Gothic Lolita at Phoenix Art Museum: vintage Chanel dresses, Philip C. Curtis paintings.
Did you know I used to take art history classes? Visiting galleries remains a favorite past-time. During my Arizona press trip, my friend and I went to the Phoenix Art Museum.
Serafina is a classically trained soprano (and she wears Gothic Lolita coordinates beautifully). She’s currently working on Chiaroscuro, a “neo-classical pop project based upon the visual arts, from classical to the contemporary.” And she sells handmade jewelry, mostly rosaries, in her Etsy shop Rosarium Obscurum.
We stopped by the rooftop garden of the Sheraton hotel in downtown Phoenix.
Purse friends! My fuzzy is Hyoma, from Izzue in Hong Kong. More photos of my Miffy outfit in this Roosevelt Row post.
We ate refreshing hummus, goat cheese and Thai-flavored salads at District , on the ground floor of the Sheraton Downtown. They made special mint juleps for us, using herbs straight from the roof garden!
The Art Museum has a spacious courtyard and Sculpture Garden. One of these runners is not like the other…
A cartoon-like man riding a masked horse. Serafina’s expression says it all.
The museum lets you take photos inside, as long as you don’t use flash. Talk about an invitation for a photoshoot.
The museum has multiple wings, with works spanning from ancient China to today. I personally loved the Philip C. Curtis exhibit. The American painter reminds me of Edward Gorey and the surrealists.
An empty ballroom with uncanny mirrors and chairs, carney circuses, strange Victorian guests. I’m still mulling over Curtis’s paintings.
I could’t wait to see the special exhibit: Art Deco fashion.
Fascinating to see Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar magazine covers from the 1920s and 1930s. Who knew they were hand-drawn?
Velvet capes with embroidery. Want.
Quite a few of the Roaring Twenties flapper gowns were by Coco Chanel.
Can’t go wrong with cloche hats and feathered fans.
Or silky lingerie.
Here’s a quick video I took with my iPhone, to give you a sense of the space.
Can you tell I’m on a 1920s kick? Check out my Art Deco Weekend Miami coverage for more retro inspiration.
Phoenix Art Museum is very much worth a visit; the selection is well-explained and includes Monet, Frida Kahlo, and Alexander Calder. Be sure to visit Yayoi Kusama’s “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies” — a dark room with hanging LED lights.
Have you heard of Philip C. Curtis? Who are your favorite artists and eras? You can delve into my art and design category, and there’s more Art Deco Weekend on the way!
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Links to Gothic Lolita Punk fashion websites, Harajuku clothes online. Yummy You by Twinkie Chan giveaway!
I’m in Tokyo for a TV job, as you may have seen on my social networks. I’ll confess — I’ve been itching to re-visit my favorite Goth, Lolita and Punk stores.
This blog has come a long way. My content has expanded to alternative culture, fashion and travel worldwide. Nonetheless, Harajuku street style remains my passion, and was the seed that sprouted this colorful life.
Many of you tell me you enjoy my old-school coverage, and miss my sidebar links to Japanese Gothloli brands. So I’m going back in time, and dedicating this post to you… as well as this giveaway!
How’d you like to win a sushi scarf and socks, from Yummy You by Twinkie Chan?
Simply Like this cute company on Facebook and comment in this post, telling me what’s your favorite YY product. Keep scrolling for the full details.
And here are links to major Japanese alternative clothing brand websites. The groupings are general, as many of these designs span various style tribes. Model images courtesy of Kera Shop Japan (where these pictured items are sold).
♥ Department Stores: Laforet Harajuku, Marui One Shinjuku, Shibuya 109
♥ Sweet Lolita: Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Emily Temple Cute, Innocent World, Justine et Juliette, Metamorphose temps de fille, Milky Ange, Mille Fleurs
♥ Classical Lolita: Atelier Pierrot, Chantilly, Jane Marple, Victorian Maiden, Mary Magdalene, Heart E, Antique Beast
♥ Gothic Lolita: Alice and the Pirates, Elements, Excentrique, h.NAOTO, Maxicimam MA/MAM, Moi-meme-moitie, Visible, Miho Matsuda
♥ Punk Rock Lolita: Kera Shop Arena & Angel, ScoLar, Listen Flavor, Super Lovers, Deorart, HellCatPunks, Sex Pot Revenge, Toxic Star, Dangerous Nude, Ghost of Harlem, Putumayo, Algonquins, Nile Perch
♥ Elegant Goth Aristocrat & Kodona: Atelier Boz, Black Peace Now
♥ Goth Fetish: Rituals by Kenzo-A, Alice Auaa, Suppurate System
♥ Cyber & Wa: Takuya Angel, Qutie Frash, Lacrima, Ozz On & Ozz Croce
Where are these stores located? See maps, addresses, and photos of the boutiques in my Tokyo shopping guide. I also have an Osaka Gothic Lolita Punk store guide.
What are the best Tokyo and Osaka Goth alternative clubs? Read my overview of the Japan nightlife scene. Once again, there are maps, addresses, photos, and descriptions of the club nights.
I hope you found these links and tips helpful. You can support by linking to this post, sharing it on your social networks, and adding my Facebook page (below). Thank you.
Here are some coordinates to get you inspired. Clockwise from left: Sex Pot Revenge, Toxic Star, Metamorphose temps de fille, Dangerous Nude.
Elegance meets pop punk. Clockwise from left: Miho Matsuda, Angelic Pretty, Deorart, HellCatPunks
A whiff of kitty-cat, a hint of devil. Clockwise from left: ScoLar, Listen Flavor, Super Lovers, Midas Laputa
When I say “spooky-cute,” this is what I mean. Clockwise from left: Ghost of Harlem, Putumayo, Algonquins (both bottom photos).
Goth crosses and teddy bears. Peace Now, Nile Perch
Which Tokyo street style brands are your favorites? Did you find the website list useful? (If so, I’d appreciate if you spread the word.)
Inspired to wear kawaii style? Then I hope you’ll enter my Yummy You giveaway! Pink-haired, LA-based Twinkie Chan designs crochet and knit accessories, with food influences — like sushi scarfs, eggs and bacon pins, and cupcake socks. (Tons of inspiration on her Twitter.)
She’s giving away a bento box to one lucky reader, containing a pair of sushi socks and scarf. Contest open internationally, and ends March 5, 2013. To enter…
1) Like Yummy You on Facebook
2) Check out the YY site and tell me your favorite product, either by commenting in this post or on my Facebook. Good luck.
Thanks for reading and supporting me through the years. Lots of Japan adventures coming up… peep at my Instagram for previews.
LA CARMINA
