Alice: 150 Years of Wonderland at the Morgan Library 6/26 – 10/11

Lewis Carroll’s Alice and Wonderland is an inspiration to many movies and archetypes in pop culture.  It’s also a constant theme and inspiration for Lolita fashion – there are many prints and outfits modeled after the ever curious Alice.
If you’ve never been to the Morgan Library, it is a museum devoted to art and literature (think lots of first editions). As part of the 150 anniversary of this novel fairytale, the Morgan Library and Museum will house the original manuscript, as well as “an engaging account of the genesis, publication, and enduring appeal of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,”  in their exhibition Alice: 150 Years of Wonderland.
Note: The museum is free from 7-9 on Fridays. Perfect way to start the weekend.
Alice: 150 Years of Wonderland
June 26 – October 11, 2015
225 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-0008

Street Snaps: Kawaii Meets Art and Fashion at Japan Society

Sketch of the Time After Time capsule art project for New York City.  Will debut later this year.

Last month, I went see Sebastian Masuda spoke on his artistic journey as well as the history and “real” meaning of Harajuku fashion at Japan Society.  Often people who are not familiar with Japanese pop culture think that “Harajuku fashion” is a definitive style of dress, similar to the silhouette of Lolita fashion.  Masuda says this is not the case but rather it is more about self-expression – so each person that has been captured in Fruits and Kera is expressing their style than a group style.

He also announced later this year he will be debuting another “time capsule” art project in New York City like he did at Art Basel Miami sometime in May.

Check out all the fashionably kawaii people I saw that night!

…

Macaron Day 3/20!

Grabbed your friends and family and make a day trip to Manhattan for this year’s Macaron Day!

Francois Payard started the first event in 2010 and it’s now in it’s 5th year, there are more places that you can get FREE macarons that you can count on your hands -so be ready to skip lunch!

The day not only promotes this deliciously sweet dessert but in addition offering free macarions, all portion of sales will go towards City Harvest. Just in case you want more than one.

Participating locations will have signs and maps where you can try the best of the best macarons in NYC.

Macaron Day NYC
March 20, 2015
10 – 5PM while supplies last.

LBC: Who Inspires You in Lolita

Rufflecon

This will be a bit cheesy, but honestly the answer to whom I’m inspired by is all of you!  Since starting Lolita and the City and deciding to cover conventions and eventually creating my own version of “Street Snaps”, I’ve seen so many personal styles.

Rose Boudoir Tea Party
Tokyo Rebel/ Baby, Stars Shine Bright Opening
Sebastian Masuda Meet & Greet in Bryant Park
Japan Expo 2013

It gives me great joy seeing meet new people and see what they do with the basic guidelines of Lolita fashion.  Which in turn, inspires me to challenge myself with new styles and new outfits – appreciating the fashion and the passionate community.

Of course this is my own personal answer, check out below what other people’s inspirations are:

Kawaii Meets Art and Fashion: an Evening with Sebastian Masuda 3/25!

Sebastian Masuda returns to New York again to talk about his latest projects like the Time After Time Capsule.  The creator behind the everpopular 6%DokiDoki and stage designer behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s very kawaii sets, Masuda is above all an artist. Last year he held his first US exhibition, Colorful Rebellion – seventh nightmare in New York, which was a huge success.
Whether you like anime, Japanese fashion, or pop art be sure to attend this event at Japan Society on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. Tickets are $12 ($8 for members). A short reception will be held after where you could even get a chance to talk with Masuda himself. 
There will also be a small selection of 6%DokiDoki items for sale as well!

Kawaii Meets Art and Fashion: an Evening with Sebastian Masuda
March 25, 2015
Japan Society
333 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017

Street Snaps: Rufflecon 2014

In October 2014, I attended East Coasts first convention dedicated to alternative fashions. From Lolita to Gothic to Steampunk. It was a great sight to see everyone pulling out all the stops when it came to their outfits.

Note: As always, please credit me if you decide to use these photos elsewhere. And if you see your photo and would like it taken down, please let me know!


 

For more photos please check our Facebook page where I’ll be rolling out batches in the coming weeks.

City Bakery’s 2015 Hot Chocolate Festival Starts Today!

City Bakery’s Hot Chocolate festival starts today and I must say I’m excited since I’ve been working near here.  If you’re new to New York or love chocolate (or hot chocolate) I really recommend trying one.  Be warned, they do sell out fast of their festival specials.

Get it with a homemade marshmallow!

Hot Chocolate Festival
City Bakery
3 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011

Rufflecon 2014: the Year of the Lolita

2014 was a big year for Lolitas on the East Coast.

While you can mostly find Lolita related panels and content at anime conventions, Rufflecon was a convention solely devoted to alternative fashion.

A group of fans of Japanese fashion and alternative fashion in general took their passion and turned it into a 2 day event in New Haven, Connecticut.

Having stayed at the Omni Parker House in Boston, I was brimming with excitement learning that it would take place at the Omni New Haven in Hartford, Connecticut.

It was a small convention of a few hundred girls and guys but they were avid fans from all over – I had spoken to people from Atlanta, New England area, Los Angeles, even as far as Canada. Rufflecon was not the first of it’s kind; it’s non-affiliated sister, Frill was a small event that is held in Atlanta.   Still it was a first having brought over the faces behind Triple Fortune as their Guests of Honor.
Guests of Honor: Kaie and Babi of Triple Fortune.
It’s very hard to think what Lolitas want in a convention, but Rufflecon provided it all: a location that provides a great background to a fabulous outfit; a marketplace with various goods; panels that cater to interests beyond a 101 introduction; a fashion show with Japanese and indie designers (a rare occurrence); masquerade like after party; and of course, a grand tea party to end it all.
I Do Declare
Belladonna
Moss Badger
Redfield Design

Morrigan NYC

I had never been to a convention at the beginning, but going to several across the Tri-State area I find I prefer smaller conventions.  I get to be more personal and more focused with discovering Lolitas – then again this was convention dedicated to a Japanese fashion inspired by European Rococo and Victorian fashion.

Ultimately it was like attending a very large meetup lasting several days which what everyone wants:

a place to meet new people
compare fashions and get tips,
and most of all have fun.
Stay tuned for more! For more photos please check out our Facebook page – because this event can only be described in pictures!
*Want to thank my photographer assistant, Nina Lin as well for helping me out capture this wonderful event!

Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe 9/10 – 2/15

Walking in high heels takes practice – some could say it literally is an art form.  So it is no wonder the Brooklyn Museum opened the long awaited exhibit on the history of the high heel.

Killer Heels: the Art of the High-Heeled Shoes explores the symbolism of the shoe and features shoes from sixteenth century Italy to present day.  This exhibit will be on display from September 10th, 2014 to February 15th, 2015.  Check out shoes designed by Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood.

Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoes
September 10th, 2014 – February 15th, 2015
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052