Category: fashion

Do as the Victorians did and wear your best hat

Easter 2009

The Easter Parade is one of the few events in NYC that hasn’t really changed. It’s not a parade march but it’s still a great sight to see.

History dates back to the Victorian times when churchgoers show off their best hats, jewelry, and clothes after church – like one giant red carpet at a movie premiere. And it still is today.

On Sunday April 24th from 10AM – 4PM, 5th Avenue (between 49th to 57th) will be closed off for people who want to show off their impressive millinery skills. Whether you’re dressed in Victorian garb, Lolita, or just your best suit, head uptown for an array of hats.

There’s be big hats, small hats, hats made of Peeps, even the occasional cat in a hat.

And if you’re still up for more fun, head up to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan for their Easter-related programs.

Easter Parade
April 24th, 2011
10AM – 4PM
5th Avenue (between 49th and 57th Streets)

Children’s Museum of Manhattan
212 W 83rd St
New York, 10024


If wandering in a sea of hats is not your thing or already have other Sunday plans, NYC has other Easter-related events on Saturday:

  • The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is having a good old-fashioned Easter egg-hunt. Bring a basket, your best eyes, and gallivant around the museum for chocolate treats and toys. You may even spot Peter Rabbit! (Admission is $5 for members, $12 for non-members)
  • For those sticking around downtown, Trinity Church also has Easter egg hunts and other Easter-related activities.(Admission: Free)
  • If you’re a child at heart, but want a more adult activity there’s an Easter Weekend Greenwich Village History and Dessert Tour on Saturday (4/23) and Sunday (4/24) at 2PM. (Call 212-465-3331 for reservations. Tickets are $26 per person).

Brooklyn Children’s Museum
145 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213

Trinity Church
74 Trinity Place
New York, NY 10006

The Elusive Ganguro

Ganguro fashion is often defined by bleach blonde hair, tanned skin, and white concealer used as eyeshadow (“Panda eyes” if you will). If you are unfamiliar or just curious, Japan Society and the Museum of Arts & Design are exploring Japan’s various subcultures, with a focus on Ganguro on Thursday, May 5th.

“Ecstatic Skin: The Evolution of Subcultures in a Global World” is an event that will explore various subcultures, focusing on ganguro, and how they developed through digital and social media means.

Admission is $8, $6 for Japan Society members.

“Ecstatic Skin: The Evolution of Subcultures in a Global World”
Thursday May 5th, 7PM
Museum of Arts & Design.
2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019

Celebrate the Royal Wedding in NYC

While we’re just an ocean away from London but that doesn’t stop New York City from celebrating the Royal Wedding Friday April 29th. Check out these events going on around town and celebrate with your fellow Anglophiles:

The Paley Center for Media is open bright and early for a viewing party at 5:30AM. Celebrate in style with tea, scones, and, of course, champagne. There will be wedding trivia and eventgoers are encourage to wear their best bridesmaid dress for “Most Unique Bridesmaid” contest.

The DUMBO Improvement District and the BBC America are holding a grand old party under the Manhattan Bridge, known as “The Archway.” Featuring:

  • costume contests
  • facepainting
  • retro British music
  • traditional British games
  • a photobooth for keepsake memories
  • quizzes and raffles
  • and of course food such as scones and wedding cake
The event is free, but if you would like to attend a special evening wedding reception you can purchase your tickets here. (Note: if your not an early bird, it will be replayed after the wedding takes place. 
Tea & Sympathy is also getting in on the action to and encourages restaurant goers to come in their best (or even their wedding dress if you like). There will be a raffle where ticket proceeds will go to William and Kate’s charity. They’ll be open at 10:30AM. 

Lyon will open bright and early at 6AM, and hold a viewing party where you can order breakfast and English beer.

So grab your best hat (or make your own) and set your alarms for that early wake up call. Or if your not into going out, why not throw your own wedding party? Here’s a link for some party ideas.

Royal Wedding Viewing Party
5:30AM
Paley Center for Media
25 West 52 Street
New York, NY 10019
Admission: Free (but reserve your space here)

RoyalWeddingNYC
5AM
The Archway (under Manhattan Bridge)
Admission: Free

Evening Wedding Reception
8PM – 1AM
All Day VIP Pass Only $60
Evening Pass (8pm – 1am) Only $40

Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011

Lyon
118 Greenwich Ave
New York, NY 10011

Shop ’til You Drop for Japan This Weekend!

via Fashion Girls for Japan

The American fashion industry did not let the tragedy of Japan go unnoticed – they were just trying to figure out what to do.

Fashion Girls for Japan mission is to help “aid aim to aid and rebuild hope for their Japanese colleagues and customers.”

As such they are holding a two-day sample sale at the Bowery Hotel from April 2nd (11AM – 7PM) to April 3rd (11AM – 5PM).

Over 60 designers have donated one rolling rack with items at least 50% off retail price. All the sales will go towards the earthquake and tsunami fund Japan Society has setup for New Yorkers who want to help.

Tickets are a minimum $5 donation and can be purchased online or at the door.

Designers featured are:

  • Alexander Wang
  • Alice + Olivia
  • Altuzarra
  • Derek Lam
  • Diane von Furstenburg
  • Helmut Lang
  • Jil Sander
  • Marc by Marc Jacobs
  • Proenza Schouler
  • Rag + Bone
  • Theory
  • Thakoon
  • Thom Browne
  • and many more

So open your wallet and do your part (and get some designer clothes, too).

Fashion Girls for Japan Sample Sale
April 2nd – 3rd, 2011
Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery
New York, NY

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

Tokyo Girls Collection Goes Livestreaming

While New York Fashion Week is restricted to mainly press, designers, and celebrities (and the occasional six-degrees of seperation), the Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) is a fashion festival in Japan dedicated to street fashion brands (mostly gal/gyaru but Japanese fashion nonetheless) modelled by the people who wear it. And in addition to press, etc, it is opened to the general public!

This year Google partnered with TGC and is going to stream the entire show live through an official Youtube Channel.

What does this exactly mean? At 2PM in Tokyo (around 1AM Eastern), Youtube will be streaming the entire festival as it happens for 7 hours.  Which means you can pull an all-nighter for the sake of fashion.

So heat up some popcorn, Redbull (or whatever you drink for that caffeine high), and countdown to Tokyo Girls Collection S/S 2011!

The Mystery (Bag) of Anna Sui Revealed! Plus In-Store Event 2/17

I cannot tell you how much I adore Anna Sui. With her hippie florals, sophisticated but poppy prints, and gothic twist on everything she has become one of my favorite designers. And her entire makeup line is bold and subtle with just a hint of roses (including the nail polish!).

So what better way to spend some leftover Christmas/New Year’s gift cards than invest it in a Anna Sui New Year’s “Mystery Bag.” Like any lucky pack it had a selection of makeup products but you’re unsure what will be inside.


In my case I received:

  • 2 eyeliner kohl pencils (red orange and green)
  • liquid eyeliner (chick yellow)
  • liquid eyecolor/eyeshadow (shimmery slate gray)
  • 2 nail colors (red and sea green)
  • makeup pouch and brush set 
For a total of $200 worth of products at a just $95, it was a quite steal! And I intend to use most of it.

The pencils not so much as I’m very plain Jane with eyeliner, using mostly neutral shades or classic black. However the yellow eyeliner I’ve discovered is more of a tint so it would be good for highlighting a dark eyeshadow. The light grey eye shadow could be used anytime, casual or for a night out (good for a smoky eyes).

As for nail polish do you really need a reason for having more nail polish? Mix, match or just paint your toes.

Finally, it was very nice bonus to find a makeup pouch that came with three brushes: one for blush, one for shadow, and one for lips. (Note: the pouch has a secret bottom pocket for brushes only. What could get better than this?

But wait, there’s more.
Anna Sui will be having an in-store party to unveal a new lip gloss color on Thursday, February 17th from 6-8PM. Whether it is because of New York Fashion Week or just simply perfect timing, it’s a good excuse to get some more makeup and have a chance to meet Anna Sui herself!

Not to mention dress up.  And grab another mystery bag. I hope to see you there.

Anna Sui
26 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 941-8406

In the News: NYCC/NYAF tickets on Sale and Baby the Stars Shine Bright & Alice and the Pirates comes to Tokyo Rebel

NYAF 2008 BtSSB & AatP Fashion Show

New York Comic Con Tickets Go Live Today

While New York Comic Con/New York Anime Festival is months away, you can order professional and fan tickets starting today.

Tokyo Rebel Carries Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates

This is big news in the Lolita world. East Coast Lolitas won’t have to venture all the way to San Francisco for brand as Tokyo Rebel has announced today they will soon be carrying Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates.

It is great news after their previous announcement about no longer be stocking Angelic Pretty items. However, there’s still some AP items left in the store, so stop by before it’s all gone. (Note: Since they won’t be restocking, the items are all on sale!)

New York Comic Con/New York Anime Festival
October 13 – 16, 2011

Tokyo Rebel
170 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009

“On Stage in Fashion” Exhibit at NYPL Ends Tomorrow!

Who knew a library could be more than just books. “On Stage in Fashion” is an exhibit at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery.

The exhibit showcases the ever-graying lines between fashion and art. Featuring the dirndl worn by Mary Martin in the “Sound of Music” to Renee Fleming’s costume from “Thaïs.” See designs by Christian LaCroix, Chanel, Lanvin, Bill Blass, and more.

Be inspired by your favorite designers and go to the library! Not convinced? Check out what the NYTimes has to say about the exhibit. Your last chance to see “On Stage” is Saturday at 6PM before these exquisite pieces of fashion history are back in the vault.

While you’re uptown, I recommend taking a trip to the opera or just bask in the scenery of Lincoln Center. Or head to Time Warner Center for some macarons at Bouchon Bakery.

“On Stage in Fashion”
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023-7498

Tribeca Retail Club presents Holiday Bonanza 2010

Still trying to find last minute gifts? This Friday, December 17th, the Tribeca Retail Club (TRC) is hosting “Holiday Bonanza 2010” – an independent designers trunk show and shopping and beauty event from 6PM – 10PM.

For people and friends who would rather support designers trying to make a name, this is an event you should definitely check out. With an cocktails, DJ Lil’ Hungry at the boards, shopping, and goody bags what’s not to love?

Designers include Sole Discretion, Berit New York, Yamerra Skin Care, Candace Blake, Crystal Knuckles, Kat Basics, Laser Cosmetica, Finishing Touches, and Ardistia, just to name a few.

Currently only VIP tickets are available but it includes the open bar and you receive goody bag containing exclusive products from TRC’s sponsors. Holiday Bonanza is TRC’s last event of the season so get your VIP tickets before it’s all sold out. For more news and updates, check out TRC’s blog.

Tribeca Retail Club’s Holiday Bonanza
Friday December 17th 2010
6PM – 10PM

28 West 27th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10010

Admission: VIP $15 / Door $20