I studied French from kindergarten all the way to the end of high school, so it was fun to revisit mon Petit Larousse for a recent interview. Ambi Japan, a French association that promotes Japanese/alternative cultures in Europe, drilled me about my blog and work. I’ve translated it into English below. The photo above is a preview of something exciting in the works… can’t wait to share it with you!

Name: La Carmina
Sign: Leo
Influences: Mana Sama, Tim Burton films, the Rococo era, Sanrio.
Likes: Gothic Lolita fashion, Harajuku subcultures, cute cooking, Victorian mourning, my Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow.
Dislikes: clowns, babies, dirty coins.

† How were you introduced to Japanese culture?
My family is from Hong Kong and from the time I was little, we’d visit relatives and travel around Asia. Japanese character design is popular in Hong Kong, so it’s been part of my world from birth. In fact, my grandmother lives above a kawaii stationery store!

† And Gothic Lolita fashion?
As a teen, I listened to Goth/alternative music and had crazy colored hair – so I was naturally captivated by Harajuku street fashion. In the late 1990s, I first saw girls wearing Lolita. I gradually learned more about the style and read magazines such as Kera. In Sept 2007, I started my blog.

† How did you decide to create a fashion line for “modern Marie Antoinettes”?
I love how Gothic Lolita combines romance and elegance with punk/Goth; it is a fashion that resonates with my personality and with girls all over the world. I wanted to share my love for these aesthetics in the clothing I design.

† What made you decide to limit your clothing line to outerwear?
I did a lot of research into the garment business, and it made sense to start with a focused collection. Later, I want to expand the brand, but I’m confident that this will happen organically.

† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita brands?
h. NAOTO, Black Peace Now, Atelier Pierrot, Victorian Maiden.

† You’re often in Japan; what are your impressions of the country?
I feel inspired every time I’m in Tokyo. It’s the hub of experimental fashion – not only Gothic Lolita Punk, but also decora, cyber, princess. I’m in love with the Gothic club scene (Midnight Mess, Club Cemetery, Tokyo Decadance), the food (not just sushi, but ingredients such as yuzu and burdock that you can’t find elsewhere)… Hopefully, I’ll be back soon!

† What differences do you perceive between Western and Japanese Lolitas?
Most of the Western Lolitas I’ve met are wonderful, but a small group has an extremely narrow and elitist view of the fashion that I find difficult to understand. The “Lolita rules” that they cling to simply do not exist among the Japanese. In general, the Tokyo girls are more open to experimenting with Lolita fashion.

† You’re also the author of two books coming out in 2009 that are about unique aspects of Japanese culture. Tell us a little about them…
Wild, Crazy Theme Restaurants is coming out this July. I spent over two months in Tokyo, visiting and taking photos of maid cafés, Christon, Vampire, Princess Heart… it was a strange adventure! In November, Perigee/Penguin USA is publishing my cookbook, Cute Yummy Time. It’s about how to make everyday food look like adorable characters; I did all the photography and cute illustrations.

† Where do you find inspiration for such wacky books?
I’m obsessed with J-pop culture kitsch! When I discover bizarre trends, I can’t wait to share them on my blog. In the process, I discover whether people are intrigued and if there is enough material for a book.

† Your activities as a blogger are well known in the Lolita world, and you cover all aspects of the fashion (makeup, brands, boutiques, Gothloli of the Week). How did you have the idea and drive to make such a complete blog? How do you find information to fill up your blog?
I had no idea that my little blog would spawn into a Godzilla! I quickly realized that blogging was the perfect creative outlet for someone as OCD as I am. I think the subject of Gothic Lolita fashion, or Japanese pop culture, has limitless tangents that I’m eager to explore – via photos, videos, DIY projects, and writing. The discussions in the comments also lead to new ideas.

† How do you choose the Gothlolis of the Week?
Most of the Gothlolis contact me through email or MySpace. Sometimes, when I stumble across a great MySpace profile, I’ll ask the person whether he/she wants to be profiled. It’s amazing that people all over the world read my site and send in answers.

† Among your three activities, which takes up the most time?
It depends. For the past few months, my life has been consumed by book-writing. Now, I have more time to focus on the La Carmina fashion line.

† You model your own creations; why?
I do my own web design, writing, photos, videos, makeup… to me, modeling the clothes I designed is simply an extension of DIY.

† With all these activities, do you find time to rest XD?
My Scottish Fold cat will force me to take a catnap!

† And your cat in all this? We see him a lot on your blog!
Basil Farrow is not a normal cat… it’s seriously like living with Doraemon. You can see how he behaves on my YouTube videos.

† What are you currently working on?
I have some exciting new projects on the way… you can look forward to new videos and promotions for my books. Til then, you can find me every day on my blog, www.lacarmina.com/blog

Song of the Day #50: Akira Death – Madwax