Spotlight: Atelier Pierrot; Size Range Increase!

I am so excited that a lolita brand, Atelier Pierrot is increasing their size range! As a J-fashion blogger and enthusiast, I am always impressed when brands are inclusive or become inclusive for other body types, whether it be Western ones or Japanese ones. March 11th starts their Plus Sized Fashion Festival and sale to cater to the Western and plus sized fans of their designs. You can now fawn over posts of their latest pieces on their social media.

Ebunny, a twitch streamer, singer and former onee gyaru, modeled for Atelier Pierrot and looks gothically amazing in the tiered skirts and gentle ruffles.

A qoute from her instagram:

"The Japanese elegant gothic lolita fashion community usually doesn't see someone like me representing brand clothing for lolita. As someone who's loved egl fahion for almost 20 years, I cannot tell you how proud I am to be a full figured, plus size, thicc, whatever adjective you like to use (lol) black woman modeling for a lolita brand in Japan. This is a type of representation I would've loved to see as a child, but sometimes you gotta be the change you wanna see!

Thank you to all the hardworking Japanese and non-Japanese staff at Atelier Pierrot for making the investent and effort to produce high quality lolita fawshion clothing in plus sizes. Egl should be for everyone to enjoy regardless of size, race, gender, height, etc. They are taking small steps everyday in the right direction."

You can follow the brand here to keep updated on their designs. And here is a link to the dress modeled by the lovely Ms. Ebunny herself.

You can follow Ms. Ebunny here on her IG.

Have fun!

Dammit Hottopic!

Its always just a matter of time til something that's not mainstream gains traction and is seen popping up in alternative stores and in Halloween costume shops.

It was only a matter of time for it to happen to the first Jfashion I fell in love with; Lolita.

Branded lolitawear, in all its modest glory, from Baby The Stars Shine Bright to Metamorphose, was praised for its cloth and lace quality. Indie lolita brands reigning in second place, and the infamous Bodyline being shunned with upturned noses.

Hottopic ceased a trend that grew and was fostered in the Western Jfashion community. Overlooking what Lolita's wanted and were searching for to produce what looks like a one-and-done Halloweeb costume.

Though it makes it more affordable for people who cannot drop 400$ usd on a branded dress, quality and design was a huge factor in lolita clothing.

<i> What do you think about Hottopic picking up lolita style to sell in their stores? Have you checked it out? Share your stories and comments! </i>

Check out my online store, Lishaslooks.storenvy.com . Sales help keep this blog running + future coverage from different conventions, and more !

Harajuku Fashion Walk

Hey guys + gals.

 Attended a fashion walk.

Ciao~
😺

Expanding the Availability of Japanese Fashion Brands

It’s a no brainer that I am in love with eccentric fashion! If you haven’t known… well now you do! I have been a part of a particular Japanese subculture called gyaru for about seven years, experimenting with my looks and fashion sense as I saw fit. I initially used shops catered towards teens around Chicago, went to thrift stores and second hand shops, even customized clothes and made some by hand to be able to create my looks to show off my creative side. Whether they were all on point or nah… is a different story, but I had a lot of fun creating looks and merging things I liked together.

Northern Illinois Jfashion Meet Up

I was invited to come out to Saturday's event that was hosted by Stellarkei from the Northern Illinois Jfashion Club at Mitsuwa and also Round 1 that recently opened up in Bloomingdale.

Fashion Walk

The past two fashion walks were fun stuff!

 Couldn't help the rainy day running on a fashionable parade, but one thing does irk me. At the Harajuku Fashion Walk, a few picture takers were quite rude to some of the people who were left over from the Walk, and I was not too pleased.

 You don't have to be that frantic for a photo. And show some respect.
People like that tire me out because are there any manners??

whew.... But aside from that.... I look forward to more fashion walks in the Windy City. 

Until next time!

Harajuku Fashion Walk

Fashion Walk-Harajuku Version

I attended the Harajuku Fashion walk on Saturday. I got to strut my stuff with the other very fashionable people all decked out in our gear in Downtown Chicago! From cool to kawaii, we took lots of pictures and chatted with each other. 

Chicago Alternative Fashion Walk

B-b-but... You're Black!!!

Every so often, after however many months float by, similar questions always pop up in groups dedicated to gyaru fashion. These questions and concerns are not even limited to that niche group either. Even til this day, and maybe even for many years, it will still be a concern for Black people or POC who choose to express themselves beyond what is deemed "normal" for us. Even beyond hobbies and fashion.

Yes, people will wonder why you are into something that is not Afrocentric or considered "Black" or appropriate for Black people to do.
There is a huge world with a lot of things in it. Why limit yourself?

Yes, even our own people will wonder why we aren't acting or dressing "Black".
Being "loud" and or "ghetto" are the only ways we can be in this day and age?

Yes, people will probably think that you are ghetto for dressing differently or having unnatural shades in your hair.
Black people just can't win sometimes with some people!

Yes, people will think that Black people cannot be cute or kawaii, listen to things outside of rap or hip hop. Or shouldn't do anything beyond what is expected of us.
See above.

It sucks, it really does. But, are you going to let a few people and their shitty comments keep you from dressing like a Kawaii Cutie or Fabulous Gal? This even extends to the Cosplay community, or any community where Black people or POC want to branch off into.

Brittany-Chicago

Junko and Junji-Los Angeles

Kamilah-Chicago

Erica

Amira-Chicago

Miyabi-North Carolina

Amber-New York

So, gal, lolita, cosplay n00b$, if people try to mock you or say mean things to you because you are black and trying to do your thing, you get those doubts playing in your head over and over, pay them no mind, and rock your shit!

Go check out the tags with Black Lolita/Cosplayers/Gyaru and be inspired. 

Much thanks to those who submitted their pictures or let me use them!

WCG's Spotlight

Interview: Laura Cioroianu

I came across Laura a few years ago when she sent me a friend request. She stood out to me due to her interest in gothic and visual kei fashion. She is from Romania and lives in Craiova and has appeared in quite a few news episodes due to her love for VK fashion style.

Lisha: Does your work or past education helped you with your inspiration or outfits?(for
example working at a job that helps you with a different aspect of fashion, or taking
classes about fashion design, etc)

Laura Cioroianu :

Since I have a nursing degree , my past education has really nothing to do with my inspiration for everything I am trying to do in a pleasant way.
I was a makeup trainer but volunteer for almost half a year in 2013 in a small makeup school from my city .

The experience from there helped me too and to like even more makeup and all of the things I am going now .

Also I will throw this month the first party from Craiova city , a show inspired by the visual kei music scene in Japan .
and I try to make this party more diverse, including a fashion parade with my interpretations by some street clothing styles in Tokyo .

I will use everything that needs from my personal clothes and all that it takes , for all the people for the parade from head to toe, including the decoration of the club . For now this show will be like a challenge for myself since I will take care of almost everything with my own money, which its really hard , but i am looking forward to see people reactions from this city .
If this show will be a success this will be the beginning only .


Lisha: Has anything in your childhood inspired you to dress up?

Laura Cioroianu : To be honest no , not at all .
I was such a tomboy many years of my childhood.

Lisha:What else besides Visual Kei inspires your outfits and style? What are your favorite
bands that you draw inspiration from?

Laura Cioroianu : Simply people . Every time I had the opportunity to meet someone really creative and unique I am so inspired .I feel so honored when I meet these kind of people .
I am inspired a lot also just by watching online pictures with ordinary people from Tokyo.
I like to admire their creativity and then i am trying to get a piece of what I like the most from them for my creations .

My favourite bands from many others from Japan are X Japan ,Buck Tick and Penicillin .
I draw a lot of inspiration from mister Hakuei the vocalist from Penicillin.
He was and still my all time muse when i want to create something related only to the Japanese visual kei scene of course in this case .

Lisha: Ah! Cool! What non fashion forms do you draw inspiration from?

Laura Cioroianu : Mostly my saddest moments and my dreams . When something negative happen to me I try to express & get away that sad feeling from my heart into creating something new related to art , doesn't matter if its makeup, a draw on a paper or inventing an outfit .


Lisha: That is a great idea!
I know that some places are apprehensive to people expressing themselves through wearable
forms of expression. How is it dressing in Craiova, Romania?

Laura Cioroianu : The world is pretty closed-minded here Craiova city but there are a lot of
wonderful people who support me a lot and I try to keep near those kind of people .
Actually one of the reasons that i want to trow that kind of shows like I told you previously , it is to create a place for all those people who don`t have the guts to dress however they like on the streets but they can at my shows .I want them to feel free and to say : At this kind of parties I feel me and noone isjudging me or the way my style is at all here .

Lisha: Have you traveled anywhere? Where would you like to go?

Laura Cioroianu : I went to Belgium , Germany and Nederlands
I would like to visit Japan so much in the future . I think its awesome there .

Lisha: What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Laura Cioroianu : Listening to music its almost like breathing for me, drawing sometimes , dancing & singing.

She has also subtitled her video clips from news channels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JVxqfG6VRg

News Clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opCrca0Eb3c&list=UUCG5pBjot2NLnntXqEyXLyw

Kawaii International
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXdFB7nn3XQ&list=UUCG5pBjot2NLnntXqEyXLyw

Lolita

It has been quite a while since I wanted to become a Lolita and wear frilly dresses and look like an over-sized baby doll.

I used to be able to name quite a few of the brands, be able to look at pictures of dresses and be able to call out the brand they belong to, know that cheap lace and not wearing your petticoats were a no-no.
Ah...  Those were the days! of being a super lurker...
Buuuuut... I eventually found my way into a different fashion genre that many of you all already know.