Category Archive for Los Angeles CA
Wave Gotik Treffen, Prague & Berlin Goth travel guides. Tokyo Japan bagelheads gone viral. Part 2 of 2012.
As we approach the New Year, let’s reflect on the second half of 2012. One of my favorite moments was doing this professional photoshoot, involving latex feather dresses and sugar skull makeup, with my talented Vancouver team. The images were published in Sugar Heart, and Gothic Beauty Magazine — a total honor. (More images and full credits here.)
I also did a pro shoot with a blow-up bear, in a potato field…
… and it ended up making the cover of Vanity Magazine! I blogged more of these Goth modeling photos.
I got to cross off a “bucket list” travel destination, thanks to Go With Oh. The wonderful apartment rental company sent me to Wave Gotik Treffen, the largest Gothic festival in the world. I also explored Prague with Rock n Roll Bride, and Berlin with Yukiro, DJ SiSEN, G-sus and spooky friends. View our adventures in my Germany Goth travel guide.
After Europe came Asia. I spoke on the fashion blogger’s panel at Hong Kong Social Media Week. It was great to see family and John Skeleton, and do some hardcore shopping — especially at the Hello Kitty shop. See more of my favorite Hong Kong stores.
In betwen, I hopped around the USA. I was Guest of Honor at Animegacon in Las Vegas. Spoke at PRSA Travel & Tourism conference in Ohio. Flew to New York City to be a guest on Discovery TV’s Oddities (my appearance will air early next year). Did some heavy pre-Halloween partying in Los Angeles, and hosted Gothic club night Bar Sinister with Amazing Race’s Kent Kaliber.
I’ve been writing about Tokyo bagelheads for years, and nobody paid much notice. But then, my Tokyo TV company worked on National Geographic’s “Taboo” episode about saline forehead inflation, and the extreme body mod went viral! I even flew to LA to be on “The Doctors” talk show, where I discussed bagel heads and deflated misunderstandings about body mods.
What a colorful year! What’s coming up in 2013? More TV work and global travels (stay tuned to see where I go next). I’ve just completed a press trip to Phoenix, and will be in Tokyo to appear in a documentary. And I’ll be in a warm destination this January… announcement to come.
Above is a compilation of my television presenting clips; full videos are on my La Carmina bio page. PS: thank you to Hostelbookers for interviewing me about my life of travel blogging and cat-craziness.
Do you have any goals for the New Year? What do you hope to accomplish or improve? Any “bucket list” items you’re determined to cross off? Here’s to a grandiose 2013!
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Best LA Goth clubs: Bar Sinister Hollywood & Das Bunker. Gothic Industrial dance club nights, Los Angeles parties.
It’s not even 10pm, and we’re already handcuffed…
What’s the Los Angeles Gothic & Industrial scene like? Bloody good. Arguably the best in the USA.
The two club stalwarts are Das Bunker (Fridays) and Bar Sinister (Saturdays). Both nights are excellent, and have a friendly relationship with each other. Like many LA Goths, I frequent both.
Let’s start with Das Bunker. Melissa, my Maui and Mexico travel video filmmaker, rocks a pink corset (available here). Since it was the weekend before Halloween, I wore a witch costume (more photos here).
Amazing “Amazing Race” Goth Kent Kaliber picked us up. We’ve had some epic adventures together, including Animegacon Las Vegas and the packing tips video.
For live band bookings, Das Bunker can’t be beat. That night, we caught Suicide Commando on their first US tour, ever. The club previously brought in VNV Nation, Aesthetic Perfection, God Module and more.
The name “bunker” is apt because this is one giant space. There are several dance rooms (industrial, old school Gothic, power noise) and chill-out areas.
I reunited with Mary Nine, who moved back to LA. Tank9 was too busy dancing for a photo! (Remember our Japan anniversary dance video?)
You’ll know where to find your favorite LA Goths on Friday nights: the ehrfurchtgebietend Das Bunker. (Catch-One, 10pm-3am, 18+, 4067 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles.)
The next day, I recovered in time for Bar Sinister. I co-hosted the Black & Grey Magazine x LA Fashion Week wrap party with Kent Kaliber (who is the regular host).
Bar Sin is having a Renaissance. The fashion’s inspiring, the go-go dancers rock, and the romantic-to-horror music is utterly danceable.
One of my favorite new brands is Insidious by Katie Broad. Her designs (worn by her and her models) are a heavy metal fairy tale: spiked gauntlets, studded dresses, vegi-leather mesh shirts and booty shorts.
I modeled pieces from her Black Metal Wonderland collection in a magazine photoshoot, to be revealed soon. If you’re looking for standout clothing, give Katie’s Insidious a glance; she also sells via Etsy.
With photographer Bil Brown of Black & Grey Magazine. Models walked around the club, wearing the designs of Maddox, Halcyon, Antiseptic and Tribe.
At Bar Sinister, decadent dress is encouraged. Kiss cosplay? Why not.
Kent and I announced the live bands. I’m wearing a hat, corset and skirt by Spider (Hong Kong Lolita brand).
Join the spooky fun every Saturday at Bar Sinister — tell Kent I sent you! (At Boardner’s, doors open 10pm, 18+, 1652 N Cherokee Ave, Hollywood.)
I’m so proud of my Basil Farrow… his big face is in the Scottish Fold 2013 calendar! You can order one here – it makes a great Xmas present. All profits go to the Scottish Fold Rescue, a wonderful volunteer organization that helps place Foldies in good homes.
More cat cuteness on my “lacarmina” Instagram.
What’s the Goth party scene like in your city? Would you visit these LA nightclubs? I’ll announce my next travel destinations soon; perhaps I’ll be coming to you… Keep your eye on my blog and Twitter to find out.
LA CARMINA
