Under the Sea Guest Line Up

Hi everyone!
Now that I am all done with my Japan reports, it’s time to get back to regular blogging. Maybe you’ve noticed, maybe you haven’t, but I’ve been quite absent for a while. That’s because I had a really big singing project going on and it needed my undivided attention 24/7. The project is over now. It was amazing, I had tons of fun and I learned loads. ^^
So now I’m back! I plan on making new videos again and try not to neglect my blog either, haha. So for today, I decided to talk a bit more about Under the Sea again! I already posted an announcement a while ago, but now that the full guest line up has been announced I decided to make another post.
Street Fashion Europe’s third event has the biggest guest line up yet and I am immensely proud of that. So for today, I wanted to talk about the amazing guests coming to Under the Sea and how I feel about them.

Juliette et Justine
& designer Mari Nakamura
Let’s start with the main guest: classic Lolita brand Juliette et Justine and designer Mari Nakamura. Mari Nakamura, head designer of the well-known brand, gets mainly inspired by paintings from the 16th and 17th century. She feels that clothing is like an armour to protect your soul, so having a masterpiece on your dress will help you become more beautiful and elegant. Nakamura-san thinks romance and elegance are the main point of Lolita. When she was a teenager, Nakamura-san started to see Lolitas in the street and that is how she got into the fashion. Five years later, she founded her own company!
Even though I am not into this brand personally, I am very eager to see what Juliette et Justine will bring to sell at their stall at Under the Sea. I am even more excited to see the models rocking the runway in their elegant coordinates (I have seen some pictures and everything looks so promising)! Juliette et Justine may not be for me, but I love seeing other people wear it. ♥

Mariko Suzuki
Mariko Suzuki is the former chief editor of the Gothic & Lolita Bible and Kera magazine, and is a very influential figure in Japanese street fashion. This year she produced ‘Lolita in Tokyo Wonderland’ a bilingual guide to Lolita fashion shops, restaurants, museums and photo spots in Tokyo. She has been involved in a number of projects and has also worked with Juliette et Justine at their recent Tokyo parties and at parties for major Lolita brands.
Yep, I’m going to be honest with you: I didn’t know Mariko Suzuki until my fellow SFE members suggested her as a guest. Now that I do know her, I have all the more reason to be excited about meeting her. She seems like an amazing person! ♥

RoseMarie Seoir
& designer Ayumi Watanabe
Formally known as Himitsu by Syrup or just ‘Syrup’ Yumi Watanabe’s brand has skyrocketed in popularity this last year, with a branch in Laforet, Harajuku and two branches in Shibuya. The style of clothing is unique to the brand but is popular with lovers of Larme kei and many other Japanese fashions due to the soft pastel colour palette and versatile accessories.
Am I regretting not having visited their shops while in Tokyo! Even when I was
planning to! -_- Anyway, I am super excited about this guest! RoseMarie Seoir (although in my heart it’s still ‘Syrup’) is a super cute brand and their designer is even cuter. I am so looking forward to meeting Ayumi again and this time I definitely hope to buy something from this amazing brand! ♥

Akira
Akira is a long time Gothic & Lolita Bible and KERA model, but is also a member of the band DISACODE and a solo artist, making her debut with the theme song to the anime Black Butler: Book of Circus. Famous for wearing boy-style clothing, Akira is sure to be an interesting guest.
Do you hear that wheezing in the far distance? That’s me, gasping for air. BECAUSE I AM SO HAPPY AKIRA IS COMING TO UNDER THE SEA! I seriously have no words to describe how happy I am at the idea of meeting Akira. There are different kinds of idols, like the kind of idol that has a completely different style than you have but that’s the exact reason why you look up to them. Akira is that kind of idol to me. I am shaking with excitement (and nerves) to meet her! ♥
Oh, by the way, she also sent us a message: “It’s my first time coming to Amsterdam, but I’ve always wanted to go, so I’m really happy. I’m looking forward to having a great time with you all. AKIRA”
Yup, I’m dead. (Me. I’m dead. Not Akira)

Yu Kimura
Yu Kimura is a Kawaii Ambassador, designer and model. She started off as a singer in a band where she was spotted for creating wonderful accessories which were sold at their concerts. Creating her own clothes as well she was quickly spotted by KERA magazine and asked to become a ‘handmade expert’ for the magazine. She also became a KERA model and a model for Angelic Pretty. In 2009 she was appointed as Kawaii Ambassador by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2012 she launched her own brand KOKOkim. Her look is Moehara or ‘a love for Harajuku’! Kimura U is a big anime fan and has also launched several collaboration pieces as well as doing voice acting.
In her own words: “I am the most pink creator of the world. I am the KAWAII ambassador in Japan.”
Please excuse me while I continue wheezing and gasping for air. I thought my limit of happiness was reached when Akira was confirmed, but also Kimura Yu!? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL ABOUT THIS!? Kimura Yu is my other idol, in a style that is my own! She has amazing style and seems like an amazing person. I cannot believe I am going to meet this wonderful pastelly person! ♥

Koitsukihime
Koitsukihime is a renowned doll artist. She is known for designing Baby the Stars Shine Bright’s iconic original stained glass print which was later re-released in different cuts under their Alice and the Pirates line. Recently Koitsukihime also collaborated with Juliette et Justine for two special dresses!
This is the second guest I didn’t know until they became a guest for Under the Sea. I’m afraid I have no affinity with dolls whatsoever, however I am still very excited for Koitsukihime to come and I hope she will receive loads of attentioon! ♥

Mamechiyo Modern
& designer Mamechiyo
Mamechiyo is a renowned modern kimono designer who combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with high fashion and contemporary style. She describes her kimonos as modern landscapes, where the Eastern and Western worlds collide. Her kimonos are akin to puzzle pieces, bridging disparate moments in history: both contemporary and classical. Authentic and traditional is combined with cute for a look that attracts both veteran kimono fans and a young generation.
Mamechiyo has published two books, had fashion shows worldwide; including Toronto and Amsterdam, collaborated with makeup brand Shu Uemura and designed kimono for Blythe dolls. She has also designed exclusive products for the Van Gogh museum and has one of her kimonos in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s permanent collections.
A true surprise in this wonderful guest list: a kimono designer! How amazing is that? I am so happy our guest list is so versatile and having a kimono fashion show is such a treat! I am looking forward to meeting this wonderful designer and seeing her works! ♥

So there we have it: the amazing guest line up for Under the Sea. The event is only two weeks away, I am freaking out! I hope it will be amazing. ♥
Thank you for reading! ~☆