Category Archive for Tokyo + Japan
H.NAOTO GOTH NIGHT TOKYO: 2010 FASHION RUNWAY SHOW, HEAVEN HARAJUKU. JAPANESE GOTHIC MODELS IN DECONSTRUCTED CLOTHING.
Frightening figures in feathered masks… where am I? At a cult gathering, like in the Eyes Wide Shut film? Close: I took the Sony Australia TV crew to h.Naoto Goth Night, a presentation of Naoto-san’s latest fashion designs (held August 28th in Harajuku).
PS: why am I wearing a maid outfit? Earlier, the TV show and I were at the Japan Cosplay Festival. I’ll have photos from that shoot (and more) coming up…
Each guest received and wore a mask, creating a dark carnival / ritual atmosphere inside. h.NAOTO designer Hirooka Naoto is a sweetheart. My coffin backpack was designed by him — hence my funny face!
Most of the onlookers arrived in their Goth-est garments. Some were dressed head-to-toe in h.NAOTO.
These Victorian ladies could star in their own fashion show. (The h.NAOTO Goth Night took place at the Heaven store in Harajuku; there are photos, maps and more here.)
The models walked up and down the long hallway, holding up numbers (which corresponded to their garments). The guests held clip-boards and wrote down notes about each coordinate.
h.NAOTO has many collections built around different motifs, such as Blood (punk) and Frill (Lolita). This runway show was all about Goth. Black, tattered tops and tiered Victorian skirts. Elaborate lace head-wraps. I’m a fan of the blue/black striped stockings and leather witch shoes.
h.NAOTO played up draping and deconstruction. Over 20 models walked, and the procession of styles held my interest until the end.
After the show, Naoto-san talked about the creation process of the latest Goth collection. His assistants brought out racks of clothing for the guests to browse and buy. In another room, there was the love of my life: free food and alcohol.
Wish you could have seen the models in motion? Above and here is an official video of the h.NAOTO catwalk. (There will also be clips in the Australian travel show, airing next year.)
Are you fond of h.NAOTO? What do you think about his latest runway show, and the Eyes Wide Shut atmosphere?
PS: I’ve been Tweeting the latest news about Gackt, Dir en Grey and Kanon Wakeshima. Please add me on Twitter to stay in the loop (I follow back all legit accounts).
Japanese Word of the Day: Shuyouna = Main
Song of the Day: VII Sense – Black Bird (A mighty promising Visual Kei band that Yukiro and Amiyu introduced me to. Juka from Moi dix Mois is the singer.)
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JAPANESE ZOMBIE GIRL ATTACKS! RESIDENT EVIL AFTERLIFE IN SHIBUYA TOKYO. UPCOMING TOKYO GOTH DANCE PARTIES, YUKIRO'S PERFORMANCE.
If you’re a fan of 3D zombies — and even if you aren’t — there’s a movie in theaters right now that you can’t miss. Resident Evil: Afterlife. The cameras nose-dive into the famous Shibuya street crossing, where a delicate Japanese girl (Mika Nakashima) is caught in the pouring rain. Her eyes latch onto an oncoming businessman… brace yourself for the first zombie girl attack!
Interesting quote from the star, Milla Jovovich: “In Japan, literally 95 percent of the viewers are girls that go see these movies, and in America it’s the opposite. Girls in Tokyo really, really need these strong role models, where I think women in America think the films are too violent.” (Source: Reuters).
Resident Evil: Afterlife has slick style (Milla’s holster and corset!), high-kicking female characters and an electronica soundtrack. The direction has an artsy feel that separates this movie from typical blow-up blockbusters. And the fight scene in the showers with an overgrown zombie wielding the world’s biggest axe? Bloody brilliant. Have you seen the film yet? Go! (Thank you to Alliance Films for the advance screening passes.)
Speaking of Japanese zombies… I thought you might enjoy these photos of undead DJs and dancers from the most recent Gothic Bar Heaven club night in Tokyo.
The Goth / Industrial music begins around midnight at Shibuya Club Crawl. (Maps, directions and detailed reports are found in my Japan clubbing guide.)
The girls mix up the styles. DJ Tetra (right) is as emo-boy-weak as ever. Love it.
Do you recognize DJ Chihiro, without the white facepaint? He often plays at this club night, run by D’s Valentine.
Can’t say I enjoyed the live show very much… The guitarist on right was cutting herself and licking the blood!
Here are some images from July’s Midnight Mess. It was when Yukiro’s first live musical performance took place! DJ SiSEN wore horns and magical makeup for the occasion.
Yukiro was a “fashion-forward killer bitch Evil Queen.” You can read more about his musical mission here.
Sad that you missed his performance? Above is a video of Dravarious performing a cover of Moi dix Mois – Dialogue Symphonie! Yukiro also played several of his original songs. Stay tuned for news about his next concert…
Quite a few of my friends are having parties and performances next weekend:
† TOKYO, September 17: Lunatic Sabbath. Japanese Steampunk master Kenny Creation is performing with his band “I am still in the haze.” In addition,Yukiro will be dancing on-stage, and Goth groups Despair and Vanished Empire will play. (I will post an interview with DJ Chihiro soon.) The Industrial / DarkPsyche / EBM party is at Yoyogi Labo and begins at midnight. 2500 yen with flyer, 2000 with dresscode.
† LOS ANGELES, September 16: Do you remember the Jpop Purikura party I hosted in the spring? Organizers Tune in Tokyo are having a Japanese school uniform dance party, sponsored by X Japan North American Tour 2010 and Jrock Revolution! More info and RSVP on Facebook. There will be J-rock and pop dance music, prizes, screening of a rare documentary about X Japan, and a chance to meet fellow fans of the band. LA friends, don’t miss out.
† LOS ANGELES, September 16-30: Horror artist Dienzo (who painted a vampire portrait of me and gave us a tour of Cartoon Network headquarters) has a new art exhibit opening at Hyaena Galley (remember when we visited?). “I’ve partnered with Eric Pigors to celebrate our love of spooky monsters and creepy chicks. Basically he does pen and ink drawings and colors then digitally, then I use that as inspiration to create my own versions of his characters in my style.” Check out the exhibit at Hyaena Gallery in Burbank, which runs September 16-30. There is an Artist Reception: September 18th, 8pm-Midnight.
Okay, let’s hear your thoughts on the new Resident Evil and Yukiro’s musical performance!
Japanese Word of the Day: Juyouu = Demand
Song of the Day: Dir en Grey – Vinushka (Anyone seeing or seen the band on tour in USA? A report is coming up on my blog!)
LA CARMINA
