Category Archive for Tokyo + Japan
Jpop Fruits fashion: street style magazine modeling in Tokyo. Nakano Broadway neighborhood.
Guess what — I’ll be in Asia again soon! Can you guess which city? It may not be where you expect… but I promise, there will be lots of cute, poppy street style reports.
I’m already getting into the spirit, as you can tell from the bunny ears. Here are more photos from my Adone Magazine cover shoot in Tokyo a few months ago.
I had a great time posing in game centers and anime shops. This geeky neighborhood is Nakano Broadway (do you remember the monster-dancing video Yukiro and I made about it?)
Huge hugs for my Tokyo-based team: photographer Said Karlsson and Hair by Kukukachoo.
They were wonderful to work with; full of creative ideas and energy. The shoot went by fast because we were laughing the entire time! If you’re looking for a professional photographer and hairstylist in Tokyo, I hope you’ll give them a ring (they speak English and Japanese). Take a look at Said’s site to see more of his images and contact info.
Are these Shinto torii gates? Nope, this is the entrance to Mandarake, the famous Nakano manga and toy store.
Near the subway tracks, there’s a long mural filled with cute colorful art, such as this bunny. Since I look a bit like Alice in Wonderland, I thought it would be appropriate to chase him.
I love the pop-rainbow Fruits Magazine feeling of this district. Kukuachoo made these hair extension flowers entirely by hand!
My pirate creeper shoes and bunny-eared hoodie are by Peace Now, the Japanese alt-Goth brand that is sadly no more.
We found a mysterious door, leading to a secret garden.
What lies inside? I’ll never tell…
I can’t resist jumping shots. The street filled with signs made the perfect backdrop. When the sun begins to set, the “golden hour” for photography begins.
My outfit details:
White lace sleeveless dress: Liz Lisa, the gyaru brand
Black booties: Michael Kors
White long coat: Camden Market London.
Me and my lantern. Nothing beats night-time photography in Japan.
This long, white fuzzy coat is among my favorite wardrobe items. It reminds me of the iconic one worn in the film, Last Tango in Paris.
My hair color and personal style are constantly changing… but there’s always some kawaii, underground and J-pop influence in there. You can see my evolution over the years in these photos.
More images from this photoshoot are posted here. What do you think of my pink hair? I only had it like this for a short while because the color washed out quickly..
And where in Asia do you think I will be next? Leave a comment with your best guess!
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Tokyo Steampunk store: A Story. Harajuku clockwork watches, top hats, retro vintage clothing.
This is a story about a Harajuku, Tokyo Steampunk shop, called A Story.
If you’ve seen anime films like Steamboy, you might think that Steampunk is big in Japan. In fact, this boutique hadn’t even heard of the word until about a year ago… even though they had been making clockwork and brass accessories for some time!
Kenny and Luke (creators of the party Steam Garden) told me about A Story. On a recent shopping trip in Harajuku, my spooky friends and I were determined to pay a visit.
Said Karlsson, who shot me for my Adone Magazine cover, took a few street snaps along the way. My Alice in Wonderland-like dress is Liz Lisa; the white rabbit bag is from Amavel in Lumine Shinjuku.
It took us forever to find it, so let me give you A Story’s address first: Carat Harajuku 103, 3-27-14 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (東京都渋谷区神宮前 3-27-14 キャラット原宿103).
A Story also has a Shinjuku location, and sells items at the regular event Steam Garden.
The interior felt like a mad Victorian gentleman’s lair. So many handmade accessories, with intricate clockwork parts.
Antique style lockets and key pendants for the ladies.
A top hat with brass decorations — oh yes!
Behind this antique tuba, an artisan tinkered over mechanical devices.
Beautiful the level of detail, purse arranged meticulously
The wrist-watches are marvelously made, with a charming old map background. I could see them on a Jules Verne character.
I was charmed by A Story; it’s well worth mapping it out and stopping by, if you’re Harajuku.
The shopping trip continued with improptu dramatic posing. Batman, woo hoo!
Cat-eared hats are all over Tokyo at the moment.
There’s also a lot of spiky headbands, inverted crosses and Nu Goth fashion.
This Scottish Fold t-shirt design was apparently stolen from Glitter Hell…
Love this pink hair Japanese girl’s outfit and styling.
She’s standing in front of a boutique that sells designer clothes for dogs. (Remember when I visited the swank Deco’s dog cafe?)
Harajuku boys dress marvelously; love the laid-back layers and messenger bag.
It was getting darker when we walked by the h.Naoto store, Gramm. (Here are photos of the store interior, from the Hangry & Angry fashion show.)
Secondhand stores are hit-and-miss, nevertheless fun to browse.
Vintage pieces are great for putting together a retro-Victorian outfit. That’s what I did for my Ladies of Steampunk magazine cover and spread.
Don’t forget to consult my Harajuku shopping guide, packed with addresses, photos and info on the best alternative stores.
Are you enjoying my Tokyo steampunk coverage? Would you wear the clockwork items in A Story?
For more photos of this underground fashion, see my review of the regular Japanese steampunk party, Steam Garden.
LA CARMINA
