Category: museums

Ever Changing – Japan Fashion Now

This coordinate is on display at
Japan Fashion Now.

Last Monday I had the opportunity to take a guided tour, lead by the curator Valerie Steele, of Japan Fashion Now, an exhibit displaying selections of prominent Japanese fashion designers and subculture styles that are distinctly found on the streets of Tokyo.

While it was my third time at the exhibit, it was a great experience learning the vision Steele had in mind for viewers. I was especially interested in what she could comment regarding Lolita fashion.


Japan Fashion Now is divided into two sections: the first covering the Japanese fashion industry origins from 1970s to 21st century, and the rest of the exhibit is covering what fashion in Japan is like today. Steele presents Japan’s fashion origins coming from the Dark Ages, with classic black clothes from Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rei Kawakubo from Commes des Garcons, to a revolution of color and experimentation.

My experience, thought, was not what I expected since visiting the exhibit I was more intrigued by the other designers, particularly Jun Takahashi and his UNDERCOVER with his use of crepe and shapes. While the other visitors were more interested by the small display of Lolita fashion and its doll-like aesthetics, but Steele had already mentioned characteristics I’ve heard before.

Inspired by Victorian and Rococo clothing. To create a doll-like appearance. An outlet for Japanese women to reject the uniformity and traditions of society by dressing for themselves.

Say what you will, but it’s difficult to define Lolita fashion. True, Lolita fashion is inspired by Victorian and Rococo periods, but it is also inspired by archetypal feminine qualities. It is also an expressive, individualized fashion since Lolitas look similar, but never exactly same.

Which essentially what Japan Fashion Now is attempting to express – to take inspiration and make it your own. In terms of expressing Lolita fashion to others, Steele presents samples of the style that is neither Nabakov nor just a babydoll dress with a petticoat, but just exposing visitors to a style of fashion they’ve never seen before.

Overall I had a good experience, and was impressed by the interior design Steele chose. If you notice the wall-sized photo collages they actually depict various, notable fashion districts like Otomoesando, Ginza, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Odaiba, and Akihabara – which corresponds to each section display. Cosplay to Akihabara, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Odaiba to school uniforms, Lolita, hime-kei, morigirl, etc.

I still find it strange how enamored people are by Lolita fashion, but perhaps it’s because I’ve been so immersed in the subculture that I’ve forgotten what it’s like on the outside looking in.

If you are a Lolita and in the city, I recommend stopping by “Japan Fashion Now” before April 2nd when it closes.

Not to see your Lolita wardrobe on display, but to be exposed to other designers like Commes des Garcon, Issey Miyake and Jun Takahashi (and see a Louis Vuitton/Murakami collaboration bag in person!).

If you are curious why you see girls and boys dressing like they are going to a Halloween costume party, go to FIT and learn that they just felt like dressing up for the day.

Japan Fashion Now
Closes April 2nd
Museum at FIT
227 West 27th Street
New York, NY 10001
(212) 217-4558

Valentine’s Day – Eat, Indulge, Distract, Repeat

Valentine Day’s should be celebrated for the sake of being able to wear red, eat lots of sweets, and watch lots of sappy movies. While you could do this any day, February 14th is a good excuse as any, especially if you’re planning to sulk and be like every other “woe is me.”

Whether you are enjoying it as a couple, single, or with friends, you should just plain enjoy Valentine’s Day. It’s a holiday, after all.

So plan a rocking outfit, grab some friends (or drag the significant other), and go out on the town. Or find some comfort in front of the couch with some cheezy movies. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Out on the Town
– Going to Dances of Vice never fails in entertainment. Monday is Amor y Tango at the Highline Ballroom.
– The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History presents “Romance Under the Stars” a classy night with champagne, hor d’oeurves, chocolate covered strawberries, and music followed by a planetarium show of the night sky.
– Have dinner at a restaurant you’ve never been to. Restaurant Week is still happening so it’s a good opportunity to spend a little more than your normal price range.
– You be the judge for this year’s Oscar-nominated animated films. Playing at the IFC Center.
– Go straight for dessert at Holey Cream. (And walk to the station to make the guilt go away for a little bit.)

Comfort is Key
– Buy food from your favorite takeout place and eat to your hearts content. Perhaps get a fancy dessert from Financier on your way home to end the night.
– Or finally bake those sugar cookies you been meaning to. Once that sweet smell of sugar is in the air you’ll forget its the 14th.
– Wear the comfiest outfit you can find. (Snuggies count!)
– Drink out of champagne or wine glasses. (Doesn’t have to be alcohol.)
– Grab your laptop and do some retail therapy. Feeling better means buying something to make your heart flutter.
– Video Skype with your best friend and watch a movie together.

Don’t be Ashamed
– Eat cookie dough out of the package. (It’s okay it’s Valentines Day meaning its a day to indulge in sweets)
– Watch really bad romance movies.  Nothing beats a day that celebrates love with a good laugh and unrealistic plotlines. (I recommend Leap Year or if horror movies are more you’re thing, House of Wax. Valentine’s Day is never complete without watching Paris Hilton get an axe to the head.)
– If you want to spend it alone, that doesn’t mean you have to be literally alone.  Gather all your stuffed animal friends and have them join you on the couch for some reality TV.

Distract Yourself
– It’s a good day as any to clean. Start Spring Cleaning early.
– Organize your Lolita closet again. It’s good to re-organize your wardrobe every now and then because it means finding something you haven’t worn or a skirt or hat you just have no use for now.
– Start that sewing project you’ve been meaning to get to.
– Pick a book out of your local library (or buy one) that peaks your interest (i.e. The Bro Code by Barney Stintson anyone?).

Whatever you do, do something fun. Even if that means just wearing an awesome Lolita outfit or counting down to the Valentine’s Day candy clearance sale at your local Rite Aid. What are your plans? I’d love to hear them!

Happy Lunar New Year!

It’s the year of the Rabbit!

Be sure to be wear lots of red, eat lots of good food, and try not to spend those red packets too soon.

If you have the chance head to Chinatown today to and ring in the new year at Roosevelt Park for the Chinese New Year Festival from 11AM – 3:30PM

Or head to the Museum of Chinese Americas as it is free every Thursday courtesy of Target.

Chinese New Year Ceremony and Festival
Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011
11 AM – 3:30 PM
Roosevelt Park (between Grand & Hester Streets)

Museum of Chinese Americas
215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013

The White Rabbit Requests Your Presence at the Morris-Jumel Museum on Jan 8th

While International Lolita Day has past and the next one is months away, that doesn’t mean you have to wait long for your invitation to the next party. The Morris-Jumel Mansion was George Washington’s make-shift war room during the Revolution. Now it’s a museum for historical artifacts and furniture for any Lolita who would like to travel back in time (at least temporarily).

On January 8th from 1-4PM, the Morris-Jumel Mansion is inviting all children, adults, tea lovers, and Lolitas* for a good old fashioned Victorian tea party. Learn proper tea party etiquette, including how to “take tea” properly as well as make a get the opportunity to make your very own Victorian Treasure Box.

*All dolls and usakumyas are also welcome.

Victorian Tea Party
Saturday, January 8th
1-4PM

Morris-Jumel Mansion
65 Jumel Terrace
(between 160th and 162nd Streets)
New York, NY 10032
212-923-8008

Meet the real Duchess of Devonshire

Have you ever seen The Duchess? Well now you’ll get a chance to meet the real Duchess of Devonshire.  Join the Frick Collection as they welcome Deborah Cavendish, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, and Charlotte Mosley, niece and editor, for a special meet-and-greet on November 2nd in honor of the release of Fizz and Sparkle: The Effervescent Life of Deborah, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire.

No Reservations needed.
The Frick Collection is free after 5:45PM.

Fizz and Sparkle: The Effervescent Life of Deborah, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, with Charlotee Mosley
6:00-7:00 PM
November 10, 2010
The Frick Collection, Music Room
1 East 70th Street
New York, NY 10021
www.frick.org