Category: conventions

Surreal Moment of NYCC 2011

Fandom is a weird disease that you catch like a cold. You don’t realize you have it, and once you do, it’s already too late. I’m not a big comic person, and even less of an anime person now, unless I know who the person is affliated to what pop culture reference, I’m very much out of the loop. 
There were only two times I could say this was true or just very surreal. Seeing Wylie Dufresne, owner of WD-50, and seeing Sebastian Masuda, founder of %6 Doki Doki and the Might Harajuku Project. Attending the Food and Comics panel made me realize how much of a food fanatic I really am.  Discovering Masuda had been attending for the sake of attending was beyond surreal. 
(Okay, a third surreal thing was meeting a blog reader I had never met in person.)
He apparently also knew about the tiny New York portion Mighty Harajuku Project I helped organize at Sakura Matsuri! I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it was probably still awe-struck seeing him in person. 
However that was literally the ending moment of the convention for me. See more pictures of what happened earlier that day.
Note: If you’d like to use these pictures for your own reference, all that I ask is for credit of some kind. No one likes when their stuff is stolen, even if it’s a picture.

Yang Cosplay. Quite a lot of Street Fighter cosplay thanks to giant Capcom booth.
Sailor Moon necklaces from Pretty Pop.
Just Dance 3 booth.
Marvel Booth
Scarlet Witch cosplay
h. Naoto had a booth but it was way in the back.
IGN Theater
Simone Legno, Tokidoki creator
Giant CiaoCiao at Tokidoki Booth
Meet the Maids
NYAF Anime Stage area

Outside the Javits.
Thor and Loki
Rin Okumura from Blue Exorcist and Link
Geek family that stays together.
Creators of Fenix Gear

Pictures taken from the “Little Pink House on the Prairie.” It was an introduction panel to natural-kei by Martha from Moss Garden.

So that was my NYCC 2011 experience, what was yours? Did you have any surreal moments meeting people or seeing things?

Streets Snaps – Lolitas at NYCC 2011

Dalin from La Vida Frills

I’ll be honest and tell you I did not see much at New York Comic Con this year. Mainly because I was doing one of three things: navigating through the Javits, buying lunch and last-minute supplies for people, and hiding from the crowds.

However I made sure that I had to see two panels: “She’s So Unusual” by Dalin from La Vida Frills and “Little Pink House on the Prairie” by Martha from Moss Garden.  And take some picture snaps of Lolitas if I could find any. Despite the lack of Lolita programming I did find quite a few girls.

Note: If you’d like to use these pictures for your own reference, all that I ask is for credit of some kind. No one likes when their stuff is stolen, even if it’s a picture.

Cute Gothic Lolita
A character from Candy Candy
Another Gothic Lolita
Sweet Lolita taken after “She’s So Unusual” panel. Since NYAF was in a glass portion of the Javits the lighting was a bit off.
Punk Lolita. Reminds me of Nana Kitade.
More Lolitas at “She’s So Unusual” panel.
Gloomy Bear
If Apple Jack was a Lolita, she’d look like this.
Classic Lolita in green. Just in time for fall.
Another Classic shot.
Lolita version of Link.
Looking fab in Wonder Party.
Apparently she was one of this blog’s readers. It was a very surreal moment meeting someone who reads your blog.

Classic Lolita with a bowler.
Goofing around at the swap meet on Saturday.
Lovely in Chess Chocolate.
Plaid to meet you.
Two Sweet Lolitas
A Lolita taking a breather from all the picture taking.

Lolita at NYCC – Panels and Events

MintyMix booth from 2009

New York Comic Con (NYCC) is less than a week away (which is not a lot of time to plan an outfit). If you are a Lolita and have never been to NYCC or this is your first time dressing up in Lolita and want to meet other gals you should be reading this.

A convention is always fun, but also overwhelming. Crowds, lines, meeting new people, getting lost after seeing another Lolita for the first time.

A few tips for first-timers and regular congoers:

  • Make sure you’ve bought your ticket ahead of time. Crowds are intense just getting in. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes. If you have rocking shoes just collecting dust, this is a perfect opportunity to wear them.
  • Money needs to be accessible, but not to others. (ATMs will have lines.)
  • If possible, bring food or plan out your restaurants ahead of time.
  • Ask the person if you are planning to take a pictures (No one likes stalkers.)
  • Staff people are there to help, so if you have any problems or wondering where the bathrooms are – ask a person wearing RED staff shirts.  

To make things easier for you and your feet, I’ve highlighted several events and booths that you may be interested in checking out if you are attending. Also check out NYCC’s official blog Medium at Large for daily updates and panel highlights.


Friday
Saturday
Sunday

“Once Upon a Time” Exclusive Screening and Panel
Date: Friday, October 14 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Location: American Airlines Theater, 1A06
Description: Calling all “Lost” fans – join creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (“Lost” and “Tron: Legacy”) as they introduce you to the magical story of two parallel worlds: one in a distant fairytale land, the other in a present-day reality. Following the exclusive screening of the pilot, Eddy and Adam will participate in a Q&A panel moderated by Matt Mitovich, Editor-at-Large for TVLine.com, about this modern fairytale turned on its head. Arrive early for exclusive magic mirrors!

Wand Dueling
Date: Friday, October 14 12:45 pm – 1:15 pm
Location: Hasbro Stage
Description: The art of wand dueling is a centuries old practice that has unfortunately fallen on the wayside in today’s modern wizarding curriculum. Join The Group That Shall Not Be Named, Harry Potter NYC as their top wand dueling instructor demonstrates several of the offensive and defensive positions most frequently employed in duels. Many of these can be seen being used in the now famous Harry Potter Documentary films. Translation for Muggles: Dueling in the Harry Potter films was a carefully choreographed form of theatrical combat. HP-NYC will demonstrate and instruct participants in several of the dueling moves that the actors used. Bring your own wand if you prefer, if not, training wands will be provided.


Celebrity Ghost Stories: Fact, Fiction and Previously Untold Tales in Paranormal Pop Culture
Date: Friday, October 14, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: 1A15
Speaker: Aaron Sagers
Description: The tabloids frequently publish stories of celebrities encountering ghosts in haunted houses or on the set of movies, but rarely do the celebrities themselves speak out. Based on his extensive experience interviewing them, national pop culture expert Aaron Sagers reveals their haunted stories – as told by the celebrities! There’s no “as told by a friend” here. Instead, in this multimedia presentation, listen to revealing tales from: Nicolas Cage, Dan Aykroyd, Dave Grohl, Ke$ha, Ace Frehley, Mike Mignola and many more!

Blue Exorcist Screening (by Aniplex of America)
Date: Friday, October 14, 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Location: 1A18
Description: Aniplex of America presents the hit Anime series Blue Exorcist at NYCC. This screening features the first 2 episodes of the series subtitled. Executive Producer of Blue Exorcist Hideo Katsumata will also be at the screening to give the fans a special greeting. Rin Okumura and his twin brother Yukio have been raised by Shiro Fujimoto, an eminent priest, so it comes as a shock when Rin discovers their biological father is actually Satan! As the border between “Assiah” (the human world) and “Gehenna” (the demon world) is crossed by evil, Rin vows to become the ultimate exorcist and defeat his own father. To hone his raw skills, Rin enters True Cross Academy to train with other exorcist candidates. www.BlueExorcist.com www.AniplexUSA.com

She’s So Unsual: Lolita Fashion in the Media
Date: Friday, October 14, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Anime Stage
Description: Lolita Fashion might seem new to you, but is it really? For many years, the breadcrumbs of this subculture have been spreading all over the media, not just in the Fashion universe. Come and explore the many interesting ways in which Lolita Fashion has taken on a life of its own! Through Anime, Movies, Music, Television, Books and more – you might be surprised of what things you see! Presented by Dalin of La Vida Frills – this interactive panel is full of games, laughs, prizes and Rori approved fun all around!

Mark Hamill Spotlight
Date: Friday, October 14, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: MTV Theater, 1A10
Description: While most known for his lead role in the Classic Star Wars Trilogy, Mark is also a prolific voice actor who has lent his voice to hundreds of cartoons including Batman: The Animated Series, The Simpsons, Samurai Jack and Powerpuff Girls. Also, an avid comic book collector and writer, Hamill created his own comic book anti-hero, The Black Pearl, for Dark Horse Comics. Meet Mark Hamill in the spotlight panel!

Terra Nova
Date: Saturday, October 15, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: IGN Theater
Speakers: Brannon Braga, Jason O’Mara, Stephen Lang
Description: Join Executive Producer Brannon Braga (Star Trek: Enterprise, 24) and stars Jason O’Mara (Life on Mars) and Stephen Lang (Avatar) of FOX’s hit sci-fi adventure series for a sneak peek screening of the upcoming episode “The Runaway” followed by a fan Q&A and moderated discussion with TV Guide Magazine’s Rich Sands. 85 million years in the making, this new event drama from the brilliant minds of Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, The Pacific) and Peter Chernin, follows an ordinary family on an extraordinary journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive expedition to save the human race.


Lolita Swap Meet
Date: Saturday, October 15, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: TBD
Description: Swap meet says it all. Bring your Lolita items that you’ve made or never had a chance to wear and trade/sell for something new! Details here.


Revolutionary Girl Utena
Date: Saturday, October 15, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: 1A18
Description: Just after Utena’s parents died, she was consoled by a Prince who gave her a ring with a rose crest on it. Utena was so moved by this Prince that she vowed to one day become one herself. Now, Utena is attending Ohtori Academ, where she is unknowingly pulled into a series of duels for the possession of a girl, the Rose Bride. Can Utena save her and become a Prince?


NYCC Exclusive! Smallville: The Complete Series Retrospective Premiere
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Location: 1B01
Description: New York Comic Con fans get the first and only advance look at the entire 100-minute Smallville retrospective in anticipation of the November 29 release of Smallville: The Complete Series on DVD. The Smallville retrospective, one of the most heralded features within more than 192 hours of content in the box set, features a fascinating look into every aspect of the series, including all-new interviews with producers, directors and cast alike. Be the first to see this all-encompassing revisit to the beloved series.

AMC’s The Walking Dead
Date: Saturday, October 15, 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Location: IGN Theater
Description: AMC’s The Walking Dead Panel Event: Robert Kirkman (Creator/Writer of The Walking Dead comic) along with the cast and producers of The Walking Dead discuss the success of season one and what to look forward to in season two. The panel will also include a special sneak peek at the new season. The Walking Dead returns October 16 at 9/8c. Only on AMC.

Tiger & Bunny Screening
Date: Saturday, October 15, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: 1B01
Description: The city of Stern Bild is protected by corporate superheroes known as NEXT, who fight crime while promoting their sponsors on the popular show “HERO TV.” Veteran hero Wild Tiger relies on his years of experience and instincts to fight crime, but his tendency to destroy public property for the sake of protecting the lives of the innocent has earned him the nickname “Crusher for Justice.” Now, under orders from his new employer, Wild Tiger finds himself forced to team up with Barnaby Brooks Jr., a rookie with an attitude. Two polar opposites work to fight evil in this thrilling buddy-hero action series!

Conan Spotlight with Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang & Rose McGowan
Date: Sunday, October 16, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 1A22
Description: Meet the stars of Conan the Barbarian: Jason Momoa, Rose McGowan and Stephan Lang in this spotlight panel.

SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark
Date: Sunday, October 16, 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Location: 1A24
Description: Drawing on nearly 50 years of Marvel comic books for inspiration, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark spins a new take on the web-slinger’s classic origin story. Daring, ground-breaking and spectacular, SPIDER-MAN is Broadway’s most popular new show with jaw dropping thrills, music by Bono and The Edge of U2, remarkable sets, costumes and effects. All combining to bring to life the adventures of Peter Parker, Mary Jane and the Green Goblin. Writers Roberto Aguire-Sacasa (Marvel Comics’ Sensational Spider-Man, Fox’s Glee) and 2-time Emmy Award winner Glen Berger discuss the excitement and challenges of putting the show together. Joining them will be the production’s set designers who will provide insight into their innovative designs, technology and special effects–many of which have never before been seen on a stage. Moderated by Marvel’s Agent M, aka Marvel.com Editorial Director Ryan Penagos.

Natural Kei: Little Pink House on the Prairie
Date: Sunday, October 16, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Anime Stage
Description: Natural kei is a highly underrated style here in the USA– in fact it’s often misidentified as lolita or morigirl– but in Japan it’s recognized as one of the biggest fashion trends of the 1980s. Many other street styles have borrowed from it but it remains in its own world, vitually untouched by the dictates of what is and isn’t considered fashionable. Come find out the history and defining characteristics of this style, learn how to wear it and where to find it, and enjoy a natural kei fashion show!

The Traveling Lolita – Otakon 2011

Pepper Ink
It’s been at least a year since I’ve gone to a con, and two years since I’ve attended Otakon, one of the biggest conventions on the East Coast.  I had just gotten into Lolita and haven’t quite fully grasped that Baltimore is hotter and crazier than New York. 
This year’s guests feature designers from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates – along with Ibi and Mint, designers of Sixh (a sub-brand of h.Naoto). There was also the Ultimate Lolita Fashion Show, a fashion show devoted to American designers. With Lolita being guests and part of the main events it was a must-see event, and a mini-vacation I could not pass up. 
Initially I was unsure what to expect this year, and at my only priorities were the Lolita-focused fashion shows. All the while, I would tweet my adventures via Blackberry. Unfortunately my Blackberry could not take Baltimore heat and I had to survive sans smartphone. 

However it was a weekend of adventures nonetheless. I attended a Lolita tea party at the Explorer’s Lounge, one of the restaurants within the Intercontinental Hotel, hosted by various girls from the community (specifically, I Do Declare, Moss Garden, Morrigan NYC, Perianth, and Tea, Love, Crochet), shot some amazing photos of both fashion shows, and at the very last-minute decided to volunteer my time at the official BtSSB/AaTP booth.

I like many was surprised by their appearance in the dealer’s room, as well as their decision to donate items for the Charity Auction. And there translator for the weekend had known me from previous events, and asked if I was interested in helping out. They had needed a second person who spoke English, had some retail experience, and cover the booth while the designers were off to guest-related events. 
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in itself, I got to assist Lolitas make the hard choice of choosing one item among many, as well as coax some confidence out of awe-struck girls for once in a lifetime photo-ops. (It was advantageously lucky of me that I was planning to wear both brands that weekend — specifically Chained Berry Memoir and Vampire Requiem.)
I talked to Lolitas, fans, and parents while their children showed them the reason they broke their piggy banks. The designers were more than happy to offer their expertise to ensure customers who were unsure whether a JSK or OP would fit.
Lily of the Valley, Little Macaron, Lolita Nouveau, Candy Threads
My Friday night was reserved for the Ultimate Lolita fashion show — a show which has grown from a small panel room to one of the main panel rooms, complete with catwalk. Models and designers alike worked the runway liked they were at Bryant Park (now Lincoln Center). From Lily of the Valley with her fairytale imagination; to Little Macaron, a line full of pop; to Lolita Nouveau who was inspired by regal elegance; to Candy Threads who showed off all kinds of Lolita styles. 
Corazón Carmela, Perianth, I Do Declare, Morrigan NYC
Corazón Carmela models were bouncing down the runway with sheer joy that there’s a Lolita brand made for plus-size girls (and still feel beautiful). While Perianth, I Do Declare, and Morrigan NYC took the idea of the Lolita aesthetic and pushed it to the limits of everything but. The only disappointment was when it was over. Droves of people left for other panels while they switched to a designer spotlight/Q&A – a bit rude, but neccessary with the event scheduled so late at night. (I was also a guilty party, but I digress). 
Mistuba (left), chief designer of Alice and the Pirates and Masumi Kano (right), a designer of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright.
Saturday’s fashion show was short, sweet, but still a full house at 10AM. I skipped the Q&A to head back down to their booth. Like a typical con attendee, I spent Sunday looking for items to buy – though more like browsing through h. Naoto and Baby, the Stars Shine Bright booth. My favorite moment of the day was when I caught a glimpse of Ibi dancing with a cat-shaped Sixh bag. 
By the end of the day Sunday, my suitcase was filled (but thankfully not stuffed) with a few more clothes to add to my Japanese brand inventory. As well as a necklace and earrings from Roserie.
All in all, it was a busy, but accomplished weekend and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. And my temporary shopgirl experience filled a tiny space in my once-in-a-lifetime dream of working at a Lolita shop. 
Please check here for more pictures from the fashion show. (Note: Would like to ask that if you intend to use any pictures to please credit)
Did you attend Otakon or the fashion shows? How about the Q&A at the Alice and the Pirates/Baby, the Stars Shine Bright fashion show (I would really like to know how this went since I had to skip out)? If so, what was your with greatest memory or keepsake(s) of Otakon 2011?
Note: You may have noticed I’ve change my name. It’s more because I’ve come to the realization that more people, at least some Lolitas, know me by my real name as opposed Charlotte; and introduction-wise I don’t use a nom de plume, so I will make things simpler on my part and yours.