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

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.

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

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

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

Lolita Fashion: Costume or Culture 2/5

Misako at Tokyo Rebel in 2010

With a rapid growing community, Lolita fashion has become a popular topic. As such it’s important to bring to light the often misconceptions associated this Japanese fashion.  That it is not a costume, but a fashion.  However there is also a continual debate of whether it is a “lifestyle;” by adopting the fashion does one then adopt characteristics associated with “Lolita” fashion to be a true Lolita?

Lolita Fashion: Costume or Culture” is become a popular event for the community, not only because of the topic but their speakers.  Japan Society has invited Misako Aoki, the former Kawaii Ambassador and founder of the Japan Lolita Association will be speaking about her thoughts on this debate of fashion versus culture.

She will be accompanied by two famous Lolita bloggers: Caro from FYeah Lolita and Christina from Ramble Rori. The lecture will be moderated by Gwyinn Galitzer.  Both ladies have dedicated themselves to dispelling myths and bringing insight to anyone interested on what Lolita fashion is really about.

There will be a small meet and greet wine reception after the lecture, so dress your best and learn what your fellow fashion enthusiasts have to say! As well as get an opportunity to meet a lot of well-dressed attendees and find out what Lolita fashion is really all about.

Lolita Fashion: Costume or Culture
February 5th, 2014
6:30PM
Japan Society
333 East 47th Street
New York, NY10017

MARUQ at NYCC + Looking for Volunteers!

Spread the word: Liz Lisa is coming to the East Coast!

Japanese fashion is getting easier to come by thanks to the Internet. Lolita brands like Innocent World and Metamorphose were one of the first shops to create an English version of their website. You can go to San Francisco and Paris to buy Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. If you go to conventions a lot you can often spot h.Naoto goods at their official booth. 
Now MARUQ (the U.S. carrier of Liz Lisa) is testing out the convention circuit by going to New York Comic Con next weekend from Oct 10th-13th.  
They will be at Booth# 678 and are carrying items from LizLisa, Tralala, and LizaLisa Doll, as well as other Japanese brands.  If you are planning to go to NYCC anytime, they will also be handing out phone decals for anyone who stops by and likes their Facebook page (or already have)!
Let them know that you liked their Facebook page and get a phone decal!
In addition to a booth, they are currently looking for volunteers to help out at their booth!
Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be available Oct 9th – 13th (9AM – 7PM)
If you or know someone who loves Liz Lisa or a fan of Japanese fashion and would like to help out: send an email with your name, age, a short introduction, as well as a headshot and a full body shot to tiffa@shopmaruq.com
If you’re planning to attend NYCC this is another reason to break out your wallet.  Stop by 678 and say hi to the shop girls — maybe do some shopping too!  I know I will.

I’ve Got A Golden Ticket (to NYFW)

Racked.com took a cue from Willy Wonka and is giving away tickets hidden in chocolate bars to New York Fashion Week.

They will be giving out tickets all week to select shows.  Just keep watching Racked.com for times and locations where a street team will be handing out chocolate bars. One lucky chocolate bar will have a ticket for a code to see the latest collection during New York Fashion Week.

They’ve already given out tickets for Jill Stuart and Project Runway.  New York Fashion Week suddenly got more delicious.

Fête Paradiso – July 13-September 29!

via ixdoxdeclare

Fête Paradiso opened last Saturday, but still something worth checking out if you are a fan of old timey things that are hardier than the plastic-made rides of today.

Governor’s Island is proud to host several vintage carnival rides and carousel straight from France.  Not only are they relics of 19th and 20th century but still functional! Admission is free for the festival and for a measly $3 you can ride into the past!

From July 13 – September 29 every weekend, you’ll be able to eat and drink at their pop-up beer garden that features French carnival food, try your hand at mid-century games, and ride lots of different carousels.

Check out their TwitterInstagram and Facebook page to peak your interest and any updates.

Fête Paradiso: A Festival of Vintage Carousels and Carnival Rides

July 13-September 29, 2013
10:30AM – 6PM
Governor’s Island

City of Water Day – July 20th, 2013!

Heave-ho onto open waters on City of Water Day

New York City is a city surrounded by water.  You need to go under or over water to get to Manhattan from Brooklyn or Queens.  You take the ferry to Staten Island.

On July 20th, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance celebrates everything that has to do with water with City of Water Day. On Governor’s Island and Liberty State Park in New Jersey there’ll be Children’s Activity Fair in both areas.  Featuring food, a cardboard kayak race, as well as free boat tours!

Various boats will also be offering free tours along the Hudson.  See New York City like you’ve never seen it before. Learn about the life of a mariner, see various birds that live along the river, or see why tugboats are so important.

City of Water Day
July 20th, 2013
10-4PM
Liberty State Park, NJ and Governor’s Island, NY