Saturday, April 30, 2016

Under the Sea Vendors and Remote Vendors

Hi everyone!
I got so happy from writing a blogpost related to Under the Sea that I decided to make another one! Last time I wrote about the guests that are coming, today I will we writing about all the wonderful vendors selling their goods at Under the Sea. Unfortunately, the two brands I was really looking forward to come have sadly cancelled. Of course I am very sad about his, but this gave me the chance to take a better look at the other wonderful brands coming!
Let’s start! ♥ You can click on the pictures to enlarge them. ^^


Vendors

Fantastic Grim
The name Fantastic Grim stands for "an omen laced with fanciful wonder", bringing together the light and dark sides of fairy tales. This brand based in the UK offers charm jewelry and accessories under various substyles such as Lolita, Mori, Dolly Kei and even Steampunk.
I didn’t know this brand until recently, but I especially really like their lighter pieces, with lots of gold! ♥

I Do Declare
Founded in 2007, I Do Declare is a New York City based clothing brand that takes its inspiration from historical fashions spanning a multitude of time periods, most notably Rococo, Regency and the elegant Baroque era.
First of all, I adore this brand’s name, I always have. Second, I am really looking forward to seeing I Do Declare’s pieces on the runway! *o* Their clothes are amazing. ♥

Li-Paro
Li-Paro is a small fashion brand, based in Germany. They offer handmade clothes inspired by Lolita and Kawaii fashion, flower jewelry made out of real flowers and small accessories.
Although knowing this brand’s name for a while, I sadly never really took a good look at their items. Their flower pendant necklaces are just stunning! ♥

Lockshop Wigs
Lockshop Wigs is a European wig brand that sells original designed wigs, as well as some accessories. While the brand originally mainly meant to cater to Lolita styles and other Japanese fashion, they now have all kinds of customers all over the world, and their wigs are great for both dressing up and casual wear.
I would almost say: who doesn’t know Lockshop Wigs? But I am sure there are still people out there who will meet this awesome brand for the first time. ^^ After all these years I am still not a wig type, but I am definitely checking out this stall. ♥

Mighty Kingdom
Mighty Kingdom is a German brand and focuses on Classic Lolita, but over the years, they have also branched out into Sweet and Gothic elements. Their specialty is bringing the dreams of thei clients to life with attention to detail and high quality materials. Their original prints and designs are timeless and elegant.
Mighty Kingdom replaces one of the brands that had to cancel, so I have very recently discovered them. Their designs look lovely and I would love to see more of them. ♥

Miss Danger
Miss Danger is an indie-brand from Russia. They make Gothic and Lolita hats, bonnets, headdresses and some Lolita accessories. Their aesthetics lies between fashion and theatre and it is heavily influenced by both. They believe details are the most important for the perfect look and they will be happy to add some unique elements to your outfits.
Despite their dangerous name (hehe) Miss Danger’s hats and headwear are a-ma-zing! I hope someone will find the hat of their dreams at Under the Sea at Miss Danger, but it’s just not possible this won’t happen! ♥

Mossbadger
USA-based indie brand Mossbadger produces limited edition handmade garments and accessories. They utilize hand screen printing, digital textile printing, resin casting, and classic millinery techniques. Their designs are influenced by symbology, folklore, history and magic and they specialize in silhouettes based on Japanese street fashion and vintage anglophilia.
To be honest, Mossbadger has never really been my cup of tea; I liked seeing their items much more on other people. ^^ I am very much looking forward to their pieces in the fashion show though, since my friend Iris will model one of their designs. ♥

Moss Märchen
Moss Märchen is an accessories brand from the USA featuring handmade pieces just right for any fairy tale witch and forest prince or princess. Attendees at Under the Sea can expect some old favorite Moss Märchen designs as well as new designs sold for the first time at this event.
Many Classic Lolitas I know love Moss Märchen and I now see why: their jewelry is so beautiful! Definitely stopping by this stall! ♥

Narcissique Culture
Spanish brand Narcissique Couture loves to design eccentric clothes for narcissistic people. Narcissique Couture designs are based on melancholic, antique and decadent fashions, inspired by many different styles. They are heavily influenced by subcultures as Gothic and Lolita, as well as antique concepts like decadence, opulence and narcissism.
Another brand that replaces a brand that cancelled, but such a lovely brand it is! I adored their fashion show pieces at La Vie en Rose last year, so I will sure to keep an eye out again this time. ♥

Owloli
Owloli is a French designer who produces all kinds of accessories and clothes. Her inspiration comes from Japanese fashions like Lolita, Mori, Dolly and Larme Kei. Her creations featuring laces, veils, pearls, feathers and delicate flowers would fit any style.
I know this brand and I happen to know the designer too and I can tell you: both are lovely. :3 Definitely saying hi to both too! ♥

Peacockalorum
Peacockalorum from the UK makes both custom and ready-to-wear basics and luxuries: OTT hats and bonnets, cuffs to match any outfit, and dreamy chiffon blouses and underskirts, all in more colours than you would ever need. This coming year they are adding to their range of smaller accessories and jewellery and making more one-off speciality items.
First of all: that name!? Love it. A lovely brand with a wide range of awesome items. I won’t be surprised if I find something nice there! ♥

Summer Tales Boutique
Summer Tales Boutique is filled with Japanese Fashion and specialized in Lolita Designs. They create Lolita garments and accessories with love and dedication under our own label ‘Summer Tales’. They also carry various Japanese brands in their store like Yosuke Shoes, Amuse plushies and the lovely classical brand Innocent World.
What Dutch Lolita-related event would be complete without Summer Tales Boutique? That’s right. None! So happy to see Katie’s stall at our event. ♥

Violet Fane
Violet Fane is a Barcelona-based Lolita brand. Their intention is to offer a European view of Japanese fashion and design exclusive print series. The Victorian era, fantasy and horror stories, surrealism and magic are their principal concept inspiration.
Violet Fane makes really pretty clothing, so I look forward to seeing their dresses worn in the fashion show. ♥

Voodooodolly
Voodooodolly was born out of a personal need for gothic and royal style jewelry and accessories. Some of the many themes and inspirations seen throughout Voodooodolly are dark folk magic, macabre curiosities, religious iconography, and fashions from times gone by. Every piece is handmade one at a time to ensure the best quality and care possible.
I really look forward to checking out Voodooodolly, since their headwear is basically to die for! *o* ♥


Remote vendors

Atelier Pierrot
Well-known Japanese brand Atelier Pierrot’s intricate designs are a must-have for every gothic Lolita and we cannot wait to see what designer Yuko Ashizawa has created of late! Atelier Pierrot is timeless, with an emphasis on design and quality. Yuko Ashizawa designs flattering tailored and corseted pieces which are then constructed in a Japanese wedding dress factory.
I have seen the pieces that will be sold at the Atelier Pierrot part of the remote vendors stall and I highly recommend checking them out! I discovered I have underappreciated Atelier Pierrot for too long, wow. Check them out! ♥

Chérie Cerise
Chérie Cerise is a casual Lolita and cute apparel brand from Chile. Since 2012 this brand has focused on creating original designs of great quality and details that can make girls feel pretty and comfortable while keeping their own personal fashion style.
Chérie Cersie makes super cute clothing that is indeed great for Lolita and just casual. I have seen some of their clothing already and everything is super cute! ♥

Long Ears and Sharp Ears' Studio & PINK UP
Long Ears & Sharp Ears' Studio is run by Lolitas for Lolitas and collaborates with talented artists to create original prints. The story behind the name is this: in a forest lived two fluffy seamstresses, one bunny (long ears) and a cat (sharp ears). A blast of wind scattered their sketches and their prints represent their journey to recover all their lost designs. Their otome sister brand PINK UP has moved towards casual Lolita with more adventurous original prints and girly motifs.
Long Ears and Sharp Ears has sent a collection of beautiful dresses and with reduced prices! Their beautiful pieces are great for any (starting) Lolita and I look forward to seeing their items for sale. ♥

Loputyn
Loputyn from Italy is a world of decadence and beauty, where rabbits, delicate Victorian girls and the dark side of the human soul are depicted in a refined and detailed style. Watercolour illustrations and comics have made Loputyn a very popular artist in the Lolita community. Loputyn is the pure wonder of imagination.
Loputyn’s art is beautiful, delicate and sometimes dark. The prints they sent are lovely and also very affordable. I am definitely considering getting one of their prints! ♥

Milkribbon
Milkribbon draws illustrations inspired by worldwide femininity, the memories she collects while traveling and Japanese pop culture. She has always been inspired by Lolita, especially when it comes to silhouettes and details. Despite loving cute things, she enjoys using darker colours when drawing and hopes that her illustrations inspire viewers to daydream and see the magic in everyday life.
Milkribbon aka dear Alex makes incredibly cute art. She won’t be selling many cards, so if you want one you need to hurry! (I know I want one hehe). ♥

Mulberry Chronicles
Mulberry Chronicles illustrated dresses and accessories are a modern imagining of old world charm. They draw inspiration from history and folklore and bring worlds of whimsy and cuteness to cosy, elegant everyday clothing. All their products are produced and assembled ethically in Australia.
Mulberry Chronicles’s brooches in particular are very popular among Classic Lolitas and otome lovers. I really hope people with a love for this brand will find items to their liking. ♥

My Inspiration
My Inspiration is a young Russian brand of handmade jewelry and accessories. My Inspiration is mostly known for their miniature embroidery pendants, brooches and handbags. All their products are characterized by attention to details, outstanding quality and finesse.
My Inspiration makes absolutely stunning pieces that will undoubtedly be to everyone’s liking! The fine embroidery on their pieces is just so beautiful! ♥

Pastel Allsorts
Pastel Allsorts creates original Lolita and j-fashion illustrations, as well as accessories based on those illustrations. They are inspired by the j-fashion community around the world and aim to make that world a little bit more happy and colourful every day.
This brand belongs to one of my friends and she hasn’t been around for very long, however I love her artwork and I am eager to see what she will bring to the event to sell!

Victoria’s Kingdom
Victoria's Kingdom is a Melbourne, Australia based designer label influenced by the roots of Gothic Lolita Fashion. Historical Fashion, Victorian and Baroque eras are prime inspiration for their work; you will often find revival pieces or historical recreations. At Victoria's Kingdom they believe in ethical fashion and they are committed to designing making our work in Australia or places with ethical work practices.
This awesome jewelry brand had many very varying pieces that look elegant and fierce at the same time! ♥

I might be missing another brand I’m afraid. Keep an eye on the Under the Sea event page and you will surely see them pass by!

So there we have it: the amazing list of vendors an remote vendors for Under the Sea. The event is only one week away, I am freaking out! I hope it will be amazing. ♥
Thank you for reading! ~☆

Sunday, April 24, 2016

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! ~☆