BLACK SWAN MAKEUP: MOVIE STARRING NATALIE PORTMAN. BEST OSAKA SHOPPING DISTRICT: SHINSAIBASHI GOTH LOLITA JAPANESE PUNK SHOPS.
I was looking forward to the film Black Swan ever since I saw the poster of Natalie Portman in winged-eyed Gothic makeup. I went to the advance screening last night, and yes, the Oscar buzz is well deserved. Portman is terrifying as a perfectionist ballerina teetering towards insanity. Be prepared for to wince — nail cutting, scratching and peeling — as she falls to pieces. Darren Aronofsky (director of Pi) keeps it tense throughout, especially in the spiraling scenes where she dances to Swan Lake. Black Swan opens today… go see it. You may leave the theater perturbed, but you won’t be disappointed.
Tis the season for Christmas shopping — how have you been faring? If only we could transport ourselves to the Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. There’s a one-shop stop for your favorite Japanese Goth Punk and Lolita clothing.
The last time I visited, Sex Pot Revenge, Regulus and Busoh Sensen were on display. Can’t go wrong with neon electro graphic prints.
Iron Fist shoes are big in Japan. Do you remember the Zombie and blood-dripping shoes that Iron Fist sent me? These stompers are also sold in Tokyo’s Nude and Rude store (here is a full post with photos).
I rarely buy new clothes in Japan, but I love going into stores and examining the displays. I always come out with new ideas on how to coordinate outfits.
Many of you liked my Listen Flavor cat punk sweater. This playful alternative brand is a gem.
Listen Flavor’s cheeky characters and electric colors are a nice change from black-black-black.
This Osaka basement store also carries Hypercore.
Punk and New Wave are not dead. For Osaka shopping maps, photos and reports, please visit my Japan store guide.
What’s everyone doing this weekend? Perhaps some DIX-mas shopping, and watching Black Swan?
PS: I’ve decided! I’m adding a new color to my hair. Hmm, what do you think it will be….
Japanese Word of the Day: Kotonaru = Different
Song of the Day: Janne Da Arc – Hysteric Moon (Old school Visual Kei, suggested by my lovely Lemon)
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SEBASTIANO SERAFINI & LA CARMINA IN LOS ANGELES! LA GOTH ALTERNATIVE MODELLING, NEW YEAR’S EVENTS & PARTIES. KOREAN FASHION SHOPPING SITE.
Adventure Team… ASSEMBLE. It’s official! “Latest victim” Sebastiano Serafini ( セバスティアーノ セラフィニー ) and I will be in Los Angeles, from December 28 to January 10. Each day will be filled with business and pleasure — two things excruciatingly intertwined in our Rocky Horror world.
What scandal is brewing? Seba and I are being hosted by a gorgeous boutique hotel. We have meetings with TV and entertainment execs. Modelling gigs with Lip Service and other Goth alternative labels. Prominent photoshoots, including the NOH8 campaign (to protest the Prop 8 ban on gay marriage in California). Red carpet events, and of course, a royally decadent New Year’s!
Sebastiano and I may be hosting events in LA — we hope you can join us and hang out. Please stay tuned to my blog and social networks for announcements. If you’re interested in having us model, do promotions or anything else in Los Angeles (Dec 28-Jan 10), please email La Carmina. (Paying gigs only.)
You can look forward to a full exposé of Seba’s first visit to America! I’ll soon post an interview with Sebastiano, our h.NAOTO collaboration photos, and news about a massive project debuting in 2011…
Both of us are quite OCD about travel planning, so we’re already thinking about what to wear. A new Korean fashion website is providing me with inspiration. AsianFashion.com sells men’s and women’s clothing from Japan and Korea, such as Ageha baby-doll dresses and criss-cross ankle boots. There’s an impressive selection of Asian beauty products, including circle contact lenses. The shopping site is very well organized and easy to browse; do check it out.
At least I don’t need to worry about how to dress up my legs. Artisan Socks sent me 18 pairs of stockings. In the words of my no-ears celebrity cat Basil Farrow: “Wahhh!”
Artisan Socks has an impressive stock of Japanese socks. Floral prints, skulls, stripes, tattoos, and even cyber fuzzy leg warmers!
Decisions, decisions… which ones to wear first?
Thank you also to Maru Music for sending me the latest Visual Kei music by The GazettE and Alice Nine! I was talking to Adventure Teamster Lemon about DIX-mas shopping. We agreed that Maru is the place to pick up CDs and MP3s as Jrock gifts. The label has also digitally released the hit single from the Kanon X Kanon project, and two albums by Vidoll. Visit Maru Music for more.
Are you psyched for our LA invasion? Can you suggest new places for us to visit? I have an Los Angeles Gothic Punk shopping and club guide here.
PS: If you’re interested in working with me and Sebastiano in LA (Dec 28-Jan 10, paid gigs only), please email La Carmina.
Japanese Word of the Day: Zaiaku = Sin
Song of the Day: Rocky Horror Picture Show – Don’t Dream It, Be It (Give yourself over to absolute pleasure / Swim the warm waters of sins of the flesh)
LA CARMINA
