Have you ever experienced Magic, one of the world’s largest apparel expos? As I wrote in my CNNGo report, “Everything in Las Vegas is glitzy and gargantuan, and February’s MAGIC clothing tradeshow was no exception. Thousands of exhibitors filled up two convention centers with clothes and accessories — and I was among the 100,000 over-stimulated attendees stumbling from booth to booth.”

Yukiro and I were there to promote my La Carmina x Akumu Ink collaboration of creepy-cute t-shirts and hoodies. Here we are with talented owner/designer Joey. (Please take a minute to check out our designs — we put our sweat and blood into them.)

Around the corner, in the Lip Service booth, were our pals Kynt and Vyxsin (the genki Goths you may recognize from The Amazing Race). Kynt tried on an Akumu Ink hoodie and gave it the V-fingers of approval. Believe me, they’re insanely snuggly.

We had media AND exhibitor passes, so we could access every part of the show. Naturally, Yukiro and I gravitated towards the Gothic and alternative designers.

We got to preview upcoming collections from Sourpuss, Tuk, Shrine, Tripp NYC, and rockabilly/retro labels such as Stop Staring. There wasn’t any Japanese Goth/Lolita at Magic, but I did interview Asian exhibitors for CNNGo.

Iron Fist’s skull boots were so yummy I had to eat them. (Two days ago, I bought silver boots and Lolita-like ankle boots from an LA vintage store… for a total of $9.72. Win!)

I’m wearing DIY holy tights and a poofy dark strawberry skirt from Harajuku’s AC/DC. My Carmina in Wonderland t-shirt can be ordered (and ships internationally) for only $21.99 — just click the links under the photos here. (If you have any questions about ordering, do leave me a comment or email me).

The Akina art book giveaway contest ends tomorrow — have you solved the riddle yet? Read this post for the instructions: good luck!