CARTOON NETWORK TOUR: POWERPUFF GIRLS, JOHNNY BRAVO, JOBS FOR CARTOONISTS IN BURBANK, LOS ANGELES.
Dienzo, the talented artist and wonderful human being who turned me into a vampire, invited us to visit Cartoon Network where he works. A behind-the-scenes tour of the creation station for Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack? Count us in!
As you might imagine, Cartoon Network’s artists work in a whizz-bam, kapow-spkow environment. Concept sketches covering the walls. Giant statues of Ben 10 and other characters. A pillow version of Bloo from Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends. Toys, t-shirts and other kid’s merchandise displayed in cases.
I’m not familiar with Cartoon Network’s newest shows, so it was a treat to meet the creators and see their latest work. The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack thinks outside the box; the show uses stop-motion and features title cards carved from wood.
Here’s a little secret: Cartoon Network’s stairwell is covered in graffiti from previous visitors! Yukiro signed his name; I drew a cartoon version of my Scottish Fold neko, Basil Farrow. (He’s in my Cute Yummy Time book in cartoon-form as well.)
The case of Emmy awards was neat, but we felt Dienzo’s office was the heartbeat of the building. His Goth girl paintings and haunted memorabilia perfectly reflect his (and our) aesthetic. (You can see more of Dienzo’s work on his website.)
The second best aspect of Cartoon Network? The ground floor lounge is always stocked with coffee, soda and snacks. On Fridays, there are free bagels and fresh popcorn. In the summer, there are ice cream parties on the rooftop!
Thank you so much to Dienzo and Cartoon Network for inviting us into your creative quarters!
Tell me young paduans: watch Cartoon Network do you, hmmm? Which show your favorite be?
Japanese Word of the Day #4: Bat = koomori.
Song of the Day #345: Assemblage 23 – Binary (Suggested by Sebastien. See you soon in Tokyo!)
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CLASSICAL LOLITA DRESSES: TOKYO GOTHLOLI SHOPPING WISHLIST. VICTORIAN MAIDEN, MARY MAGDALENE, INNOCENT WORLD, KAWAII SHOES & PURSE.
It’s terribly materialistic of me, but I confess that I’m very much looking forward to shopping in Tokyo and Osaka — soon! No harm in compiling a little Lolita wish-list, right?
La Carmina’s spring and summer picks lie in the Classical Lolita direction. Light-colored bell-skirts with blue/purple floral accents, paired with short black riding jackets and Gothic accessories. Fumiko’s brand Chantilly comes closest to my vision… (I interviewed her in this CNNGo article.)
I’ve always wanted one of Mana’s older Moi-meme-moitie dresses, with a blue and white rose print. I saw it on several lucky Japanese girls at last summer’s Moi dix Mois concert in Shibuya (click for photos and review).
Fortunately, other Japanese Lolita designers have similar dresses available. Victorian Maiden (above) and Innocent World (below)… it will be hard to decide!
Mary Magdalene is one of the finest Classical Lolita brands, in my opinion. These Lolita floral one-pieces with corset lacing are perfect for spring and summer.
I’ll certainly be poking my head into Atelier Pierrot’s Laforet boutique. I love the coordinate and flower decoration on the model on the right.
For casual-wear, Banana Fish remains one of my favorites. Joker-print skirt, kawaii t-shirt and happy-faced ghost backpack!
We mustn’t forget shoes and purses. The Alice and the Pirates crucifix sandals (above) are calling my name (note the rose-covered metal crown in the middle!). Innocent World’s cute coronet and bear bags are also adorable…
What are your spring fashion favorites? Do you have any shopping suggestions for Lolita clothes or brands? Please feel free to leave links in the comments. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, I hope you might find the maps and photos in my Shopping Guide helpful.
Japanese Word of the Day #3: Enemy = teki.
Song of the Day #344: Miyavi – Senor Senora Senorita
LA CARMINA
