Darkly Darling at Kawaiikon 2015

Aloha, Darlings!

I apologize for the lack of updates since New Year, but life, as always, has been incredibly crazy.

I do want to post a quick update regarding this year's Kawaiikon, though!

First off, what is Kawaii Kon?

It is Oahu's original and so far, dominant anime convention. Other cons have come and gone, such as HEXXP and Oni-con, but Kawaiikon has reigned supreme and been around for over a decade.

You can read some more about Kawaiikon here, in a recent article called "Defend Kawaii". (It is a spoof on the popular local "Defend Hawaii" propaganda. The logo is usually displayed as a big window decal with an AK-47, on pick-up trucks with reggae flags flying off the back. Almost exclusively.)

As for this year's Kawaiikon, there are a few note worthy events local J-fashion enthusiasts should be aware of, some of which I am teaching or hosting myself!

First and foremost, is the Kawaiikon-hosted "An Afternoon with Akira". (For more information, see Kkon's page here.)

Akira is a female Japanese model I have adored for many years. She has an enchantingly androgynous look, and a rock-star style all her own. She is an accomplished model in the Japanese alternative style circuit and the talented vocalist of her own band, DISACODE.

Kawaiikon will be hosting a full catered tea party, including a meet-and-greet and photo with Akira. Each guest will also receive a special gift.

The gorgeous Akira, modelling Alice and the Pirates.

The growing J-fashion Hawaii community will also be hosting a panel on Saturday, titled "J-fashion Social". More details will be announced later.

It is the first event of its kind for J-fashion Hawaii, a locally-geared fashion community with a focus on Japanese street fashions and alternative styles. J-fashion Hawaii is currently the supporting force for the local Hawaii Harajuku Fashion Walk, which just celebrated its 9th meet-up at the Honolulu Festival last weekend (more on that later).

Later on Saturday Night, I am teaching a panel on Shironuri Fashion, titled "Shironuri Wonderland: A J-fashion Panel".

As a practitioner of Shironuri for about three years now, I thought it'd be nice to clear up some misconceptions and stigmas of the style, explaining its past and history, and showing the amazing directions it's gone in internationally.

Some topics I'll be covering include:
-Introduction to Shironuri
-History of Shironuri Fashion
-Shironuri around the world
-Shironuri Music, Manga, and other Pop Culture
-Makeup materials and application tutorial, possibly with a volunteer model.

Shironuri fans and Shironuri curious alike are welcome to attend.

Last but not least, on Sunday I am hosting my own fashion show.
(RSVP here, at Darkly Darling: A Very Important Date.)

I have been working tirelessly on my own original Lolita designs, since my first fashion show at the Hawaii Horror Ball last August, and RAW Honolulu last September. I decided it was about time I take my designs to an audience that understands them, and Kawaiikon seemed like the perfect place to do it.

The theme, of course is Lolita and Aristocratic fashions, with an Alice in Wonderland production theme.

There will be a Q&A afterward. You are welcome to come whether you dress in Lolita or not.

One of my models, wearing my designs. Photo by QPJ Photography.

Of course, to attend any of these panels you must purchase a Kawaiikon pass, either for the entire weekend or the day of the panel you wish to attend. Con badges can be purchased here, or at the door.

Kawaiikon takes place from Friday, March 27- Sunday, March 29 this year.

Well, that's certainly enough news to shake a stick at! But what have I been up to lately?

I'll make it short and sweet!

As I mentioned before, I attended the 9th Hawaii Harajuku Fashion Walk at the Honolulu Festival. There were only 4 J-fashion Hawaii members present besides myself, but it was still fun to enjoy the festival with friends.

HFW attendance has been on the decline lately! I hope we meet new fans at Kawaiikon this year or more of our older members can come back.

Anywhoo, I thought it was a great opportunity to try out my new Innocent World "Antique Tartan" Jsk.

JSK: Innocent World
Blouse, Shoes, Accessories: Offbrand
Jewellery: Kate Spade, Juicy Couture
Wig: GLW "Gamine"

I also dressed up for "Hina Matsuri / Girl's Day" earlier this month. Though it is not as widely celebrated in the mainland US, it is certainly observed here in Hawaii because of the large Japanese community.

OP: Handmade
Bonnet: Handmade
Blouse: Offbrand
Wig: GLW "Heartbreaker"

Other than that, I have been very busy working, haha. When I am not physically at work I am sewing my butt off at home! But I enjoy every minute of it... I suppose.

Well, until the next far-too-long-awaited blog post! Thank you to the supporters and new readers who stick around!

Xoxo,

Cherie

LBC: Most Underrated Colours in Lolita

Every lolita fashion season ever: XXX Brand's newest print! Available in Pink, Sax, White, and Black.

YYY Brand's newest print! Available in Pink, Sax, White, and Black.

ZZZ Brand's newest print! Available in Pink-- you get the picture.

Though all dresses are different and appeal to different people, the truth of the matter is brands often repeat the same colour schemes over and over in their designs. It's not a bad thing- they are popular colour ways and appeal to many people. But today, I'd like to talk about the most underrated colours in Lolita fashion- the ones that rarely pop up in catalogs, but none the less have an elegant appeal to them.

The first colour I'd like to bring out of the closet is Grey.

It's cool, reserved, and contrasts nicely with black or white. It also makes an adorable tartan, twill or pinstriped textile. Accessories with hints of red or gold match very nicely.

A Moi-Meme-Moitie Jsk, with black tulle and flocking for contrast

A Flasco coordinate, most likely Miho Matsuda or Excentrique. The grey pinstriped suit looks smart with a contrasting black blouse and bright silver buttons.

Metamorphose's "Sherlock" Jsk set, sold with complimenting black items and pearl accessories.
Though shown as a set coordinate here, the neutral grey tartan is quite versatile.

The next underrated colour is one of my favourites- Blue! 

All through my lolita "life", I had experimented with lighter hues of pink, cream, lavender... and wasn't fully satisfied with how it looked on my skin tone. But last year, I started trying on deeper colours like Navy blue, and it balanced out the red in my skin tone nicely. 

Blue looks nice with almost any colour, especially gold, red, or green. I think it is classic and maidenly, but also strong, and almost regal. It looks nice as cotton, but even more majestic in rich textiles like velvet or taffeta.

Metamorphose's "Pintuck Jsk" looks perfect in this deep navy.

Atelier Pierrot's deeper indigo dress, contrasted with black, white, and sax blue accessories. 

This dress by Victorian Maiden is in a lighter navy colour.
It would be nicely complimented by rose pink accessories for a warmer spring look.

The next colour is Green. I like it for mostly the same reasons I love blue. It comes in many shades, from warm sage to deep emerald. It can be a light spring hue or a deep ivy. Even though it's more reserved than red, or pink, I think it's shyness is its strong point.

A velvet jumperskirt with gold embroidery, by Moi-Meme-Moitie.

Metamorphose's "Dolly crown" velvet Jsk, with embroidery and pearl accents.

A warmer sage dress by Juliette et Justine, with a matching top hat in deep green. 

The last colour I'd like to praise is Rose Pink. Normally, I don't like pink at all, unless it is this specific shade of pink. I've heard it called "dusty" pink before, but I feel that name doesn't do it much justice. 

It is such a delicate pink, it is almost neutral, which is why it goes well with a surprising range of colours. I especially like it with black, brown, or burgundy. 

Since it is such an unassuming colour, but kicks up the intensity of other colours, I think Rose Pink is the most underrated colour!

A Flasco coordinate. I believe the bolero is by Innocent World.

The rose pink blouse transforms the look of this gothic Atelier Pierrot Jsk.

Rose pink ties in the colours of the rose corsages, once again transforming the outfit.
It makes the "gothic" Atelier Pierrot skirt look demure and Springy.

I hope you enjoyed my post, and maybe will be inspired to try these new colours in your wardrobe someday. 

Dare to venture around the colour wheel? Let's see what other lolitas are saying about this week's topic! Let's take a look under the big top~

Angelic Nostalgia ☆ F*Yeah Lolita  ☆ Lemon Tree ☆ Xylia-Y ☆ Let Them Eat Cake ☆ 

Ramble Rori ☆ A Lace Jail ☆ May Cause Cavities ☆ Swirly Purple and Green Crayons ☆ 

Suns in Our Hands ☆ Ice Age ☆ Commercially Alternative ☆