The current (May 2012) issue of AnAn Magazine features Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, “Gothic Lolita ambassador” Misako Aoki… and La Carmina! The Japanese magazine interviewed me about kawaii fashion and culture worldwide.

Read on for style scans, and to vote for your favorite entry in my Go With Oh design contest.

Here’s my feature! I answer six questions about cute culture/style outside Japan. I’m honored to be in this J-fashion magazine, which is about the equivalent of Cosmo.

This issue focuses on kawaii (Japanese cuteness), which never goes out of style. The current torchbearer is musician and model Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, known for her surreal rainbow-explosion style.

This “Kawaii Museum” spread is doll-like, with dark Lolita and Aristocrat elements.

Love the long braids, star creeper shoes, and Wednesday Addams dress.

AnAn also spotlights Momoiro Clover Z, a Japanese female idol group that reminds me of the Power Rangers.

The magazine has a round-up of the latest, cutest items. Someone give me those Little Twin Stars shoes!

Floral and dessert motifs are popular. Kawaii style must include nail art, color layering, and retro-kitsch.

Speaking of spooky-cute… I need your help! Which t-shirt design should win my Go With Oh contest?

Please Like and Comment on your favorite, to help me choose. See the entries on Facebook and Pinterest.

There’s still time for you to submit a design! To be safe, get your entry to me by May 20th, USA time. I look forward to seeing your work. (Read the full info here.)

What do you think of the kawaii fashion in AnAn Magazine? Are you a fan of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and Misako Aoki?

I’ve been to Torture Garden in Japan twice now. In Halloween 2010, I wore a sexy nun costume. This time, my inspiration was Goth Sailor Moon.

Steampunk skirt: gifted from Lip Service
Black lingerie top: an old thing
Gold octopus pin: gifted from Ghostlove
Horror necklace: gifted from Sourpuss Clothing

I met two spooky friends at the Shibuya Hachiko statue.

We went to a K-pop cafe, which felt like we were in Seoul.

We met more Rainbow Brite friends in front of Eleven, the club in Nishi Azabu.

Final touches to outfits before going in.

Kana (right) looks like she came straight from her burlesque boudoir. On the left: yet another example of Gothic Lolita that doesn’t play by the rules: ghoulish makeup and cute bear ears. That’s how it is in Japan clubs.

Scattered around the event: punishment demos, dancing queens, painful performances.

From Geisha to Gothic, every type of fashion is found here.

Yukiro and I have now nightcrawled together in Tokyo, Osaka, LA, NYC… and soon Berlin and Leipzig (Wave Gotik Treffen).

Pain and pleasure.

I wasn’t impressed with the clown who staple-gunned his arm and inhaled a glass of milk. But I love the rubber lady, who makes her own costumes.

Torture Garden sounds like an intimidating place, but it’s all about freedom and fun.

How do you feel about extreme performances at fetish/underground events like this one? Which outfits did you like best?

For more Tokyo nightlife, check out my Japan Goth club guide.

A regular person’s trash is a spooky kid’s treasure. That’s the spirit of New York clothing store Trash and Vaudeville.

Located on St Mark’s Place (the Goth/punk East Village district , the two levels hold such gems as KISS spiky boots, zebra-striped ripped tops, and red faux fur coats. Whenever I’m in NYC, you’ll be sure to find me here.

Trash and Vaudeville opened in 1975, born from the rock and punk scene. From the start, manager Jimmy Webb has been dressing up customers as Rockers, Mods, Punks, Goths, Rockabillies, and everything in between.

If you’ve got a thing for shoes, the lower level might bring on an aneurysm. Dr. Martens of every variety, including rose-print Docs, and classic black stompers.

The alternative shoe brands include Tripp, Tripp Darkstreet, creepers by Underground, stripper heels by Pleaser.

Yukiro walked away with gold boots.

Don’t you wish your shoe rack looked like this?

Trash & Vaudeville has been in its original location since the start. I’m sure Sid and Nancy stopped by.

The decor’s dark humor. Siouxsie, is that you?

On both levels, you can browse men and women’s alt clothing labels like: Tripp, T.U.K., Rock Tees and Royal Bones.

How about a Hello Kitty purse, or rainbow unicorn?

Past the feather boas and bowler hats, there’s a stellar sale rack.

We got these coats for $9!

So much to see and try on. This remains one of the best NYC shops for alternative wear.

Come and say hi to Jimmy for us. Trash and Vaudeville is located at 4 St Mark’s Place (East 8th between 2nd and 3rd Ave, NYC). Take the subway to the 8th St or Astor Place shop, and walk.

Not in the Big Apple? The store also sells rock clothes online.

PS: These photos were taken with my new camera; what do you think? I switched from the Canon Powershot S90 to the S100, available on Amazon.

Also check out punk store Search and Destroy (on the same block). Click for more of my adventures at NY Fashion Week.

Have you heard of Trash and Vaudeville, or wandered inside? Which fashion items stood out in this post? If you could keep anything from the store, what would it be?

PS: Currently planning my Wave Gotik Treffen, Berlin & Prague press trip… Don’t forget to enter the design contest to “join me”! Learn the details.

Remember my spectacular Corpse Bride makeup, by Jennifer Little of Glitter Machine? Last Friday, she presented a body art competition in the Vancouver Art World Expo produced by Monika Blichar of MAB Ventures Inc.

I wore a Yellow House cat-ears hoodie, from the iconic store in Harajuku. Using my Misikko curling iron, I created tight waves to frame my face.

My amazing point-and-shoot is a Canon PowerShot S100, the best handheld digital camera you can get.

Since my hair is now pink-ish, I did shaded eye makeup to match. With little pink gems under the eyes.

Goth Lolita dress: Innocent World, from Closet Child Tokyo
Crucifix ruffle shoes: h.NAOTO, from Closet Child Tokyo

Although the event had many well-dressed guests, nobody could outshine the bodypainted models.

Glitter Machine’s work literally glitters. To create subtle patterns, Jenn airbrushed color over lace.

I caught up with my friend Victoria Ronco, exhibiting her travel photography for the first time. She even made the purse! You can see more via Divina Images.

Mini cupcakes. Can’t resist free food.

There was a fashion show, and 80 artists showing and selling their work.

The girl’s wearing nothing but a thong and heels. The rest is bodypaint!

On the left, I’m being silly. On the right… that’s Bif Naked.

The Canadian rocker’s voice is as gripping as ever, and she spoke endearingly about her inspiration and beloved dog. I loved her acoustic set, with songs like “Spaceman” and “Lucky” off the I Bificus CD.

The highlight of my evening was the body art competition. One by one, the models paraded on stage, twisting and swaying to music. (The entry on the far left won.)

Such intricate 3D detailing.

Kudos to the organizers for a colorful, well-run event with an alternative art pulse.

Also, how hot is Jenn’s Bebe blue lace dress?

PS: I was interviewed for a Huffington Post article about Mexico Gothic Lolitas. Nice to see a community there. Thanks also to ShopTheMag for interviewing me in their B.A.D (Backing Asian Designers) campaign.

Are you familiar with body-painting? What do you think of the technique and visuals? Do you support or take part in local art events?

It’s bloody insane, and it’s happening: I’m going on a Gothic journey around Europe!

Go With Oh, an extraordinary site for European apartment rentals, is sending me to Berlin, Leipzig (Wave Gotik Treffen) and Prague. Keep reading, and enter our design contest for a chance to travel with me!

I won’t be alone; I’ll have rainbow-haired friends in tow. Yukiro Dravarious (seen here as Die Schwarze Frau) is accompanying me to Berlin and Leipzig.

Then Kat, alternative wedding blogger at Rock n Roll Bride, will meet me in Prague.

How did this dream come to be? I always keep my eye on travel trends, and Go With Oh is making waves. This holiday apartment rental company, with rooms throughout Europe, is doing intriguing work with social media and bloggers. I reached out, we chatted, and the team came up with an ingenious plan. Throw blood on the logo, and it becomes — “Goth With Oh.”

With their support, I’ll explore three of the world’s spookiest cities. As you know from my previous trips, I’m a fan of short-term apartment rentals: they’re full of personality, let you live like a local, and are budget-friendly (key for young travelers).

Stay tuned to my blog and social networks, where I’ll share my adventures. Starting with…

1) Berlin. Many of my Japan friends are now based here, including DJ SiSEN. They’ll take me to the best Goth clubs, shops, and haunts — including Last Cathedral horror bar (above).

2) Leipzig. Home to Wave Gotik Treffen, the biggest and baddest Goth music/culture festival in the world. Yukiro and I will be there, armed with press passes.

You can look forward to videos, and pro photos by Seventh Sin (who took the Leipzig images above. Remember their coverage of WGT 2011?)

3) Prague. I’ve always wanted to go to this vampiric city. Can’t wait to experience Dracula Clothing, absinthe ice cream, a steampunk-ish bar, and ghost tours.

So, who wants to join me? Here’s your chance. Design a T-shirt for La Carmina and Yukiro to wear on the tour. The winner receives a copy of the tee — and gets to see us wear your design in our videos and photos!

DESIGN GUIDELINES: Create a design for one side of the shirt. Any color is fine. Design must include my name (La Carmina), and the ‘Go with Oh’ or ‘Goth with Oh’ logo (see below).

HOW TO ENTER: Upload your t-shirt design to my Facebook Page and/or Tweet the image, using the tags @LaCarmina and @GowithOh

DEADLINE: All designs must be received by 12 noon, 22 May 2012, Berlin time.

WINNING: All designs will be showcased in La Carmina’s Facebook and Pinterest. I will choose my favorite — creativity is the key! Likes/Shares/Comments/Tweets will help persuade me.

Above are the logos; feel free to adapt them (see full instructions above). If you have questions, leave a comment or contact me.

Sounds like a fun weekend project? Then get cracking! I can’t wait to see your designs for my epic Gothic journey.

- To keep track of my travels, please add Go With Oh on Facebook and Twitter.

- Got sight-seeing tips for my trip? Anyone going to Wave Gothic Treffen? See you there, spooky-spooks!