JAPAN PUNK CLOTHES FOR GIRLS. HARAJUKU PUNK LOLITA FASHION DESIGNS, CAMDENLOCK CLOTHING & SUGARPILL COSMETICS.
We’re getting close to the most important day of the year… Halloween! This momentous occasion called for new hair and a Japanese punk fashion photoshoot with my Scottish Fold cat, featuring the handmade knits of CamdenLock Clothing. (Look, Basil Farrow is already licking his lips for trick-or-treat candy.)
My friend Tomomi Fukada sent me this stunning knit half-sweater and leggings, which she made herself. She’s incredibly talented and hard-working; Tomomi was the stylist for Green Day on their American Idiot tour, and runs a cutting-edge Japanese punk clothing label, CamdenLock Clothing.
Punk plaid hat: Putumayo, from Closet Child
Skirt: Spider, Hong Kong Lolita brand
Fishnets: Old and abused, as they should be
Ruffle punk tank top: h.NAOTO’s Candy and Purin, from Closet Child
Tomomi’s CamdenLock leggings are ingeniously designed. Tighten and tie the string at the edge, and they’ll fit anybody. I wore them below the knee (schoolgirl-style), but they’re footless and stretch up to the top of the thighs. Her latest sweater designs, which have been featured in magazines, can be purchased here on Etsy (as well as more Japan Punk boys and girls clothing).
I got a package in the mail from Shrinkle, and screamed when I saw the latest eyeshadows from her makeup company, Sugarpill Cosmetics. Her products are vegan and cruelty-free, so my earless Farrow approves. (I spy another Evil Queen makeup tutorial video ahead…)
I lined and filled in the upper lids with OhMyGoth! Smudgeliner from Annabelle Cosmetics. I swept Sugarpill’s black sparkly Stella over the eyeliner, and under the lids. The shimmery magenta Magentric went above. I finished by dabbing white shadow under the brow and in the inner corners of my eyes.
As for my new hair color… I added cherry red streaks to the bottom layers. They’ll be more visible when I put my hair up.
Smelly cat, smelly cat… (and no, he’s not overweight according to his doctor!)
Basil Farrow is the sweetest teddy bear around. He loves to be squished (look at how he winks in happiness!). For more Scottish Fold cuteness, check out my cat’s blog, Facebook and YouTube videos.
If you’re a fashion or jewelry designer and would like La Carmina to showcase your designs in an outfit post, shoot me an email here. I am very choosy about the items that I feature; I prefer to work with indie companies, and will only showcase something if I personally like it and recommend it to readers.
Wait, don’t go! I’m about to announce an Iron Fist Zombie shoes giveaway with a twist… don’t miss out on your chance to win!
Have you ever done a photoshoot with a pet? How did it go? Basil Farrow loves to pout and model…
Japanese Word of the Day: Ukiuki suru = To be excited
Song of the Day: Takashi O’hashi – Babylon (feat. Jet In Boots) (Currently streaming on Cure Online Radio.)
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YELLOW HOUSE, JIM SINN: HARAJUKU PUNK & VISUAL KEI CLOTHING BRANDS, FAMOUS JAPANESE SHOPS.
In Harajuku, the underground fashion is… literally underground. As you walk down Takeshita Doori, keep your eyes peeled on the left for the Yellow House sign. The little clothing stall is down a flight of steps, and an absolute must-visit. You’ll enter a cave filled with clippings of X Japan, Dir en Grey and Miyavi. Then, the old and spunky lady — who has been dominating this joint for decades — will pounce on you and zip you into punk rock clothing.
As I said in an interview: “I salute you, Yellow House Baba. You’ve been running your little Harajuku shop and designing outfits for famous Visual Kei / J-rock artists for 25 years. And you’re still scuttling around like a teenager, dressing people up in pirate punk cat hoodies when they wander in. Let’s hope I can be like you someday.”
Next door is Death Trap ID, another indie boutique. The clothes are rock, punk, Gothic, fun.
The fabrics and cuts are less refined than similar brands such as Sex Pot Revenge, but they make up for it in skulls and attitude.
There’s a wall of slinky tops and jackets for Visual / host boy types.
Viva Visual Kei!
Next door (and still underground) is Jim Sinn. Punk pants, custom leather jackets, and accessories such as a leather studded eyepatch. Arrr.
When you walk back up to the ground level, pop in next door to Takenoko: drag queen clothing heaven.
Poofs and glitter. These old-timers are some of the remaining indie shops in Harajuku, which is becoming run over by big retailers like Forever XXI — so I encourage you to support them.
Don’t forget to wander into the side streets, where you’ll find cheaper alternative clothing like in AC/DC. Want more photos, maps and guides to shopping in Harajuku? Please check out my shop guide here.
Thoughts on the disappearance of indie shops in Harajuku? Will this trend continue, or will we see a Renaissance?
PS: I have new hair! Added a certain bright color to my fading orange dye — can you guess what it is? Want to see photos?
Japanese Word of the Day: Binbou himanashi = No money or free time
Song of the Day: Syu – Against The Wind
LA CARMINA
