Category: events

The Magician King Signing 8/10!

For Harry Potter fans there is a void that needs to be filled. So while you’re waiting for your Hogwarts letter from Pottermore, I suggest checking out The Magicians by Lev Grossman.

I picked up The Magicians on a whim in a now defunct Borders store. It was one of the best books I’ve ever picked up. Think adult version (as opposed to YA) of Harry Potter set in Narnia – and there are no happy endings. Six months later I seized the opportunity to check out a booksigning. It was the most interesting signing I’ve been too – an elderly attendee began comparing The Magicians to the upcoming Sorcerer’s Apprentice. (There’s no contest that The Magicians is far better).

Lev Grossman continues where The Magicians left off with The Magician King. If you’re a fan or aching for a new book, Grossman will be holding a Q&A and signing his latest book at two stores. On Tuesday, August 9th, Grossman will be at WORD bookstore in Brooklyn, and at Barnes & Nobles on Wednesday, August 10th.

Hope to see you there with at least two books in hand!

The Magician King Signing
7:30PM
August 9th, 2011
Word Bookstore
126 Franklin St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-383-0096

7PM
August 10th, 2011
Barnes & Noble
2289 Broadway (at 82nd Street)
New York, NY 10024
212-362-8835

Lolita Designers at Tokyo Rebel 8/1 – RVSP 7/23

Misako Aoki at Tokyo Rebel (2010)

Tokyo Rebel is a must for local and out-of-town Lolitas and lovers of J-fashion alike. And this year old store is making a big splash, holding events with special guests. Last year they had the opportunity to invite Misako Aoki to their store for a small signing. Around 100 people came (that’s big for the Lolita community) and the line was out the down with people just waiting to see the former Kawaii ambassador.

This year Tokyo Rebel gives local Lolitas a chance to meet the designers from Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, and Alice and the Pirates.  For those who are unable to make it to Otakon (for any reason, since they are guests this year), black out  Monday, August 1st, on your Hello Kitty calender.

From 6:00PM – 7:30PM ,  Masumi Kano (Fashion Designer, Baby, the Stars Shine Bright) and Mistuba (Chief Designer, Alice and the Pirates) will be signing autographs at this New York boutique. Due to the popularity of the designers and the size of the store, this is a RVSP-only event.

They will accepting RVSPs at 12PM on July 23rd.  

Please check Tokyo Rebel’s post regarding this event for anymore info. What better way to meet new and reunite with old Lolitas. As well as pick up something up to add to your already overflowing Lolita wardrobe.

Hope to see you there!

BtSBB & AaTP Designer Signing
August 1st, 2011
6 – 7:30PM
Tokyo Rebel
170 Avenue B
New York, NY

Shake Ramen Salad – Japan Street Fair 7/24

Okonomiyaki anyone? (Japan Block Fair 2009)

Fried oreos and gyros are starting to taste the similar. And the reggaeton music is starting to just be a buzz in your ear. These are signs that you are suffering from street fair depression.

Everything is kind of whizzing by and the people are starting to know your name. It’s time for you to experience a different street fair (Not referring to the one the day after).

Hop on a R or E train and head to Astoria for the Japan Block Fair.

There’ll be food, goods, and performances. Vendors such has Hakata TonTon, Kiteya, Teriyaki Ball Shop, and many others will be in attendance. So listen to some enka or be in awe at the taiko drummers.

Also this is one fair that encourages dressing up. Anyone in a yukata will receive a free gift. Did I mention there’ll be food?

Japan Block Fair
July 24th, 2011
11-6PM
Broadway at Steinway
Astoria Queens

*Shake Ramen Salad – cold ramen with arugula, dressing, and typical ramen toppings. Shake it all about and what do you get? Shake ramen salad! (I had this at the Asia Pacific Heritage Festival in Union Square thanks to Hakata Tonton. Perhaps they’ll have it at JBF too.)

Vive la Revolution – Bastille Day on 60th St 7/10!

Was July 4th boring for you? All that American BBQ and parades getting a bit bland? Or are you just aching for crepes and game of pétanque?

The French were so inspired by Americans fight for independence, they revolted against their own monarchy a mere ten days later – July 14th marks the storming of the Bastille.

To honor our French comrades who assisted us with our own revolution, New York is holding their own celebrations as part of Bastille Week, starting with Bastille Day on 60th.  

On Sunday, July 10th from 12 – 5PM, you can experience performances, food, games, and a wide selection of French culture. So brush up on your French and get your taste buds ready for some serious wine tastings.

You can also enter an all day raffle for a chance to win a trip to Paris for two! 

July 10th, 2011
12 – 5PM
60th Street (between 5th Avenue and Lexington Ave)

Fashion in the Middle Ages 5/20 – 9/4

Lolitas are in general fascinated by fashion. That’s a given. But while the majority of the community is enamored by Rococo periods, there’s no harm in studying further into the past.

Starting on May 20, the Morgan Library and Museum presents “Illuminating Fashion: Dress in the Art of Medieval France and the Netherlands.” The exhibit covers over 200 years of fashion before the French Renaissance, and features full-size replicas of clothing illustrated in the manuscripts.

The exhibit aims at those interested in the fashion aspect of medival dress — how it was worn, by whom, what was used for everyday, what was worn for special occasions, etc.

The Morgan has a whole line up of events in honor of the exhibit.

  • The Morgan’s Spring Family Fair
. Sing and dance like the French and English did 500 years ago. Workshops include making your own chaperons and hats, fabric dying using traditional methods, and even try on costumes inspired by the exhibit’s own manuscripts. Or if you prefer, come in your own costume.
    Saturday, May 21, 2-5PM
  • Becket (1964). Watch the famous friendship of King Henry II and Thomas Becket on screen.
    Friday, June 10, 7PM
  • From the Set to the Runway. Deborah Nadoolman Landis and Valerie Steele discuss the difference between costume and fashion. Very good opportunity to those to who want to learn the best way to explain Lolita fashion to others.
    Wednesday, June 15, 6:30PM
  • Gallery Talk Illuminating Fashion: Dress in the Art of Medieval France and the Netherlands
. Roger S. Wieck, the curator behind the exhibit, takes museum goers through the exhibit.
    Friday, June 24, 7PM
  • Restoration (1995). A biopic on Robert Merivel, King Charles II’s favored physician from his journey serving the king to tending the sick during the Great Plague of London.
    Friday, July 8, 7PM
  • The Leopard (1963). Based on the Italian bestseller by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, The Prince of Salina deals with Italian unification and family issues during the 1860s.
    Friday, July 22, 7PM

Illuminating Fashion: Dress in the Art of Medieval France and the Netherlands
.
May 20 – September 9, 2011
The Morgan Library and Museum
225 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-0008

Savage Beauty Opens Today at the Met

Amazing artists always leave the world too soon. But like all great artist that cut their lives short, the legacy of work they leave behind becomes ever more precious.

Alexander McQueen was one of those great innovators of fashion.

Today marks the opening of “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibit features pieces from his post graduate collection to his more recent additions — including his final collection.

There are around 100 pieces will be on display, all illustrating his evolution from his student beginnings to signature designs he’s most known for (i.e. bumster trousers, origami frock coat).

Long live McQueen!

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
May 4 – July 31, 2011
Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10028

Support Japan, Eat a Cupcake

Magnolia Bakery is supporting Japan by doing what it does best, baking cupcakes. They have created a special “Japan Cupcake” where $1 from each cupcake sold will go Japan Society’s earthquake relief fund.

They come in vanilla or chocolate cake, with white cream cheese frosting and a raspberry on top.

And to make it a real seller, they’re keeping tally of each cupcake they sell.

Note: I recommend getting them early as they tend to be one of the first flavors to sell out each day.

Locations
(Bleecker)
401 Bleecker St
New York, NY 10014

(Columbus Avenue)
200 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10023

(Rockefeller Center)
1240 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

(Grand Central)
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
Dining Concourse, Lower Level
New York, NY‎ 10017

Natsume Ono at Kinokuniya May 10th!

While I’m not as big a manga and anime fan as I used to be, but I still admire the various storylines and the artwork that artists create.

One of my recent favorites is Ristorante Paradiso. It’s a about a young woman, Nicoletta, who works at Casetta dell’Orso – a unique restaurant in Rome where the servers are all male and wear glasses.

A slice of life story that explores the many faces of each character and their relationships with each other (Note: Hate to disappoint but it’s not yaoi. On the other hand if it were I would not be reading it).

Thanks to Kinokuniya, Samurai Beat Radio and Viz, on  Natsume Ono, the creator, will be giving talk about her works on Tuesday May 10th at 7PM.

There will also be a raffle where one lucky winner will receive an original artwork signed by the artist; two runner-ups will each receive a print by the artist. She’s also known for House of Five Leaves. 

Hope to see you there!
Natsume Ono at Kinokuniya Bookstores
May 10th, 2011
7PM
1073 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10018
212-869-1700

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

Learn to be Eco-Chic on Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! New York City has steadily been on its way to being more green with it’s encourage of more bike lanes and opening more pedestrian friendly areas.

Celebrate with fellow eco-minded strangers and friends alike for a weekend dedicated to environment.

  • Friday: Times Square acts as place for an eco-friendly fashion show, see the latest in hybrid cars, browse various vendors who can show you innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. 
  • Saturday and Sunday: Grand Central is holding a fair (Vanderbilt Avenue side). There’ll be music,  performances, and streetside art. Embrace the hustle and bustle of Grand Central without need to catch a train for once.
Earth Day in Times Square
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
11AM – 5PM
Times Square
New York, NY
EarthFair in Grand Central
Saturday, April 22nd, 2011
12:00PM – 7:00PM
Sunday, April 23rd, 2011
11:00AM – 4:00PM
Vanderbilt Avenue
(between 42nd and 45th Streets)
Grand Central Terminal
82 East 42nd Street
New York, NY