong Kar Wai cinematic feel?

A behind-the-scenes shot of my photography session with Rachel Pick. She brought reflectors, a box for me to sit or stand on, and more to achieve these shots!

I’m not a morning person, but it was worth getting up early to have these excellent natural lighting conditions.

Millie Magazine liked my various fun coats, and asked me to model a few. (Everything is styled and selected by me, from my personal wardrobe).

I’m wearing a few of my favorite pieces: a pink Mongolian sheared sheep coat by Skandinavik, a Miffy bag I got years ago in Hong Kong, and pumpkin-faced stockings by UK Tights.

This look involves a vintage coat, Forest Ink cutaway top, and Jeremy Scott leather mini-skirt with polka dots.

Money shot. All jewelry from La Carmina’s collection.

Skull bangle and pearl earrings by Stephen Einhorn; Aphrodite skull and Sailor Moon rings Sapphire Studios.

We took these photos in October, before the “household-only” restrictions took place in British Columbia. Windows of opportunity are so fleeting these days, and difficult to predict… I’m glad we were able to make this Millie Magazine photoshoot happen.

I love how the shoot turned out — what do you think? It’s rare to have an excuse to get dolled up these days. Fingers crossed that this changes soon.

Here’s the cover of the Winter issue of Millie Magazine (January 2021). Thank you to the team for featuring me in this magazine about women, finance, and careers!

I’m featured in the Table of Contents page of Millie Magazine as well. My profile is under the “My Odd Job” category. (“A TV fixer in Japan… These women have cool and unusual jobs.”)

Here’s a look at my full-page interview in Millie Magazine (Jan 2021 edition). Emily Silber writes: “Not Your Average TV Producer. La Carmina is an expert in oddities, the Lady Gaga of the Japanese underworld, and a ‘fixer’ of peculiar TV shows.”

A final behind the scenes look at my photography session with Rachel Pick. Here’s to more fashion and portrait photoshoots soon.

Let’s finish up with a few of my latest bylines. I spilled my secrets of becoming a travel TV host and producer — see my essay on Fodor’s Travel. It includes bloody memories of bagelheads, love dolls, body mods, fake families, and other adventures in Japan with my Pirates.

Hopefully we can work on more wacky travel and culture TV shows soon, in Japan and worldwide. If you’re looking to hire a local production coordinator / fixer in Tokyo, check out our company — La Carmina & The Pirates.  

Here’s to a hell of a 2021 — whatever that may mean. I’m keen to stay connected, so please reach out! Find me @lacarmina on social media; links below.

I’m also continuing to sell cute clothing and accessories on @lacarmina Depop; let me know if I can send you anything from my shop. Cheers!

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