I am glad to be drag racing with RuPaul’s crew in sunny LA instead of turning into a Popsicle at NY fashion week. But I must admit my heart skipped a beat when I saw photos of the Tokyo Fashion Festa, a presentation of Harajuku street style at FIT Museum in New York. Thanks to my roving East Coast spooks, we’ve got the runway show covered. Words by Kyshah Hell; photos from Shichi of The Other East (more photos posted on his blog).

On February 19th the Museum at FIT held a large event entitled Tokyo Fashion Festa. Encompassing live music, a fashion show, and visual-kei rock videos, it was the first of its kind in New York City. Opening the event was a short greeting from Misako Aoki, Japan’s Lolita “Kawaii Ambassador” (second from left).

Next, the Visual-Kei duo VY, comprised of singer Moe and DJ Rio, made their New York debut. Moe is ethereal on stage; she is transfixing with her angelic vocals, and floating movements. As all the models proceeded to parade by, Moe, sitting at a piano clothed in h.NAOTO, stole the show. Her partner Rio kept the performance grounded in an electronic soundscape without missing a single beat.

Both Lolita and Gyaru (gal) styles were on display during the fashion show. All of the major brands were represented, including Alice and the Pirates, Amy’s Love, Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Black Peace Now, and Mielette Tautou.

In addition to the thrilling variety of Lolita styles, Gyaru brand Madame-Killer showed urban, rap music inspired street looks. (Madame-Killer has a store in NY’s Soho. Also, you can find many of the Lolita brands at Tokyo Rebel located in NY’s Alphabet City. See store photos in this post.)

After the fashion show h.NAOTO addressed the audience in a pre-recorded greeting, which led into a music video of his female Visual-Kei duo Hangry & Angry. (It reminded me of the obscure, yet amazing British due named Shampoo. Look them up, you wont be disappointed.) Another video followed with highlights from an h.NAOTO fashion show/rock stadium concert with what looked like 100,000 people in the audience. h.NAOTO is the Karl Lagerfeld of Japan. Not only does he design seven collections, but also he can fill a stadium like a rock star!

The audience included everyone from fashion muse Daphne Guinness, to both American and Asian Lolita enthusiasts, to FIT teachers and students, to journalists, bloggers and photographers. (Above: Visual kei/metal legend Morrie with Kanae.) This event was a scene not to be missed. The only critical comment I can make is that part of the unique appeal of Japanese Street Style is the way each participant combines elements to create a whole look. And even though the clothes and the models were amazing up on the FIT stage, Lolita outfits are much too intricate for viewing from thirty feet away. These clothes need to be seen up close to be appreciated to the fullest extent.

This event was a veritable who’s who of Lolita Kawaii as it currently exists in New York. It is so exciting that a Museum of FIT’s caliber is hosting subcultural fashion events, which are helping to foster creative ideas and a wider feeling of community amongst fellow fashion devotees. Stay tuned for the Japan exhibit opening at the museum in September 2010.

What do you think of the Japanese fashion show? Which outfits are your favorites?